Which LandCruiser Is the Best? Read Before You Buy!
Toyota's Landcruiser family covers four distinct vehicle types and the right pick depends entirely on use case. This guide compares them.
1. 70 Series - Working and Touring
76 Wagon, 78 Troopy, 79 Single Cab and 79 Dual Cab body styles. Basic interior, heavy-duty chassis, best payload in the range (1,245-1,325 kg post-2022 update). Best for tradies, station owners, remote-area tourers and anyone valuing mechanical simplicity. $79,500 to $95,000 driveaway.
2. 300 Series - Luxury SUV
Single 5-door wagon body, seats 7-8. 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel, 10-speed auto. Premium cabin with leather, navigation, dual-zone climate. More comfortable on-road than 70 Series but lower payload (~700 kg). $100,000 to $148,000+ driveaway.
3. Prado - Family SUV
Mid-size 5-door wagon, seats 5-7. Smaller and lighter than 300 Series. Capable off-road but less so than 70 Series. Best day-to-day family vehicle in the Landcruiser range. $70,000 to $100,000+ driveaway.
4. Which Suits Which Buyer
Tradie or station owner: 70 Series. Heavy tow/serious tour: 70 Series. Family on-road comfort priority: 300 Series. Suburban family use: Prado. Resale priority above all else: 70 Series. Off-road capability with comfort: 300 Series. The right choice is the one matched to actual use, not the most aspirational.
5. Cross-Shopping Considerations
Many buyers cross-shop 70 Series Dual Cab against Hilux SR5 ($55,000-$70,000) and Ranger XLT/Wildtrak ($60,000-$80,000). The 70 Series is materially more expensive but holds value far better. Hilux and Ranger have more modern cabin features. The right choice depends on whether the 70's strengths (resale, mechanical simplicity, payload) outweigh the cabin gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Landcruiser is the best?
Depends on use. 70 Series for working/touring. 300 Series for luxury SUV. Prado for family. The right choice matches actual use.
Should I buy a 70 Series or a Hilux?
70 Series for better resale and payload. Hilux for modern cabin and lower price. Depends on which strengths matter more.
Is the Prado a Landcruiser?
Yes. The Prado is part of the Landcruiser family, sized between the smaller RAV4 and the larger 300 Series.
