What to take instead of Patriot? Prado, Gelik, L200 and others

Prado and Honda Pilot

Similar cars in terms of characteristics. The Pilot has a larger interior volume with expanded possibilities for its restructuring. More comfortable than a chair. But the Prado is superior in the contents of the control panel and the functionality of the available options - from the climate control buttons on the steering wheel (in the Pilot, it is activated by the joystick located below the steering wheel).

The Prado has a wider panorama reflected in the rear-view mirrors, with some distortion of distances. Less rigidity of the footpegs, which react to the weight of the owner.

With similar fuel consumption, the Prado significantly exceeds the capacity of the installed tank.

Driving performance comparison:

• The Prado perceives uneven road surfaces more easily, but with this mode of movement the rear axle is constantly rearranged. The car rolls heavily when cornering.
• The Pilot has higher stability at high speed, better dynamic qualities when driving on the highway, faster acceleration, but the automatic transmission works harder.
• The Prado does not have vertical swing during longitudinal waves, unlike the Pilot, sound insulation is better, especially when driving at high speed.

Based on a comparison of models, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado surpasses its competitor in comfort and reliability, while being inferior in the amount of free interior space. The pilot is safer at high speeds and has better control. At a higher cost, the Prado provides the owner with comfort that is superior to its competitor.

In terms of driving performance, the Pilot has the advantage when driving on the highway, while the Prado wins off-road.

Land Rover Discovery

Discovery is a worthy alternative to the Toyota Prado. Land Rover surpasses its competitor in a number of indicators: the SUV has a rich interior, good ergonomics and outstanding speed characteristics. Car safety is at a fairly high level.

The main disadvantage of Discovery in comparison with TLK is its unreliability and high repair costs. Prado is easier to maintain and more economical to operate.

Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero

Pajero is not a frame SUV. The car is equipped with an independent suspension, so it should be classified as a family SUV with expanded functionality due to all-wheel drive.

Wear of moving parts of the body is especially critical if the car is operated in extreme conditions. Over time, door seals deteriorate when metal parts come into contact.

The Pajero goes uphill more steadily due to less slippage. But the Toyota product is more comfortable thanks to better suspension.

Pajero wins in interior design and a more advanced multimedia system. The disadvantage is the lack of steering wheel adjustments. A special plus is the color display on the ceiling for entertaining passengers in the back row. Unlike its competitor, Pajero is fueled with a cheaper brand of gasoline - AI 92. When driving on the highway, the consumption differs slightly, but in urban conditions the Prado has an advantage with 14 liters, compared to 16 for the Mitsubishi product.

Nissan Pathfinder

The design of the Pathfinder, in comparison with the conservative exterior of the Prado, is unique and distinguished by its laconic and angular shapes. This type of car is often the choice of young drivers who are interested in high-speed driving.

The car is equipped with a 2.5/3.5 liter petrol engine and a high-quality 3 liter turbodiesel. complete with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to its fully independent suspension, the Pathfinder is easy to control and comfortable on long trips.

According to driver reviews, an SUV from Nissan is more suitable for urban operating conditions, because... the bottom of the car is poorly prepared for off-road. The TLK has much better protection for the transfer case, engine and fuel tank.

Prado and Volvo XC60

A somewhat incorrect comparison, since this Volvo model is a crossover, unlike a Toyota SUV. All-wheel drive increases cross-country ability, but the Swedish-made product loses when driving off-road.

The advantages of the XC60 are greater speed when driving on the highway and rapid acceleration, rich interior trim and functionality of the driver's seat. But the Japanese are superior in sound insulation and climate control. Although for the diesel version of a Japanese SUV, the engine noise during acceleration is quite noticeable.

The XC60 is more economical than the Japanese SUV, but in practice it does not provide the 8 liters per hundred kilometers on the highway declared by the manufacturer. The Swedish crossover costs one and a half to two times more than a Toyota product. This Volvo model is as prestigious and comfortable as it is more expensive. If you need a car for good roads and long distances, choose the XC60, unless the buyer is put off by the high cost.

But the reliability of the Japanese car is beyond competition.

