You'd be venturing off course. Be careful of the hype....."Bigger Nuts"...."Best4x4xFar"....and all that jivin' cosmic debris.
Land Cruiser is the preeminent full lineup of 4x4s in the world. I suspect you simply don't have any perspective for what types of vehicles they distribute throughout the world. Don't get hung up on the soccer-mom-mobiles you see here. The US, and in fact most Western countries, only get the pretty ones. I don't know anybody with any experience who would choose a LR over a LC, if capability and strength were the only issue. Unfortunately things like service and parts come into play and post-british colonial countries tend to be supplied for LR's in greater amount than they are LCs because of those relationships.
If you hit the Middle East, which in my view is about as difficult as overall conditions get, you won't see many LR's. It is almost all Japanese from Pajeros, to Patrols, to LC's. Neither the Jeep nor the LR's measure up to those vehicles. And who knows precisely what the new Defender will bring to the table. I think it gets shown at Geneva in the next couple days, with a release later this year.
Really, anyone who claims differently simply doesn't have the experience to know any better. Sorry.
And just for purpose of being factual: The Defenders sold in Australia are actually South African models. The only model specific to Australia (I think) was the Defender fitted with BMW's 2.8 petrol engine...some years ago. The SA models will likely remain as the "Clbuttic" and only sold in countries where they still will meet emission, safety and other vehicle legislation.
Our British friends on this ng could correct me if I am wrong about models and release dates.
