Does Toyota Or Land Rover Make The Better Flagship SUV? | Ep. 347

The Toyota Land Cruiser is Toyota’s long-running flagship off-road SUV, known for body-on-frame durability and serious low-speed traction. In this episode it’s positioned as Toyota’s top U.S. off-roader, making it the baseline for comparing against the Land Rover Defender.

“G-Wagon” is the enthusiast nickname for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a luxury off-road SUV famous for its boxy design and rugged, trail-capable reputation. The hosts use it as a benchmark for how the Land Rover Defender Akta competes in the same premium off-road space.

MSRP means “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price,” the sticker price a carmaker recommends before taxes, fees, and dealer markups. The hosts bring it up to frame how expensive the Defender is compared with the Land Cruiser.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (often referred to alongside the Meru in some markets) is a smaller, more compact variant of the Land Cruiser family. The podcast describes it as “a little bit smaller,” which is the key point for buyers comparing size and capability. It’s relevant because Prado-style vehicles are often chosen for easier everyday use than the largest Land Cruiser models.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a mid-size Land Cruiser variant that’s typically positioned as a lighter-duty alternative to the full-size Land Cruiser. Here, the host contrasts it with the 300 Series Land Cruiser, emphasizing that it’s smaller and more “light duty,” while also arguing it looks better.

“Light duty” is a classification meaning the vehicle is intended for less demanding use than a heavy-duty off-road model. In this context, it suggests the Land Cruiser Prado is aimed at everyday driving and moderate off-road rather than the most extreme, full-size capability.

The Lexus LX is the luxury counterpart to the Toyota Land Cruiser platform, marketed as a more premium, comfort-focused flagship SUV. The host says that if you wanted the “300” experience, you’d look at the Lexus LX, tying it to the full-size benchmark in Toyota’s lineup.

“Four cylinder” means the engine has four cylinders, which are the individual combustion chambers. In SUVs, moving to a four-cylinder often changes how the vehicle feels—typically less smoothness than a V8, but potentially better efficiency.

A “V8” is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. V8s are often associated with smoothness and strong low-end power, which is why people link them to “luxury” and “effortlessness” in large SUVs.

A turbocharged hybrid combines a turbocharged engine with an electric motor/battery system. The turbo helps the engine make boost for stronger acceleration, while the hybrid system adds electric assist and can improve efficiency.

On-board power refers to electricity the vehicle can supply from its battery system for external uses or onboard accessories. In this context, the host cites a specific wattage, implying the SUV can run devices like tools or camping gear.

Torque is the twisting force an engine or motor produces, and it strongly affects how quickly a vehicle accelerates from low speeds. The host emphasizes that drivers feel torque in real-world pull, not just peak horsepower numbers.

An 8-speed automatic transmission uses eight gear ratios to keep the engine and hybrid system operating in a more efficient or responsive range. More gears can help the vehicle feel smoother and better matched to different driving conditions, including low-speed crawling.

Low range is a low-gear setting used for off-road driving that multiplies torque and reduces vehicle speed for better control on steep grades, sand, mud, or rock crawling. It’s typically paired with a transfer case in 4x4 vehicles.

In this episode’s context, “LX” is a specific trim/model name used for a Toyota flagship SUV. The host compares the styling of the current vehicle to the LX’s look, focusing on the boxy shape and color/trim combination.

Rock sliders are reinforced side rails mounted along the lower body of an SUV. They’re designed to take impacts from rocks during off-road driving, helping protect doors and the undercarriage.

A skid plate is a protective metal or composite panel mounted under a vehicle. It shields vulnerable components (like the oil pan, transfer case, and exhaust) from scraping or impacts when driving over rocks and uneven ground.

The Jeep Wrangler 392 is a performance-focused Wrangler variant known for its powerful engine and off-road capability. In the segment, it’s used as a comparison point for how well the other SUV handles rough terrain.