Haval H9

The main advantage of the new Haval model is its cost - the Chinese SUV is half the price of the TLK Prado. A Haval H9 with a diesel engine of 190 horses can be purchased for 2.6 million rubles. For this money, the buyer will receive a car with a rich set of equipment - keyless entry, leather seats, cruise control, xenon headlights, a three-zone climate system.

A Japanese SUV with similar equipment will cost much more, and this has nothing to do with the brand. Compared to its Chinese counterpart, Prado is more reliable and comfortable. The advantages of TLC include good liquidity during resale, which Haval N9 cannot boast of.

Prado and Ford Explorer

From its appearance it is noticeable that Ford is heavier, larger and more spacious than its competitor. In contrast to the aggressive appearance of Toyota, the American car is a typical representative of a car for the whole family.

By abandoning the frame, Ford's creators gained in the size of the interior space. But the space behind the wheel is somewhat excessive. Sitting in the driver's seat, it is difficult to reach the left armrest.

Ford has a well-appointed interior, decorated in light colors with a calm design. Convenient adjustments to the steering wheel and seats. The degree of visibility is inferior due to the wide A-pillars. A video camera helps with rear visibility.

The multimedia operating system requires adaptation, but is convenient and functional. It's not difficult to understand the controls, but to switch individual options you have to take your eyes off the road. The touchpad requires eye contact when turned on, unlike toggle switches and buttons.

The interior of Toyota, like the exterior, is distinguished by greater brutality and masculine character. The salon is inferior in aesthetics and design.

At a lower price, the Ford excels in interior comfort. There is separate heated rear seats and climate control for the rear row of passengers.

The Explorer is superior in luggage compartment volume and ease of opening the rear door - it has an electric drive. But the Japanese have a larger opening height for loading.

With less engine power, the Ford accelerates faster and surpasses the Toyota in top speed.

But the characteristics of the engines and gearboxes of the cars are similar with some differences in gear shifting. The Japanese's automatic transmission is easier to control than the American crossover's. As with the interior options controls, it takes a while to get used to the features - a two-position button on the lever that can be switched with your thumb.

When comparing the driving characteristics, the Prado's suspension feels redundant when driving on normal roads. Despite its large dimensions and weight, the American model has a better ride and level of comfort. On a road with uneven terrain, the Toyota is more difficult to control due to the greater elasticity of the suspension, which leads to shaking in the cabin.

Ford is better at absorbing even significant potholes, not to mention the usual markings, reinforced by the elastic suspension of the Prado.

The Japanese gains a decisive advantage when moving through impassable mud. The high seating position and protection of the engine block further increase reliability when negotiating difficult terrain.

If the owner needs a durable SUV, choose the Prado. When buying a family car without extreme operating conditions, the less expensive Explorer has an advantage.

What to take instead of Patriot? Prado, Gelik, L200 and others

The price list for the new UAZ Patriot today starts from 928,000 and reaches 1,390,000 rubles (1,482,000 for the pickup version). In Droma's advertisements, the entire world color of SUVs and pickups, including even Gelendvagen, falls within the range of 1.5 million rubles. We have selected seven of the most interesting models that can be considered as a successful replacement for the new Patriot. Let's talk about them in more detail. Let's briefly look at other options.

If we are talking about purchasing a vehicle for serious off-road use, then people far from the world of off-road may have reasonable doubts: with a limited budget, wouldn’t it be smarter to prepare a Patriot - instead of taking a foreign SUV that requires larger investments? In reality, everything is somewhat different. For 1.5 million rubles you can buy, say, a Land Rover Defender with a deep tuning kit (changes will already be made to the title). Moreover, many of these modifications are impossible in principle for the Patriot. The limitation on tuning is imposed by the design of the Russian car itself: there is no diesel engine, chip tuning of UAZ engines is practically useless, and there are springs at the rear. These and other features lead to the fact that the UAZ cannot even withstand the transition to truly large off-road wheels. More than 33 inches can no longer be considered.

Many, of course, do not need an extreme off-road monster, but simply a utilitarian, reliable and comfortable “all-terrain vehicle for every day.” In this case, even more so, Patriot will have many interesting alternatives. If you choose as soberly as possible, then the first thing you should look at is not SUVs, but pickup trucks.

Pickups

For the price of a new Patriot, you can buy an imported all-wheel drive “truck” that is only three or four years old. If prices are equal, an SUV of a foreign brand will turn out to be much less fresh and reliable than a pickup truck: a simple design and a not particularly prestigious image of a “truck” turn out to be only advantages here. Yes, pickup trucks are obviously not as solid and comfortable as, say, Kruzak, but the Patriot is far from being a Kruzak. In general, it’s fairer to compare pickup trucks with the Patriot. You can consider Nissan Navara , Volkswagen Amarok , and Isuzu D-Max , but, perhaps, two models are most highly valued in our market: Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux.

Mitsubishi L200

Years of production of the fourth generation: 2005–2014 Years of production of the fifth generation: 2015–present. V.

This model has been officially sold here since the 2000s, unlike the Toyota Hilux, which came to our dealers only in 2010. But Hilux was actively imported unofficially before, so both models are almost equally widespread in our market: now on Drome there are approximately 650 advertisements for the sale of each of them. For comparison, the Nissan Navara is three times less popular.

The most common modification of the L200 on the market - with the 2.5 diesel engine, which belongs to the ancient 4D56 family from 1983 - is considered good, although more delicate than Toyota diesels. The petrol 2.4, which is very rare (only on “unofficial” cars), is capable of driving more than 400,000 km, but is also not considered problem-free.

Most L200s sold have a 5-speed manual transmission, the reliability of which is excellent. There are two all-wheel drive systems. The basic version of Easy Select connects the front axle rigidly, without a center differential. This is a reliable design that allows you to storm heavy off-road conditions, as if the “center” was locked, but outside of slippery surfaces, all-wheel drive has to be turned off and the car becomes rear-wheel drive. The more advanced Super Select transmission (like the Pajero Sport) has a locking center differential and allows you to drive with permanent all-wheel drive, but, unfortunately, there are reliability problems.

The price category we have chosen (up to 1.5 million rubles) also includes copies of the current, fifth generation. It’s tempting to buy a still current Japanese pickup truck at the price of the Patriot; besides, it has a more recent 2.4-liter diesel engine with variable valve timing. But most of the proposals are fourth generation. There's plenty to choose from. Plus, the older design in this class is rather a plus.

Toyota Hilux

Years of production of the seventh generation: 2004–2015

The Hilux holds residual value better than the L200. This is good for the owner/seller, but it puts stress on the buyer. Purely theoretically, the current, eighth generation Hilux also falls within our price range, but we are literally talking about single copies throughout the country, so a realistic purchase at the price of a Patriot is a Hilux that is at least five years old.

The seventh generation Hilux copies that were delivered to us were equipped with two four-cylinder diesel engines: 2.5 (2KD-FTV) and 3.0 (1KD-FTV). Both of them are considered problem-free, as they trace their history back to the archaic but reliable engines of the KZ series. True, they are sensitive to low-quality diesel fuel. Among the “unofficial” cars, variants with the 2.7 petrol “four” (2TR-FE), which have been installed since 2003, can be considered a worthy purchase. Such specimens were brought to us in the “zero” years, mainly from the Middle East in modifications. “Gray” models with a 3.0-liter Euro-4 diesel engine are considered a risky purchase.

SUVs: the choice of the mind

Here it is quite logical to talk about Mitsubishi Pajero , even though this SUV lost its frame structure back in 1999 and received an independent rear suspension, and all the other models in our review are classic frame ones, with a solid axle at the rear. Nevertheless, Pajero remained a jeep with serious off-road potential, and, moreover, it was comfortable and solid. There is a large selection on the market: about 900 copies that fit within our price range.

If you definitely want a frame design, it makes sense to pay attention to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - an SUV based on the L200 pickup truck. It is more primitive than “just a Pajero”, but it is more affordable and better prepared for difficult operating conditions. There are about fifty copies of the first and second generations on sale, priced up to 1.5 million rubles.

But not a single car in this class can compare in popularity with the Toyota Land Cruiser: we looked at the Prado of the last three generations and the classic “hundredth”. In total there are more than 2000 cars on sale. This number speaks for itself. Well, where the Kruzaks are, there is also the Patrol, although it is much less popular, but no less ready for off-road.

Nissan Patrol

Fifth generation (Y61) production years: 1997–2010

The Y61 body is called the “last true Patrol”. There are more than 200 copies on sale that fit our budget. The previous Y60 body is also highly respected by serious off-road enthusiasts, but the Y61 generation is preferable not only because it is fresh. It is more comfortable, better equipped, and no worse in off-road capabilities. The frame and axles here are interchangeable with the previous generation; in addition, a switchable rear stabilizer has appeared, due to which the suspension articulation is increased.

The most commonly found on the market is the 3.0-liter diesel ZD30 (158 hp, 354 Nm), which suits this model well, except that its reliability turned out to be faulty. There is also something to complain about in terms of comfort. But the off-road capabilities make up for everything. Nissan Patrol is one of the best cars if the task is to prepare the car for serious off-road.

Toyota Land Cruiser 100

Years of production: 1998–2007

Land Cruiser Prado

J90 ​​body years: 1996–2002 J120 body years: 2002–2009 J150 body years: 2009–present V.

UAZ regularly promises to make “our answer to the Prado,” but for now it makes sense to take a real Prado. Moreover, with our budget of 1.5 million rubles, it is quite possible to take a copy in the current “150th” body, but, of course, in the version before the first restyling, which happened in 2013. That is, for the price of a new Patriot, it is quite possible to buy a ten-year-old Prado, which will be the optimal choice both in terms of comfort and cross-country ability.

In principle, such fresh “hundreds” do not exist, since they left the assembly line in 2007. But on the secondary market it is still a very common and respected model. Currently, there are about 850 Land Cruiser 100 units on sale on Drome, costing around 1.5 million rubles. But the choice of Prado within this budget is even wider: more than 1,300 advertisements for the sale of cars in 90, 120 and 150 bodies.

Let us remind you that under the designation Land Cruiser 100 there are essentially two models hidden. The VX version was more comfortable and prestigious (luxury interior, independent front suspension), but less prepared for harsh conditions (rear locking is an option, front locking is not available at all). The GX and STD modifications with body indexes 101/105 are real all-terrain vehicles with continuous axles at the front and rear. The GX also has both wheel locks. But the interior is made of cheap plastic; you can’t even dream about leather and wood.

Prado does not have front locking and a top-end V8 engine; in addition, it is more compact and without any special claims to luxury, although it is relatively comfortable. In terms of cross-country ability, practicality and reliability, it is close to the older Kruzak. For some, it will be a pleasant plus to be able to buy a Prado in an exotic three-door body with a short wheelbase: it looks impressive. But there are few of them on the market.

The most common “hundreds” on the market have 4.2-liter diesel engines with a capacity of 131–204 hp. On the Prado, 3.0-liter diesel engines and 4.0-liter gasoline units are widely used, and there are also many younger 2.7-liter gasoline versions. All Cruisers have earned respect for their reliability and simple design. Unless corrosion attacks older specimens. Nothing lasts forever, including the frame.

SUVs: a choice of feelings

The tiny Suzuki Jimny will not replace the Patriot as a practical vehicle for the whole family, but if you need a real frame all-terrain vehicle for minimal money, then the Jimny is a great option. One and a half million rubles is even an excessive amount; you can easily fit into a million and take a three- to five-year-old copy of the third generation, which was produced until 2018.

Even more off-road fun, plus iconic design and status - this is the Jeep Wrangler . But here we can’t count on a fresh and inexpensive copy: cars that are at least 13–14 years old barely fit into our budget.

If you want something original, pay attention to the Toyota FJ Cruiser . In our area, this is a rare specimen (there are literally a few on sale, costing 1.5 million rubles), but there is an advantage to this: it will definitely be a purchase “not like everyone else.”

But if you really want to dream to the fullest, then why not take a closer look at Gelendvagen? Imagine, for one and a half million there are not so few options. And, of course, a special off-road romance emanates from the Defender, which, however, everyone is afraid of because of its “legendary English reliability.” But not everything is so terrible, if you look at it...

Land Rover Defender

Years of production of the first generation: 1990 (1949)–2016

The Defender has a certain ideological kinship with the Patriot: a dense design, serious off-road potential and the absence of any special claims to reliability. In some ways, the Patriot is even more advantageous - it definitely has more comfort, while the Defender is an extremely classy vehicle in this regard. But, as mentioned above, in terms of off-road tuning capabilities, Land Rover is much cooler than UAZ.

