Vehicle Tests > 2007 4WD of the Year

Inside
Again there's far more good news than bad. The VX's spacious cabin offers comfortable front and second row seats and even the third row can seat three adults in some comfort. We particularly like the VX's backlit dash, which is classier and more functional than GXL's blander but too busy offering.

On the other side of the equation, despite being a whole new design, the third-row seats still rattle as did those of the 80 and 100 Series and we don't like the separate tilt and reach adjustments for the steering wheel.

Incidentals
It may not be a big deal but we can't see any significant benefit of the 200's proximity sensor key but there are a few things to dislike about this new feature, the chief being the lack of somewhere to put the key once you're in the vehicle.

Summary
The 200 Series petrol VX Cruiser offers far more kit for the money than its turbo diesel counterpart and does everything asked of it without flinching. If you aren't too concerned with the turbo diesel's fuel consumption and touring range advantage, then the petrol is the better buy. Either way, the VX petrol is a more than worth runner-up in this contest to its oiler stablemate.

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SPECS
Base price: $79,900
Price as tested: $79,990 + on-road costs
Engine: 4.7-litre V8 petrol
Gearbox: Five-speed auto
4WD System: Full-time
Low Range: Yes
Claimed max power: 202kW @ 5400rpm
Claimed max torque: 410Nm @ 3400rpm
Weight: 2610 - 2665kg
Average fuel consumption on test*: 22.2 litres/100km
Fuel tank capacity: 138 litres
Touring range**: 572km

*Test included a high percentage of low-range driving plus beach work and is higher than you would expect for onroad use only.
** Based on test average fuel consumption, fuel tank capacity and a 50km safety margin.

BEST POINTS: All-round versatility and practicality
WORST POINTS: Fuel consumption, on-road dynamics

1st (286 points)
Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GXL (turbo diesel)

Background
The new 200kW/640Nm 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 is the big-ticket item on the 200 Series road show. Backed by an all-new six-speed automatic this is the powertrain that finally brings the LandCruiser up to pace with what's happened with European 4WDs since BMW's diesel X5 first lobbed here in 2002.

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