Underbody protection is the collection of shields and panels that protect the underside of a vehicle. It reduces the chance of damage to critical parts when you drive over rocks, ruts, or debris.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, full-size luxury SUV positioned for buyers who want maximum space and upscale features. The podcast describes it as “a big old truck,” emphasizing its size and presence after a week of driving. It’s discussed because its scale and comfort are central to how it’s marketed and evaluated.

A power liftgate is an electrically assisted rear hatch that can be opened and closed with a button or key fob. It’s a convenience feature that’s especially helpful on larger SUVs where the hatch is heavy.

2.4 kilowatts is a measure of electrical power available from the vehicle’s battery system. It helps listeners gauge what kinds of appliances can run—higher kilowatts generally means more demanding devices can be powered.

A 120 volt plug refers to a standard household-style electrical outlet voltage used in the U.S. The host is emphasizing that the hybrid can deliver a lot of power through that outlet, which affects what appliances you can run.

Cupholders are storage features designed to hold drinks, but in this context they’re being criticized because the vehicle has rear cupholders even though there’s no third-row seating. That mismatch is part of the host’s usability complaint.

A third row is the optional rear seating row found in many larger SUVs. The host notes that some markets get it, but the U.S. version doesn’t, which affects how practical features like rear cupholders are.

A hitch cover is the protective panel over the trailer hitch receiver opening. The host says Toyota redesigned the hitch-area “binnacle” for the hitch cover, implying changes to how the rear hardware is packaged and protected.

The Toyota Tundra is Toyota’s full-size pickup truck, and it’s often discussed in the context of off-road capability and durability. In this segment, the hosts talk about a decorative plastic shield on the Tundra and how it affects the truck’s off-road “seriousness.”

“Lift the window” refers to a split rear door design where the rear glass lifts separately from the main tailgate. This lets you access cargo without fully opening the tailgate, which can be handy in tight spaces or bad weather.

Overlanding is long-distance, self-reliant travel—often off-road or in remote areas—where you plan for limited fuel and supplies. Fuel-tank capacity becomes a key constraint because refueling opportunities are sparse.

A Jerry can is a portable fuel container, typically metal or heavy-duty plastic, designed to store gasoline safely for use when you’re far from stations. Off-road and overlanding setups often carry one to extend range when the main tank is limiting.

Extended gallon fuel tanks are aftermarket or factory-upgrade fuel tanks with a larger capacity than stock. They’re used to increase range for towing, remote travel, or off-road “overlanding,” reducing how often you need to refuel.

A traditional sunroof is a sliding or tilting glass panel in the roof that can open for ventilation and light. The host contrasts it with a full glass roof, implying the traditional version can be less heat-soaking.

A full glass roof (often called a panoramic roof) covers most of the roof area with glass. It can increase cabin heat because more sunlight enters through the glass compared with a smaller sunroof.

A “command driving position” is a seating and sightline setup where the driver sits higher to see more of the road and traffic ahead. It’s often used to describe SUVs because the elevated viewpoint can feel more confident and easier to judge distances.

Driver assistance refers to semi-automated safety and convenience systems that help the driver, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and collision warning. The host is judging how good these features feel in daily driving.

Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km. Here it’s discussed in the context of a large SUV, where expectations might be lower due to size and aerodynamics.

A “tiny fuel tank” means the vehicle stores less fuel than typical for its class, which reduces driving range before refueling. The host notes this as a downside, even while praising the overall car.

Depreciation is the reduction in a vehicle’s value over time, especially noticeable when comparing what you pay versus what it’s worth later. The host argues that the Toyota (implied by the episode’s premise) holds value better than the Defender, which affects whether $70,000 remains “worth it.”

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a smaller SUV in the Discovery family, aimed at buyers who want Land Rover styling and capability in a more compact size. The podcast groups it with other Land Rover models and says “discoveries just fall off a cliff,” implying concerns about performance, reliability, or overall quality. It’s discussed as part of a broader critique of certain Land Rover models.

The Range Rover is Land Rover’s flagship luxury SUV line, combining upscale comfort with serious capability. It’s mentioned in the context of how well certain vehicles are performing compared with other Land Rover models. That makes it relevant when discussing which models best balance luxury and real-world performance.

A “BMW 4.4 twin-turbo V8” is a 4.4-liter V8 engine that uses two turbochargers (twin-turbo) to force more air into the cylinders for stronger power. In this segment, the host claims this specific engine has a strong reputation for durability (“bulletproof”).

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most widely recognized trucks in its class. The podcast references it in a broader comparison of big, performance-oriented vehicles, including other trucks and SUVs. It’s brought up because it’s a common baseline for what “a truck” can be, from everyday to modified builds.

Goodyear Duratrac RT is an all-terrain tire line designed for mixed on-road and off-road use. The key idea is durability and traction across varied surfaces, which matters for a flagship SUV that’s expected to do more than just commute.

Wheel size (like 20-inch wheels) affects ride comfort, tire sidewall height, and how the vehicle’s braking and handling feel. Larger wheels often pair with lower-profile tires, which can change grip and impact harshness.

“18s” is shorthand for 18-inch wheels. The hosts are discussing whether downsizing wheel size is possible, and they argue it’s not practical because the brakes are too large.

Payload is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry in addition to its own weight (passengers, cargo, and gear). For flagship SUVs, payload is a practical metric because it affects how useful the vehicle is for towing/hauling trips.

A 6D active suspension is an electronically controlled suspension system designed to manage multiple suspension “degrees” of movement (commonly including ride height and damping behavior) rather than relying only on passive springs and shocks. In this segment, it’s described as using air springs plus hydraulically controlled shock absorbers to vary ride characteristics.

An air spring uses compressed air instead of (or alongside) steel coils to support the vehicle’s weight. Because air pressure can be adjusted, it helps control ride height and can improve wheel articulation for off-road driving.

Compression and damping describe how the suspension reacts when it moves. Compression is how the suspension shortens under load, while damping is the controlled resistance that slows that movement so the ride doesn’t bounce or oscillate.

Shock absorbers (dampers) control how quickly the suspension moves up and down after hitting bumps. Here, the host highlights hydraulically controlled shock absorbers as the reason the system can eliminate the need for traditional sway bars.

Hydraulically controlled suspension uses fluid pressure and valves to adjust damping forces in response to driving conditions. The host ties this to the Octa’s ability to manage body motion without relying on sway bars.

Sway bars (anti-roll bars) reduce body roll by linking the left and right suspension so they resist twisting relative to each other. The host claims the Octa’s active, hydraulically controlled setup can manage roll without needing sway bars.

Up and down travel is the amount of vertical movement the suspension can provide—how far the wheels can move relative to the body. More travel generally helps off-road traction over bumps, ruts, and uneven surfaces.

Sport mode is a driving setting that typically changes throttle response and, for active suspension systems, increases stiffness and reduces body movement. In this segment, it’s used to make the suspension “locked down” for firmer on-road behavior.

“Hydraulics” here points to a suspension control system that uses pressurized fluid to manage how the vehicle responds to bumps and body motion. The host credits the hydraulics (along with air suspension) for a very smooth, adjustable ride.

The Citroën DS is a classic French car famous for its comfort-focused engineering, especially its hydropneumatic suspension. Here, it’s used as a benchmark for on-road ride quality, with the host calling it “the most comfortable car ever built.”

The Ford Bronco Raptor is a high-performance off-road version of the Bronco, built for aggressive trail use and rough-road durability. The hosts mention it alongside the Land Cruiser and another SUV to frame a comparison of off-road-ready flagship machines.

Integrated recovery points are built-in tie-down or tow/recovery anchor locations on a vehicle’s body, used to attach straps or shackles when a vehicle needs to be pulled out of mud, sand, or snow. “Integrated” means they’re designed into the vehicle rather than being purely aftermarket or loosely mounted.

Tow capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to tow safely, typically measured in pounds or kilograms. The hosts connect it to real-world towing by converting kilograms to pounds and comparing it to a rough “two tons” figure.

