Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser V8 is not stylish, no, but immensely capable and dependable, and civilised enough to be sold in America as a Lexus. Pity about the styling: it’s brash outside and too reminiscent of a Corolla within.

• Comfort

  Superb comfort is assured by the supple suspension and acres of space, plus lashings of power-assisted luxury kit to bring out the lazy in you. The air-con system is desert-spec, and has no trouble keeping all seven passengers cool.

  

• Performance

  The big V8 diesel kicks things along nicely, so it's actually faster than the Range Rover V8 diesel. It's got the torque never to notice even if you're hauling a giant boat.

  

• Cool

  Among people who prefer bloodstock to people, these things have an understated effect that the Range Rover lacks. But let's face it, being loved by the Countryside Alliance isn't the same as being cool.

  

• Quality

  This is a superbly and durably put together piece of kit. Inside it's mostly soft-touch and neat surfaces, though obviously it lacks the style of a Range Rover.

  

• Handling

  The big LC's road manners are slightly better than you might expect for such a whale, because an adaptive spring system limits body motion on the road. It's no Cayenne though. Off the road, it's near unstoppable.

  

• Practicality

  It'll tow a three-and-a-half tonne trailer, so how's that for practical? The big LC also has seven seats, most of which fold, though they do eat luggage space.

  

• Running costs

  Thanks to the diesel engine it's not shatteringly thirsty. But it is a big and complicated 4x4 and so insurance and servicing will add up.