The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is a full-size SUV that demands your highest respect—and it's not just because of its an imposing behemoth on the road and off. With the Land Cruiser nameplate now 69 years old and still going strong, it goes without saying that a lot of thought and effort goes into the build of Toyota’s premium full-size SUV.
The Land Cruiser 200's 4.5-liter V8 turbodiesel engine can churn around 232hp and push out a hefty 615Nm of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic sequential transmission, the Land Cruiser’s chassis support consists of a double wishbone independent at the front and a 4-link type at the back. These are enhanced by kinetic dynamic suspension system stabilizers.
Inside, luxury amenities such as powered leather seats, multiple accessory power outlets, 4-zone auto climate control, and 6-speaker audio give occupants plenty of reasons to enjoy the smooth ride, which is significantly enhanced by multiple drive-improving technologies such as vehicle stability, cruise control, multi-terrain select, active traction, and a massively impressive CRAWL control system that automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so the driver can focus on steering.
Granted, the Land Cruiser is one of the pricier luxury SUVs you can find, with its price range of PHP4,584,000 to 4,950,000. However, with the local model now three years old (it’s a carryover from 2017), it has its age going against it. For those looking for other luxury full-size SUVs to buy, here are your other options.
If you’re looking for the most spacious SUV in the Philippine auto market, look no further than the Ford Expedition. With its manufacturer claiming it’s the largest SUV available to date, the Expedition has got plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike, and when combined with topnotch luxury amenities, it’s easy to see why many A-list celebrities prefer it over other SUVs in the market.
Ford launched the fourth generation Expedition in 2018, and the model carries over to this year. Despite being two years old, the SUV’s numerous amenities remain up-to-date, especially where tech and electronics as concerned. Advanced features such as wireless charging pad, blind spot indicators, customizable pedal settings, automatic climate control for all rows, and the technically advanced Ford Sync 3 infotainment system ensure the 2020 Ford Expedition won’t be outdated anytime soon. A terrain management system, multiple 4x4 modes, and an off-road gear setup ensure this beefy SUV can take you, your extended family, and all your travel gear to any destination you want to go to.
While the rest of the SUV world got small, the likes of the Chevrolet Suburban bravely went against the tide. With a reliable 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine powering the latest Suburban to 355hp and 516Nm of torque, the Suburban power mill can be depended upon for hauling, towing, and other workhorse excursions, especially with the 6-speed automatic w/ Electronic Overdrive aiding it.
Inside, the Suburban's high-fidelity Bose sound system provide excellent audio quality, adding to the pleasantness of the entire driving experience. For convenience, the Suburban infotainment system lets you make calls and perform a number of tasks totally hands-free. Chevy's MyLink system, with 5 USB ports, Bluetooth, and Auxiliary jack provides a high level of customization choices, too.
For those whose budget is limited somewhat, the Golden Bow Tie has another great full-size SUV offering in the Chevrolet Tahoe, priced at PHP3.97 million
The most opulent Mercedes Benz SUV ever made recently landed on our shores around March of this year. Powered by a 3.0 liter inline six turbocharged mill that comes mated with the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission—the GLS is good for 330hp and 700Nm of torque. If this much power doesn’t make your jaw drop, then perhaps the wood trims, plush leather, and shiny brushed aluminum accents of the interior will win you over.
Add to that, the Mercedes-Benz GLS cabin is also fitted with head-up display, automatic climate control, two 12.3 inch screens powered by the latest Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, and a superior Burmester audio system that submerges the cabin in hi-fi surround sound. The cabin is also dispersed with 64 LED ambient lighting bulbs to suit your mood.
Outside, Multibeam LED headlamps frame the large grille, along with sweeping, contoured lines that make the car look both stylish and sporty. Four 21-inch AMG five-spoke light alloy wheels further lend the GLS some futuristic allure. Of course, no Mercedes-Benz will be complete without the most advanced safety systems, and the GLS certainly doesn’t disappoint with its Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, 360 degree camera, and the extremely useful Parktronic system with Active Parking Assist.
In the SUV realm, Mitsubishi Pajero should never be dismissed. The recent version remains powered by a 3.2-liter in-line 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled VGT Di-diesel engine that dishes out 189hp and 441Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a an INVECS-II 5-speed automatic with Sports Mode, aided by a Super Select four-wheel drive system that delivers the spectacular off-road prowess that this classic SUV is known for.
Despite being the most affordable option on this list, the latest Pajero is still as good a challenger as any. Its cabin welcomes driver and passengers to a new 6.9-inch touchscreen interface that links to a multi-media entertainment system with GPS navigation functions. Interior comfort is enhanced by the addition of power-adjustable seats (10-way for driver, 4-way for front passenger), rear air conditioner vents, audio/video jack, USB port, and genuine leather upholstery.
The Nissan Patrol Royale is easily one of the ideal choices in the Philippine market if you're considering to purchase an upmarket SUV. It’s less pricey than most of the options here save for the Pajero, but it still manages to be well-equipped. And the 3075mm wheelbase ensures all occupants of this 8-seater SUV have plenty of legroom to enjoy.
Propelling the Patrol Royale is a 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that boasts a powerful 400hp and 560Nm, mated to a 7-Speed AT with Manual Shift Mode. A Variable 4X4 mode allows drivers to effortlessly switch between four drive modes. Aided by an independent double wishbone suspension with hydraulic body motion control, the Patrol Royale is very much capable of exceptional off-road performance as its peers. Other noteworthy features include vehicle dynamic control, a 13-speaker Bose audio player, and rear entertainment system that helps keep young passengers at the back plenty occupied during travel.
Photos from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chevrolet
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