The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for high towing and payload capacity. The podcast mentions a tow-capacity figure (in kilograms) to emphasize how much weight it can handle. It’s relevant because heavy-duty trucks are often discussed primarily in terms of capability.

Quad exhaust refers to a vehicle having four exhaust outlets (often two per side or two visible tips per bank). It’s usually a styling and sound cue on performance-oriented SUVs, and the hosts mention it as something they like about the truck they’re reviewing.

A receiver is the standardized hitch receiver tube on the rear of a vehicle that accepts hitch accessories like tow balls, bike racks, and cargo carriers. The hosts contrast a “standard American” receiver with a European-style hitch arrangement that can be more hidden or different in how it deploys.

A four-zone climate control system lets different passengers set different temperatures for separate areas of the cabin. It’s a comfort feature that reduces arguments over “my side is too hot/cold.”

USB-C ports are modern USB connectors used for charging and data in many vehicles. They’re commonly used to power phones/tablets and support infotainment features that require a connection.

“Alpine windows” refers to a specific window design/feature associated with the vehicle’s cabin layout—typically a panoramic or distinctive upper-glass treatment that improves visibility and light. In this context, it’s being linked to the overall comfort and feel of the rear seating area.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight, high-strength composite material often used for trim or structural parts. It’s popular in cars because it can reduce weight and look “techy,” though it’s usually more about styling than making the car faster.

The PIVI screen refers to Land Rover’s infotainment interface used to control media, navigation, and vehicle settings. It’s the main touchscreen area, with physical buttons often placed below for frequently used functions.

Air suspension uses air springs (instead of steel coils) to adjust ride height and damping characteristics. It can make the ride smoother and allows features like raising/lowering the vehicle for comfort, entry/exit, or off-road use.

The Kia Seltos is a compact “baby SUV” that’s designed to be an approachable, city-friendly crossover. In this segment, the hosts focus on how the newer Kia Seltos compares to the previous generation, framing it as a noticeable improvement.

The hosts are filming at a specific lake in California, which they refer to as “El Sonor/El Sonora.” It’s a named local filming location used to set the scene for their press-trip video.

The Honda Passport is Honda’s midsize SUV that’s positioned as a more rugged alternative to the Pilot, with a body-on-frame style heritage and a focus on practicality. In this segment, the hosts discuss how the Passport nameplate returned in 2019 and then received a major redesign for the 2026 model year, which they describe as a “glow-up.”

The Honda Pilot is Honda’s midsize three-row SUV, and it’s used here as a reference point for the Passport’s design and positioning. The hosts say the Passport was brought back in 2019 as a shorter, more rugged take on the Pilot formula.

The Ford Explorer is a mainstream three-row SUV that’s been a popular family choice for decades. The podcast references a design change that affected the rear proportions, which is the kind of topic people discuss when evaluating styling across generations. It’s relevant because Explorer buyers often care about practicality and how the vehicle fits visually and functionally.

The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that’s built with a car-like ride and everyday comfort in mind. The podcast praises its design and says Honda should “hurry up” and make a Ridgeline with that direction, implying strong appeal in the current concept. It’s relevant because it represents a different approach to what a pickup can be.

An all-wheel drive (AWD) system is how power is sent to all four wheels to improve traction. The hosts call out that the Ridgeline’s AWD is among the best in the industry, implying strong grip and control compared with competitors.

Ground clearance is the distance between the road surface and the lowest part of the vehicle. The hosts say the Ridgeline has enough ground clearance for light off-roading, and they want more inches to better handle rougher terrain.

A lift kit is an aftermarket (or factory) suspension modification that raises a vehicle’s ride height. The hosts expect a lift kit on the Ridgeline refresh, which would increase ground clearance but typically affects ride quality and can worsen fuel economy.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a midsize crossover SUV variant focused on a sportier, more compact shape than a standard three-row Atlas. The podcast suggests it’s “way better than the Atlas Crossport,” indicating a preference for one version or configuration over another. It’s discussed as part of a comparison within the same vehicle family.

