More and more Australians are wanting to explore their own backyard, but picking the right vehicle can make or break a trip.
Choosing the right car can be hard, our resident expert helps a reader pick their next ride.
THE QUESTION
Retirement looms and I’m planning the Grey Nomad thing with a new, reliable and comfortable 4WD with 3000kg-plus towing capacity. The new Toyota LandCruiser has a downgraded engine and new Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t be diesel. BMWs and Mercedes get too pricey so I’m tempted by a VW Touareg or SsangYong Rexton, but I’m worried about reliability and fewer service locations. A petrol Nissan Patrol isn’t as efficient, but has the features I want. What do you recommend for a top-spec reliable towing vehicle that won’t kill the budget?
Bill Pickering, West Ryde
ANSWER
Whichever you choose, there’ll be a compromise somewhere, be it price, outright towing ability or fuel economy. It’s clear you want plenty of luxury and why not? It’s your retirement. Let’s evaluate your picks.
CHOICES
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 300 SERIES GX, APPROX. $99,500 DRIVE-AWAY
The new 300 Series isn’t cheap, but the value stacks up. It’s such an important model for Australia it’s hard to see Toyota stuffing up its towing or off-road ability. Don’t see the engine as a downgrade. Its 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel offers 227kW and 700Nm – higher figures than the outgoing V8.
Its 10-speed gearbox has the ratios and smarts to ensure smooth towing.
Our reviewer Toby Hagon tested a development version against a 200 Series and said with a three-tonne trailer behind “the V6 has no issues building pace,” and was “clearly better than the V8.” Off-road he said it’s “quieter, calmer and smarter” than the 200 Series. The entry-level GX has strong features including 9-inch screen, dual-zone aircon, radar cruise control, auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Fuel economy’s 8.9L/100km.
NISSAN PATROL TI, ABOUT $85,500 DRIVE-AWAY
The Patrol’s nearing the end of its generational lifecycle while the Toyota is box-fresh. But the $15,000 price difference is marked, and you’ll appreciate the leftover cash to feed the 298kW/560Nm V8 petrol with the 95 it needs.
Official quote is 14.4L/100km but my test returned 16.9L/100km, and that’ll jump when towing. Servicing isn’t cheap at $3278 for three years or 60,000km as they’re needed every six months. The cabin shows its age in places, but there’s leathery luxury, power seats, an 8-inch screen, radar cruise control, around-view monitor and plentiful driver assist safety.
It rides and handles well despite its bulk and the V8’s grunt will make towing a breeze, although you’ll need its 140-litre fuel tank.
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 210TDI ELEGANCE, ABOUT $107,300 DRIVE-AWAY
More than $100,000 is a lot for a VW, but the Touareg is capable, luxurious and tows 3500kg. Remove the badge and you’d think it’s an Audi. Unlike the others there’s no low range: fine if you’re not planning serious off-roading.
An entry level 170TDI is $88,000 drive-away if the 210TDI bursts the budget. Both use a 3.0-litre diesel V6, but the latter has 210kW/600Nm versus 170kW/500Nm. You’ll appreciate the extra with a big caravan.
The Elegance also has air suspension, a brilliant 15-inch touchscreen, digital dashboard, comprehensive safety equipment and heated and ventilated leather seats. Fuel consumption’s 6.8L/100km without a van, while tow tests suggest economy isn’t bad at all during hauling. A five-year/75,000km service plan is $2600.
WILDCARD
SSANGYONG REXTON ULTIMATE, $54,990 DRIVE-AWAY
It’s much cheaper but remember this a ute-based ladder-frame vehicle with nowhere near the ride quality or dynamics of the others. That said, you get lots of loaded 4WD for your money, 3500kg towing and seven-year warranty.
Luxury’s covered with heated, ventilated and power Nappa leather seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, digital dashboard, 360-degree camera and generous safety.
The diesel engine will feel like an old clunker next to the others.
Its 148kW/441Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder will struggle with a heavy van, and the quoted 8.7L/100km is similar to the Toyota’s much stronger V6. Services are $375 per year/15,000km.
VERDICT
It’s impossible to ignore the Rexton’s price, but in this case you get what you pay for. The LandCruiser’s the smart and predictable choice, but you’ll be waiting a while for one.
If you aren’t planning off-roading, go the Volkswagen. The $88,000 170TDI may do the job, but if you can treat yourself, the 210TDI will bring retirement joy.
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