If you’re searching for the best luxury 4X4 Australia has on offer, you’ve likely realised that not all high-end 4WDs are built the same. While some deliver exceptional performance on the rough stuff, others prioritise comfort and technology at the expense of off-road capability—making it crucial to choose the right rig for your needs.
At Club 4X4, we’re more than just an insurance provider—we’re passionate 4X4’ers who live and breathe adventure. In our minds a luxury 4WD needs to be able to handle everything from soft sand, mud and steep climbs to long-haul highway touring, and towing, all while keeping its occupants in complete comfort and justifying its price tag.
With extensive time behind the wheel on some of Australia’s toughest tracks, we know what separates the best from the rest. This guide breaks down Australia’s top luxury 4X4s, covering their performance on and off the beaten track, features, and real-world usability to help you make an informed decision.
What Makes a Great Luxury 4WD?
Before we dive into the luxury 4X4 reviews, let’s talk about what truly makes a premium off-roader worth your hard-earned cash. A luxury 4WD should be more than just a lounge chair and some shiny buttons—it needs to handle Australia’s toughest conditions. From steep crawls and soft sand, to excelling at long-distance touring and heavy towing, the best luxury 4X4s should be just as capable off-road as they are comfortable on it.

white 4x4 on beach with stormy sky
Critical Considerations:
Off-Road Ability
There’s no other way to say it, if a luxury 4X4 doesn’t have features like low-range gearing, high ground clearance and locking differentials, it’s not a luxury 4X4, it’s a luxury car.
Towing and Payload Capacity
There is absolutely no shortage of Aussie’s who want to tow big loads and do it in comfort. If you’re planning on hitching up, towing capacity and ability are important. The best luxury 4X4s in Australia typically offer 3,500kg towing capacity, with some going above and beyond to make the job easier with trailer-assist technologies and air suspension for better load balancing and handling.
Durability and Engineering
You don’t need the internet to tell you Australia’s conditions are brutal, from searing Outback heat to muddy High Country tracks and sand dunes that tower like cathedrals. A luxury 4X4 should have a bulletproof chassis, solid underbody protection, and a powertrain capable of producing large amounts of power and torque all day every day.
Safety and Technology
A good luxury 4X4 will generally come packed with tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, 360-degree cameras, and multiple off-road driving modes. As well as a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Interior Comfort and Features
High-end luxury 4WDs should bring serious comfort to the 4X4 world. Expect:
- