Which off-road SUV should you buy between the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu, Lexus GX550 Overtrail, Ford Everest Platinum and Isuzu MU-X LS-T? We compare how each 4WD stacks up on paper

With Australia's four-wheel drive segment more competitive than ever before, deciding which off-road SUV to buy has become an increasingly complicated task.

New arrivals from Toyota and Lexus in the form of the next-generation LandCruiser Prado and the GX550 haven't made it any easier, with both models bound to eat off the plate of segment leaders the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.

So, we've sought to make things a little simpler by comparing how the top-spec grades of all four models stack up across key specifications to see which model makes the strongest case on paper.

Dimensions: The Ford Everest and Isuzu M-UX punch above their weight

The Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu and the Lexus GX550 Overtrail are the largest vehicles in this comparison, with both exceeding the Ford Everest Platinum and Isuzu MU-X LS-T in all four dimensions categories. That means ample legroom and best-in-class headroom.

Neither the Prado or the GX550 pack the largest rear cargo area, with that title going to the MU-X, which exceeds both of those models.

Short overhangs of just 895mm at the front and 1100mm at the rear also gives it strong approach and departure angles. Even though the Prado betters it by just under three degrees on approach, it exceeds the Prado by 9.6 degrees on departure.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu

(For comparison, the Prado's rear overhang is 105mm longer than the MU-X's.)

All up, though, it's the Everest that bears the strongest approach/departure angle figures, matching the Prado at 32 degrees on the nose while offering a second-best 25 degrees at the rear.

The Everest and MU-X also lead the Toyota and Lexus on water wading depth and ground clearance, though there isn't much separating them on the latter.

Engine and power outputs: the GX550 is by far the most powerful, but the thirstiest

Lexus leads comfortably with its 3.4-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, which close to doubles the power output of the diesel-powered MU-X. It offers more torque than the rest, too, with the extra 50Nm in pulling power over the Everest's healthy 600Nm.

That said, it's thirsty, especially for modern vehicle standards. In an urban setting – which is invariably where most of these will be driven – it delivers a fuel economy of 17.0L/100km.

It's also the only petrol of the bunch, which four-wheel drive enthusiasts will undoubtedly be put off by, despite its best-in-class torque output.

The biggest saving grace might be that given it is the most expensive of the lot its owners are unlikely to care too much about how much refuelling it costs.

If you're looking for efficiency, the Prado is your pick, with its 48V mild-hybrid and four-cylinder turbo diesel set-up giving it better fuel economy over the competition. Combine that with a power/torque output that is more than substantial enough for off-roading and inner-city driving. The Everest and MU-X's higher fuel economies aren't exactly deal-breakers.

The Prado – with the GX550 not far behind – also offers the largest curb weight, a handy tool for traction and control on off-road tracks, while the MU-X is by far the lightest – at a whopping 415kg lighter than the Prado. Alternatively, that makes it very nimble and easier to recover in case it gets bogged.

2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail

Interior: Lexus delivers superlative luxury, as expected, but it's not really a fair battle...

The list of standard features across all four vehicles is reasonably consistent, with all of them offering the interior features you would expect at their respective price points. That includes leather-accented seats (or full genuine leather in the GX550), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

But that's about where the bulk of the interior features end on the MU-X, which has the smallest multimedia touchscreen of the bunch at just 9.0-inch. Which, to be fair, is a product of it being $15,000 cheaper than its nearest rival and $54,530 cheaper than the GX550.

The Prado, GX550 and Everest step it up by adding heated and ventilated second row seats, a panoramic sunroof, premium sound systems, wireless charging and a smattering of USB-C and USB-A charge ports.

The GX550 and LandCruiser Prado get a digital rear view mirror, a refrigerated console box and a head-up display. The GX550's 14-inch multimedia screen trumps the Prado's 12.3-inch unit and the Everest's 12.4-inch display.

The Prado's stereo has more speakers than the GX550's, with a 14-speaker JBL premium system besting the 10-speaker Pioneer system, but Lexus customers can upgrade to a booming 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.

Unique to the GX550 are unique leather seats with Olive Green suede accents and stitching. They come in addition to soft-touch materials, leather and metallic trims across key touch points in the cabin, features you would expect given the GX550's price point and pedigree.

Price: Isuzu MU-X is value, value, value

All prices are at before on-road costs.

2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T

Verdict: Which should you buy?

This is a difficult question to answer, with each vehicle presents a compelling sales case in its own regard.

It's difficult to overlook the Isuzu M-UX LS-T as the value option, which offers arguably the best four-wheel drive capability for the lowest price point. While certainly off-road capable, the Ford Everest Platinum adds additional pulling-power and luxury features for a reasonable premium.

Power, torque and luxury supremacy is reserved for the Lexus GX550 Overtrail, which outperforms all of its rivals in those measures – including on price.

That leaves the Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu, which has to be the overall pick (on paper) given its mix of off-road capability, strong power outputs, fuel efficiency and luxury features, backed by Toyota's bulletproof reliability and resale value.