Category Archives: AWD

AWD, Motoring, SUV/4X4, Toyota

Toyota’s off-road legend just got better

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Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible

By Bill McCarthy

Some vehicles simply refuse to blend into the background, and Toyota’s colossal off-roader is firmly in that category. Sleek it is not, yet sophistication has crept into the package in meaningful ways – though a double-decker might offer less aerodynamic drag. But for enthusiasts who crave their off-roaders bold, brash, and unadulterated, the Land Cruiser remains one of the best. Some would argue, the best.

It has demonstrated its resilience everywhere from Arctic wastelands to steamy rainforests and the most hostile landscapes on the planet. This a vehicle that has earned its reputation through genuine endurance rather than clever advertising.

Exterior styling

The exterior design strikes a careful balance between functionality and undeniable visual drama. The vast twenty-inch alloy wheels fill the arches, while the oversized grille, flanked by slim, modern LED lights, projects an aggressive character – captured when photographing it at a local beauty spot.

Powertrain and performance

Under the bonnet, the 2026 model retains the battle-hardened 2.8-litre turbodiesel but now benefits from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an integrated electric motor-generator.

This mild-hybrid arrangement is designed to bring smoother, more immediate responses whether on tarmac or tackling rough terrain, along with a more refined stop-start system and improved low-end torque for crawling over obstacles.

Output stands at 201bhp, with drive channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is unhurried rather than rapid, although hit 62mph in just over 12 seconds is pretty good for a vehicle of this size.

On-road refinement

What caught me off guard was the Land Cruiser’s composure on the road. Yes, the diesel engine makes its presence known with a familiar clatter at low speeds, but on faster roads, it settles into a surprisingly refined cruiser. With road and wind noise pretty well insulated.

It weighs nearly 2.5 tonnes and we’re back to the bus analogy, with big lean on bends and working the steering, but that’s not really the point of this type of vehicle,

Fuel consumption proved better than the official figures suggest. The combined cycle rating stands at 26.4mpg, yet over a week of mixed driving, the onboard computer indicated nearly 27mpg. The flip side is CO2 emissions of 282g/km.

A quality interior

The interior presents a striking contrast to the rugged exterior. Where the outside promises adventure and endurance, the cabin delivers premium comfort and high-end amenities.

A mixture of the old and new, some of the buttons and stalks retain a vintage feel, but the Invincible’s central point and brains of the vehicle is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, aided by a head-up display, and a fourteen-speaker JBL sound system. This controls connectivity, infotainment and various apps.

The cabin is huge and leather upholstery feels both hard-wearing and luxurious, while the panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light.

The multifunction seats offer a commanding driving position, while rear passengers have ample space, USB ports and air vents.

The hybrid trade-off

For dedicated fans, the news that the Land Cruiser retains its ruggedness will come as a relief. However, packaging the hybrid system has necessitated a compromise: UK models are now strictly five-seat affairs, with the rearmost row removed to accommodate the battery pack. The silver lining is 742 litres of luggage capacity.

Meanwhile, Toyota says it has engineered the hybrid components to withstand extreme conditions, preserving the full 700mm wading depth.

Off-road prowess

The array of off-road technology is extensive and genuinely effective. Multi-Terrain Select provides tailored drive modes for diverse surfaces, while Multi-Terrain Monitor offers camera views of the ground immediately around and beneath the vehicle.

An electric rear differential lock maximises grip in slippery conditions, and Toyota’s Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism allows greater axle articulation when the going gets seriously tough.

Likes and dislikes

I was genuinely impressed by the motorway refinement and the elevated driving position. The exterior attracted attention wherever I went, and I will not pretend I disliked that. T

The interior quality offers materials and technology that stand comparison with premium rivals. Even if most buyers will never venture off-road, the sheer capability lurking beneath the surface adds a comforting appeal.

However, fuel economy remains thirstier than many modern alternatives. The sheer bulk becomes a genuine liability in urban environments – multi-storey car parks become exercises in stress management. At just over £80,000, it faces formidable competition from established premium brands.

Verdict

The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible makes no apologies for its appetite, its dimensions, or its price. But for buyers who place ultimate reliability and unstoppable capability above all else, there are few like it.

