Toyota currently stands out and above all its competition for the hybridization of its cars. They decided to start that path at the end of the 90s and, as we all know, the move has not turned out badly for them. In fact, in Spain the entire range of products is hybridized except for the most work and transport vehicles, such as the Proace models or the Land Cruiser and Hilux off-road vehicles.
However, the Japanese brand has more cards in addition to the hybridization flag. The clearest is 4×4 capacity and the different models with different approaches. Thus, Toyota called us a few days ago to get to know and thoroughly test the Toyotas in complicated conditions. Land Cruiser and Hiluxas well as the range Highlander and RAV4.
Pure 4×4: Land Cruiser and Hilux
But before passing the action they wanted to put us a little in the situation. And it is that in this 2021 nothing less than 70 years of the first Toyota Land Cruiser, a myth and one of the most respected cars when it comes to off-roading. In fact, it takes more than 10 million units sold, is marketed in 170 countries and is produced in three different factories.
The first of all was known as the BJ, built by Toyota originally for use by the Japanese National Police Reserve. It was the first car to reach Mt. Fuji checkpoint #6, something that had previously only been achieved on horseback. Despite everything, the authorities did not choose the BJ, but the model went into production as a car for civilian use, thus beginning the history of the land Cruiser.
Meanwhile, Toyota Hilux accumulates half a century of successes in the market. It is considered by many to be the most robust pick-up model in the segment. It is an ideal model both for people who demand a large load capacity in difficult terrain, and for customers who are looking for a leisure model for the most demanding adventures.
As you know, it is available with different bodies and finishes, also being offered with two diesel engines with different performance. As in Land Cruiser, there are variants more focused on very demanding professional use in the field.
The SUV models that are not easily flattened either: Highlander and RAV4
El Toyota Highlander It is a new model for us, since until now it had not been commercialized in our market. However, this is really the fourth generation, having been born the first Highlander in 2021 outside of Europe. Now uses the TNGA platform and has hybrid engines, so the Japanese brand wanted to bring it to the Old Continent.
It is Toyota's largest SUV, with a body of almost 5 meters and a passenger compartment with seven seater. Thus, it is the ideal vehicle for those looking for a non-plug-in hybrid car and a lot of space without giving up the aesthetics and light offroad capabilities of an SUV.
Better known to all of us present here is the Toyota RAV4, which many consider the first real SUV, before all this became a great fad that seems to have no end. It arrived in the 90s as a very compact three-door car with simple or 4×4 drive, with good performance in the field but without losing many guarantees on asphalt.
The current model, known internally as the XA50, is the fifth generation of this very successful product. It is only marketed with a hybrid engine in our country and, logically, it does not have as good offroad capabilities as in the first two generations, but it allows the occasional excursion on off-road tracks with many guarantees.
Different cars for different styles and needs
Since there are many types of different clients, your needs are not always the same. Each of these has its characteristics and focus, opening up a wide range.
The two SUV models are aimed at drivers who do not need a large load capacity or very large off-road skills, but to carry passengers with space, comfort and being able to travel long distances as well as routine urban journeys. The main difference between Highlander and RAV4 It is the exterior size, the approved seats and that the largest also has a higher quality level.
Meanwhile, the Hilux and Land Cruiser are work vehicles with great transport capacity, especially merchandise in the Hilux. The solvency in extreme circumstances outside the asphalt of both models is very high, with a high mechanical resistance. Logically, the Hilux is a pick-up with a large load capacity in kilos, while the Land Cruiser has a spacious cabin and up to 7 occupants, being more comfortable on asphalt.
Toyota 4×4 range prices
| Model | From | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Model | From | Until |
| RAV4 | 37.400 € | 45.650 € |
| Highlander | 52.000 € | 62.900 € |
| Hilux | 29.350 € | 40.250 € |
| land Cruiser | 40.000 € | 73.600 € |
We put Toyota's 4×4 range to the test
But the theory is worth little if we do not buy it with our own hands. Thus, the brand had organized a day of tests with the different models mentioned here, in addition to a extra bonus very special that you will discover at the end of this article. In our case, we would drive Highlanders and Land Cruisers.
Toyota Highlander
This is the first time we get behind the wheel of the Toyota Highlander, the new large hybrid SUV model. Not that it was a long test, but a contact by clues. In any case, and in the absence of testing it in depth, the first conclusions we can draw is that it highlights its good general insulation, the quality of the interior and smooth rolling even in complicated areas.
No, the tests weren't extreme, but honestly there were a couple of moments where I thought the handling, traction and comfort were going to be much less. You can go out on broken tracks with him without problems, although you must always take into account his limitations.
If you are wondering about its benefits, take a hybrid engine that together develops 248 hp. The 2.5-liter thermal engine delivers 190 hp, while the electric machine has a front and a rear motor, giving 134 and 40 kW respectively (182 and 54 hp).
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Logically, SUV testing wouldn't tickle a Land Cruiser. With the mythical off-road vehicle they complicated the terrain for us, creating pending earrings significant ascending and descending bridge crossings, side steps, rock draw and, in short, leave aside the simple tracks to enter the field.
I admit that the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of my favorite cars. You can go on a highway trip with it without problem and also climb a firewall. In difficult conditions, it is enough to activate the differential lock and, if we still need more, the gearbox will generate spectacular torque.
Thanks to the long travel of the suspensions, the good lower angles and the traction systems, there is nothing that can resist it. But of course, let's not forget that under its hood it has a 2.8 four-cylinder diesel engine with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque (420 Nm in the manual versions).
The main course, co-driving with Isidre Esteve in his Dakar Hilux
One of the most beautiful things about this profession is that we can have very special experiences. On this occasion, Toyota had a surprise in store for us that we will not easily forget, because the very same was waiting for us there. Isidre Esteve with his Toyota Hilux V8 prepared for the Dakar. In fact, it is the model with which it competed in the last edition.
The sensation of riding in a competition vehicle with the Catalan driver at the controls is simply brutal. And for that, there is nothing better than seeing it on video, so… press play and turn up the volume!
Image gallery
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 218 - 309 hp
- Consumer goods 1 - 5,9l/100km
- Assessment 4,2