Which v8-powered overland SUV tows better? Is it a Land Rover LR3 “Project Heartland” with a 4.4-liter V8, or is it a Toyota Land Cruiser “project TFL Pro” with a 5.7-liter V8? Let’s find out by taking them on the highway and doing a 0-60 MPH comparison while towing nearly 4,700 lbs.
This video is made possible by TransWest Truck, Trailer, and RV. We are using a Cimarron three-horse all-aluminum trailer that has a hay rack and many additional features. Take a look at the TransWest website for all the details.
Land Rover vs Land Cruiser
The 2006 Land Rover you see here is one of the first LR3 generation SUVs available in the United States. At the time, it was a revolutionary design that offers four corner independent air suspension, more interior space and comfort than the Discovery II it replaces, and a lot more technology.
The 4.4-liter V8 is rated at 300 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This particular LR3 is equipped with an aftermarket hitch that allows to easily switch out different size and styles of hitches. We are using a heavy duty height adjustable Gen-Y Hitch.
The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the first 200-series SUVs available in the United States. This is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 that is also found in the Tundra pickup truck. The rating was 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. It’s also mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This one is modified with a two-inch lift and new wheels and tires.
Here is the video comparison that includes 0-60 MPH testing with the trailer. Guess which one is quicker?
You have likely guessed it. The Land Cruiser with its big an powerful V8 was quicker: total time of 17.5 seconds. The LR3 came in at around 20.5 seconds to make the same run.
The Land Cruiser solid rear axle suspension was also a bit more stable than the LR3 for towing this type of load at speed. We did not use a weight distribution hitch attachment for this test in order to get a better feel for the suspension.