Factfile

  • Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible 2.8D 48V Auto
  • Price: £80,740
  • Mechanical: 201bhp, 2,755cc, diesel mild-hybrid engine driving four wheels via 8-speed auto gearbox
  • Max speed: 106mph
  • 0-62mph: 12.3 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 26.4
  • CO2 emissions: 282g/km
  • BIK rating: 37
  • Insurance group: 49E
  • Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles
AWD, Mazda, Motoring, SUV/4X4

Efficiency meets luxury in Mazda’s SUV diesel

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Mazda CX-80 Takumi 3.3D

By Bill McCarthy

In an era where the powertrain is increasingly seen as either electric or petrol, the diesel – or oil burner to many – powers this Mazda with the unmistakable hum of a straight-six 3.3-litre unit.

Mated to standard four-wheel drive, the CX-80 has huge road presence in Mazda’s march upmarket, offering space, quality finish and practicality with a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes – all built around an engine many rivals have abandoned.

While a 327 PS plug-in hybrid variant serves as the performance and eco-focused flagship for many buyers, a significant number will favour Mazda’s advanced, cleaner 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D.

Mazda states harmful NOx emissions have been reduced to one-third of the level required by the Euro 7 standard. CO₂ emissions are also low for a vehicle approaching 2.5 tonnes, at 148g/km.

Design and interior

Mazda says its Kodo design language gives the big SUV a sleek, sculpted silhouette, even with the integrated roof rails, sharp character lines, a prominent grille, and slender LED lighting for an eye-catching road presence.

The cabin is spacious, and all models feature leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display. The whole cabin has a high-end, light and airy feel, finished with a combination of soft-touch and harder plastics, while the fulllength panoramic roof on this model allows light to flood the cabin

A 12.3-inch screen acts as the vehicle’s brain, managing navigation and infotainment through a high-end Bose audio system. Innovations include connectivity via Mazda Connect, enabling app integration, vehicle setting control and smartphone mirroring on the touchscreen. 

A further innovation is the inclusion of Amazon Alexa voice control for hands-free operation.

Versatile seating and stowage

The CX-80 offers three middle-row configurations: a standard three-person bench for a seven-seat layout, or two optional six-seat layouts with captain’s chairs. On this tested model, the captain’s chairs are available with either a walk-through aisle or a fixed centre console. Additional seat and equipment packs are available as further options.

That flexibility allows for multiple stowage solutions. With all seats in place, luggage space is practical. Folding the third-row seats creates a large, flat load bay. Capacity goes from modest to massive, with 258 litres available when the third-row seats are up, rising to 687 litres in two-row configuration and 1,971 litres with the middle folded. All models feature a hands-free power tailgate as standard, activated by a foot motion beneath the rear bumper.

Performance and driving dynamics

This inline six-cylinder diesel engine delivers 254 PS and is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system to improve low-end torque and overall efficiency.

Performance is brisk for a vehicle of this size, achieving 0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds. Power is delivered via a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be overridden via steering-wheel paddles. Engaging Sport mode sharpens throttle and transmission responses. Plenty of power, but economy is good with official figures of around 46mpg.

A large SUV, it handles confidently, though its sheer size means some body sway is inevitable. However, a tight turning circle makes it quite manoeuvrable. The ride is generally refined, but the large wheels can mean it feels unsettled over rough surfaces,.

Technology and safety

Mazda’s safety record is well documented. Measures include the i-Activsense suite with systems such as Cruising & Traffic Support and Smart Brake Support. Practical assists include a 360-degree monitor and a particularly clever Rear Seat Alert.

This system warns the driver if a rear door was used at the start of a journey but not reopened upon parking, helping to prevent children or belongings from being accidentally left behind.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-80 proves the modern diesel SUV remains a valid choice. It delivers a refined driving experience, a premium and practical interior, and strong efficiency – all wrapped in a polished, upmarket package. It’s a sophisticated and capable alternative for the large family SUV buyer.

Factfile

  • Mazda CX-80 Takumi 3.3D
  • Price: £56,875 (£58,625 with options)
  • Mechanical: 254PS, 3120cc, six-cylinder petrol engine and 48v electric motor driving  all wheels via an automatic transmission
  • Max speed: 136mph
  • 0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 46.3 (WLTP)
  • Insurance group: 38A
  • CO2 emissions: 151g/km
  • BIK rating: 36%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles