Read our in-depth review comparing the Daa Duster 4WD (£23,000) and the Toyota Land Cruiser Offroad (£75,000) in a series of challenges—from slippery hills to rocky courses. Discover which off-roader wins on agility, traction, and overall value.
In a head-to-head off-road challenge, two very different vehicles went toe-to-toe on slippery hills, rocky woodlands, steep descents, and challenging slopes. On one side, we have the brand-new Daa Duster four-wheel drive—starting at around £23,000—proving that great off-road performance doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. On the other, the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser Offroad, priced at approximately £75,000, promises premium capability and rugged reliability. Here’s a breakdown of how they fared in a series of real-world tests.
Challenge 1: Slippery Hill Drag Race
Setup:
- Daa Duster: Equipped with four-wheel drive lock mode, stability control on, and a manual gearbox (without low range).
- Toyota Land Cruiser: Boasts low range, locking center and rear differentials, and various off-road modes.
Performance:
On a slippery hill, the Daa Duster—despite its power disadvantage—leveraged its lighter weight and agile handling to quickly gain momentum. The Land Cruiser, while powerful, suffered some wheel spin at the start. In the end, the Duster clinched the win for this challenge, highlighting that sometimes agility outweighs raw power.
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Challenge 2: Woods Course Maneuverability
Setup:
A demanding course was set up through the woods featuring a slippery entrance, a tight U-turn around a tree, and a series of rots and divots. The course tested traction, ground clearance, and turning circle.
Performance:
The Daa Duster’s higher ground clearance and tighter turning circle—measured at 10.9 meters compared to the Land Cruiser’s 12.8 meters—gave it a notable edge. Though both vehicles showed moments of struggle, the Duster proved quicker through the course, suggesting it has the agility for urban off-road challenges.
Challenge 3: Hill Descent Control
Setup:
Both vehicles were equipped with hill descent control. The test required a smooth, controlled descent down a steep slope, where the slowest, most controlled car wins.
Performance:
Surprisingly, the Daa Duster, when driven in neutral with the brakes doing the work, managed an impressively steady descent—earning high praise from the judges. While the Land Cruiser’s low range mode provided a more controlled ride, its heavier build meant it was slightly slower overall. The Duster edged out this challenge with its exceptional hill descent control.
Challenge 4: Chassis Articulation on Steps
Setup:
This challenge tested the ability of each vehicle to navigate a series of slippery steps and uneven terrain—a true test of chassis articulation and traction when wheels momentarily leave the ground.
Performance:
The Toyota Land Cruiser, with its independent front suspension and rigid rear axle, clearly benefited from low range mode and advanced off-road systems. It managed to climb the steps steadily, while the Daa Duster experienced some bottoming out and wheel slip. In this challenge, the Land Cruiser pulled ahead, showcasing the benefits of a purpose-built off-road platform.
Challenge 5: Uphill Scramble
Setup:
The final test was an uphill scramble on a steep, rocky slope with a significant divot on one side. This challenge evaluated the vehicles’ ability to maintain momentum and traction under pressure.
Performance:
Both vehicles struggled at times, but each managed to scale the incline with varying degrees of success. Ultimately, the Land Cruiser’s advanced off-road features and low range mode gave it the slight edge. However, the Daa Duster’s performance was impressive considering its significantly lower price.
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Overall Results and Verdict
After tallying points across all challenges, the competition was extremely close—highlighting that while the Toyota Land Cruiser excels in demanding off-road maneuvers, the Daa Duster holds its own remarkably well. For drivers seeking serious off-road capability in extreme conditions (like rock crawling), the Land Cruiser remains the clear choice. But for those who want a versatile, agile, and cost-effective off-roader, the Daa Duster is a moral victory.
If you’re planning to tackle harsh terrain and need uncompromising off-road performance, the Land Cruiser is hard to beat. However, if budget is a major consideration and you desire a lightweight, agile vehicle capable of impressive off-road feats, the Daa Duster offers outstanding value for its price.
In the world of off-road adventures, performance isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about balance, agility, and how well a vehicle adapts to real-world challenges. Whether you choose the high-end reliability of the Land Cruiser or the surprising nimbleness of the Daa Duster, each vehicle offers its own unique advantages that can suit different off-road needs. Stay tuned for more detailed comparisons and off-road insights.