Land Rovers in our country are not without reason feared due to their unreliability. But Defender fans claim that the simplicity of the design and decent maintainability compensate for the congenital diseases. The aluminum body resists rust well. The sore spots are where the aluminum meets the steel parts.

Many spare parts are not nearly as expensive as they might seem. If you don’t chase the “original” and the most expensive, branded tuning units (for example, ARB), then you can meet quite reasonable sums.

The most reliable engines are the diesel 200 Tdi and 300 Tdi (both 2.5 l), which were installed from 1990 to 1998. These archaic units have a minimum of electrics and complex solutions. But there is also a minus - tuning them is almost useless, and the standard ones are 107–111 hp. frankly not enough. Another thing is the five-cylinder diesel TD5, which appeared in 1998, which is called its own development, but at that time the company was under the wing of BMW, and this probably had an influence. The working volume is the same 2.5 liters, the base power is only 122 hp. However, there is already serious potential for improvements. The engine is initially derated and has a lot of resources. If you are not lazy about changing the oil every 7,500 km, then such engines can last for 500,000 km. Moderate modifications can easily reach 160 horsepower, and with deep tuning you can get 300 horsepower.

Since 2007, when Land Rover was already under the wing of Ford, Defender received Ford diesel engines of the Puma series of 2.2 and 2.4 liters. This is the most common option on the market, but at the same time the most unsuccessful of those mentioned: the engines are capricious and can fail at 120–150 thousand km. The second most common are options with TD5. It happens that older examples with such successful engines are valued no lower, but even higher, than newer ones with Ford units. And you have to run for surviving copies of the old 200 Tdi and 300 Tdi, there are very few of them on sale.

Well, gasoline Defenders are practically not found on our market at all.

Prices for Defenders from the 90s and the beginning of the 21st century start at 800,000 rubles, and with a budget of more than a million you can already count on cars from the late 2000s. But in general there are few offers on the market: within our budget - in the region of several dozen units throughout the country.

Mercedes G-Class

Years of production of the first generation (W460): 1979–1990 Years of production of the second generation (W463): 1990–2018

This option, of course, can turn your head: if for a new Gelendvagen you have to pay from 10,290,000 rubles, then for the oldest copies they ask for less than 500,000 rubles. At the same time, for such a modest amount you get the same design, the same off-road capabilities and (if you don’t skimp on restoring the “external”) - the same respect on the roads. But everything, of course, is not so simple.

The idea of ​​taking the cheapest first generation (W460) can be immediately abandoned. The point is not that it does not have permanent all-wheel drive (the front axle is rigidly connected) and ABS, and the interior is poor, but that there are simply a meager number of such offers on the market. But the second generation (W463), which lasted on the assembly line for 28 years, is the most widespread on the market. There are quite a few options that fit into our price range - about 120 ads on Drome.

For the price of a top-end Patriot, it’s quite possible to find a Gelendvagen from 2000–2004, and if you’re lucky, even a couple of years younger. The strong point of the old Gelikas is their indestructible engines. Almost all units from the 90s and the first half of the “zero” deserve kind words (we are talking about gasoline M 102, M 103, M 104, M 112, M 113, M 117 and diesel OM 602, OM 603, OM 606, OM 612 ). The weak point of these all-terrain vehicles, oddly enough, is corrosion resistance. Everything rusts, including the frame.

In terms of the cost of ownership, a Gelendvagen (especially powerful modifications), of course, can be quite ruinous. But on the other side of the scale is the fact that well-groomed specimens, even in old age, are highly valued and even increase in price, as befits cult youngtimers.

Now is a good time to buy a used SUV: the most interesting classic models no longer cost exorbitant amounts of money, but have not yet worn out to the limit. Every year the assortment becomes poorer. Land Rover Defender, which changed its generation this year, has lost its frame and its former off-road simplicity and unpretentiousness. And prices of 4–7 million rubles for a new generation do not promise that there will soon be affordable offers on the secondary market. However, the new generation Suzuki Jimny, which appeared with us a year ago, has retained all its advantages, and dealers are asking for it from 1,639,000 rubles. Soon such cars will come to the secondary market, and this is also a very interesting option.