The Subaru Outback is a wagon-like crossover that blends car-like comfort with higher ground clearance for rougher roads. The podcast mentions it as an example of a “car-like wagon route,” contrasting it with more trucky SUVs. It’s relevant because Outback buyers often want practicality plus a more versatile, outdoors-friendly stance.

The Toyota Crown is a premium sedan line that can also be configured in wagon-like styles depending on the market and generation. The podcast mentions it alongside the Outback as part of a “car-like wagon route,” suggesting buyers who want comfort and practicality with a more traditional shape. It’s brought up to illustrate an alternative to more truck-like SUVs.

The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV known for off-road durability and a traditional truck-like layout. In this segment it’s referenced as a benchmark competitor for newer SUVs that aim to capture the same rugged buyer appeal.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a rugged, off-road–oriented trim of the Outback wagon, tuned for higher ground clearance and more capable trail use than a typical Outback. In this segment the hosts highlight its practicality (“holds a ton of stuff”), durable-feeling interior, and strong real-world drivability (“pretty zoomy”).

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, a gearbox that can smoothly change ratios instead of using fixed gear steps. The hosts mention the early Murano having a CVT that was considered a big problem, which is why it comes up in discussions of that generation.

The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV known for its distinctive styling and comfortable, family-friendly ride. In this segment, the host is talking about the first-generation Murano’s design, noting it still looks good today if it’s kept clean.

The Mini Cooper is the core model line for the Mini brand, typically known for its compact size and go-kart-like driving feel. In this segment, it’s mentioned alongside the Mini Countryman as part of the host’s critique of the newer, larger Mini design and interior changes.

The Mini Countryman is Mini’s larger, four-door crossover built on the brand’s compact-car DNA. Here, the host criticizes the newer Countryman’s bigger size and interior layout, especially the way the dashboard screen dominates the cabin.

Mini JCW refers to Mini John Cooper Works, Mini’s performance trim focused on sharper handling and more aggressive tuning than standard Minis. In this segment, the hosts specifically contrast the fun of a manual transmission JCW with the later shift to an automatic-only setup, which changes the driving feel.

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car best known for its fuel efficiency and widespread adoption of hybrid technology. It’s mentioned very briefly in the podcast, likely as a familiar benchmark for hybrid powertrains. That kind of reference usually signals how common and recognizable the Prius has become.

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan that’s become especially notable for its hybrid powertrain options. In this segment, the hosts praise the “new Camry” for its hybrid fuel economy and overall value, implying it’s a strong all-around package for the money.

The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV, and this segment focuses on why it’s a difficult flagship to love despite its hybrid powertrain. The hosts argue that the hybrid battery and its packaging reduce usable interior space—specifically hurting rear third-row legroom and cargo practicality—while also affecting the suspension setup.

A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery to improve efficiency. In this discussion, the “hybrid powertrain” is central to why the Sequoia is appealing—until packaging trade-offs reduce space.

Independent suspension means each wheel can move up and down somewhat separately, instead of both sides being tied together. That usually helps ride comfort and packaging because components can be shaped to fit without forcing a single rigid structure.

A solid axle is a rigid axle that connects the left and right wheels, so they move together as a unit. In many vehicles, that packaging choice can take up more space and can affect ride quality compared with independent suspension.

A battery pack is the grouped set of high-voltage batteries used to store electrical energy for a hybrid or electric system. Where it’s mounted (for example, above the floor) can directly impact interior packaging like trunk volume and floor height.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV aimed at buyers who want lots of space and towing/road-trip capability. The podcast compares it to other large SUVs, emphasizing how they’re all “so much” in size and presence. It’s brought up as part of a discussion about the big three-row SUV segment.

The “Z06” is a high-performance Chevrolet Corvette trim known for track-focused hardware and a more aggressive performance package than the standard models. In this segment, it’s used as an example of Corvette excitement and “value of money.”