For a small country, we sure love our gigantic SUVs. We also like buying the biggest car we can get for the money, not just because of seating capacity, but also for road presence.
Even here in the Top Gear Philippines office, we daydream about having at least one of these supersized utility vehicles in our fantasy garages. They’re also quite expensive brand new, but there are a lot of interesting options if you look at the second-hand market.
So, without further ado, here are some of the biggest SUVs you get for less than the price of a brand-new Suzuki Jimny 5-door.
Fuel costs be damned.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Report: Nissan and Honda are considering a merger
The hybrid Honda Prelude will get a ‘simulated quick-shifting automatic gearbox’
2015 to 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum (P1,400,000 – P1,650,000)
If we’re talking size to price ratio, it’s hard to beat the Ford Expedition. In this case, we recommend the last of the third generation models with the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
For under P1.7-M, you can get yourself a 5.6 meter long, two meter wide land yacht with room for eight people and their cargo. Space behind the third row is larger than that of typical SUVs, and did we mention 365hp and 569Nm? Four-wheel drive is standard, so it can take on the rough stuff, too. It’s as massive as an oil tanker and drinks like one, too.
2015 to 2021 Mitsubishi Pajero (P1,300,000 – P1,900,000)
In terms of dimensions, the last Mitsubishi Pajero is diminutive compared to the Expedition. That said, anything close to five meters long isn’t what we’d call small. Besides, the name alone already comes with heaps of presence, being one of the default choices in the local large SUV class from the late ‘80s to the mid ‘00s.
For the sake of reliability and safety, we suggest going for the facelifted final generation. It was sold from late 2015 to 2021 and featured an upgraded version of the 3.2-liter turbodiesel with 197hp and 441Nm. Given that the a next-generation model is still in doubt, the fourth-generation Pajero also has all the potential to be a future classic. We say get one before values shoot up.
2007 to 2017 Nissan Patrol/Super Safari 4xPro (P1,100,000 – P1,600,000)
With its hefty ladder frame chassis, along with front and rear solid axles, The Y61 Patrol follows the SUV recipe from an era when the term SUV wasn’t even coined yet. The driving experience is crude by today’s standards, but this Nissan shines when things get a little dirty.
The elephant in the room is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The first batches of the ZD30 didn’t exactly have a stellar reputation, but by major facelift in 2007, the issues have been ironed out. In an age of 200hp turbodiesel engines, the 3.0-liter in the this Patrol seems limp with just 158hp and 354Nm. But it more than makes up for it in terms of robustness. Like the Pajero, this generation of Patrol has future classic written all over it.
2003 to 2010 Range Rover (P800,000 – P2,000,000+)
For those feeling brave, brazen, or both,we have quite the suggestion for you. If you want to experience Buckingham Palace on wheels, the only way to go is with the Range Rover. Here, we’re looking at the third-generation model dubbed the L322. Admittedly, extremely fresh, low-mileage units blow the budget, but there are decent ones for our price cap.
Let’s just say that Range Rovers have hit or miss reliability. Add to that the complexity of its electronics and air suspension systems and one can easily spend millions fixing everything up. But with enough time, effort, and money, a sorted Range Rover of that era offers a slice of the royal lifestyle for much less than a brand new model.
Our picks for the engine would be later models with either the 4.4-liter or 5.0-liter V8 gas, or TDV8 diesels in either 3.6-liter or 4.4-liter guises.
1998 to 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser 100/Lexus LX470 (P900,000 – P2,000,000+)
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Land Cruiser. Obviously, the 200 Series doesn’t fit the budget as even ones with intergalactic mileage still carry a premium. The 80 Series is now a classic so prices north of P2 million are the norm these days. That leaves us with the model in between, the 100 Series.
The Land Cruiser 100 Series, along with the Lexus LX470, is perhaps the most underrated among the modern LCs. But thanks to that, prices aren’t as eye-wateringly high as one would expect. That said, you won’t get the much sought-after 4.5-liter turbodiesel with an automatic for less than P2 million, and the same goes for the models with manual.
If you want a still modern-feeling Land Cruiser for less, you’d have to go for the gas-powered versions. The options are the 4.5-liter inline-six or 4.7-liter V8. While the V8 option sounds like the brawnier choice, the inline-six actually makes more power. For comparison, the 4.5-liter gas makes 241hp and 410Nm while the 4.7 put out 228hp and 410Nm.
Mind you, the 4.5-liter inline-six is incredibly rare and hard to find locally. You’re more likely to find the 4.7-liter V8 versions floating around in Marketplace for less than P2 million. If you want to get one for a hair under a million, a solid LX470 can be had at those prices. None of these will be fuel misers, and the LX470 comes with air suspension. Still, who wouldn’t want a Land Cruiser? Buy one before it becomes collectible.