Prado and Volkswagen Touareg

Despite the external similarity of design, the advantage of the Japanese is the greater capacity of the interior and luggage compartment. According to reviews, the reliability of the Toyota Prado is also superior to its German counterpart. Features of the interior trim:

• the Japanese car is more practical, but poorer in design;
• despite more expensive finishing materials, the German loses in interior design;
• Toyota's practicality and technology are top notch.

With similar driving characteristics, the Tuareg has no roll when cornering. This car feels more confident when driving at high speed on the highway. Both cars are equipped with diesel or gasoline engines. With more power, the Touareg is more economical and practical - the Prado.

Seat adjustments and interior equipment are similar in level, although the German model is more complex. The Tuareg is inferior in seating height, but the amount of free space above the driver’s head allows you to raise and change the position of the seats relative to the road.

The Japanese car is a classic SUV, the Touareg is a universal off-road passenger car. This is once again emphasized by the absence of wide running boards, like Toyota's, which make it easier to get into the car. For intensive use, the choice is Toyota. For regular roads, Volkswagen is more suitable.

Only professionals will be able to fully unleash the potential of both cars.

When used by ordinary car enthusiasts, the choice is purely a matter of taste and personal preference.

Prado and KIA Mohave

With less weight, the Korean model surpasses the Japanese in most technical characteristics. Both cars are distinguished by their aggressive (masculine) “appearance”.

Relatively recently appearing on the Russian market, the Korean is not inferior in terms of free space and interior comfort. Mojave is superior in additional features - the level of climate control, the quality of the audio system and the ergonomics of the panel. The advantage of the Prado is the height of the multimedia screen.

The big disadvantage of the Korean is its unreliable suspension. A dynamic and powerful engine and excellent speed qualities are offset by the lack of proper shock absorption when driving on uneven roads.

With more weight (the Toyota is 200 kg heavier), the Japanese car handles more confidently off-road. There is no need to talk about the reliability of the Prado, tested by time and harsh Russian conditions. With a lower price and better speed characteristics, if you choose a reliable car, the advantage is traditionally on the side of the Japanese.

Prado and Infiniti QX60

Completely different cars by category - a reliable SUV versus an expensive and fast crossover. If the owner chooses prestige, it is Infinity. A truly reliable car with high cross-country ability is this Toyota model. The comfort level is similar to a crossover, but the price and reliability when driving off-road are better than the Prado.

Toyota is more suitable for owners choosing a car with a spacious trunk.

The advantage of Infiniti is the third row of passenger seats.

Prado and Hummer H3

In a quick comparison, the Prado is superior to its American competitor in cross-country ability, maneuverability, and dynamics. Fuel consumption cannot be compared - about 20 liters for the Japanese and 30 for the Hummer. The superiority of the Japanese car is also in the smoothness of the ride when the American is tough in overcoming obstacles.

As with other American cars, the Hummer takes time to get used to the handling features. The Japanese SUV has simpler and more convenient control of the functionality in the driver's seat. There is no need to adapt.

The Japanese have an advantage in the main thing - reliability and safety.

With greater endurance, suspension dampening, better ride quality and lower cost, the Hummer's only visible advantage is its individuality.

Hummer H3 or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120

In a superficial comparison of the TLK 120 and its American classmate, the Japanese surpasses its competitor in all respects: dynamics, maneuverability and all-terrain capability. In terms of fuel consumption, the Prado also wins: 15 versus 17 liters for the Hummer. Toyota also offers greater driver comfort when driving.

Hummer is in demand among fans of the American automobile industry. The original and memorable appearance of the H3 goes well with its impressive off-road performance. The main advantage of the model is individuality. According to statistics, Hummers are stolen much less often than Prados.

How to make a choice?

When choosing a car, it is important to consider:

• reliability and repairability;
• availability of official service centers in the region where the driver lives;
• cost of purchase, operation and maintenance;
• efficiency;
• the amount of transport tax;
• age and mileage;
• appointment.

Personal preferences play an important role.

If you need a high-status or high-speed car, there will be competitors to the famous brainchild of the Japanese automobile industry - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Cheap Chinese models with high-quality assembly and similar parameters have appeared, which are incomparably better in price. But for tough use in off-road conditions and impassable mud, the Prado is the choice.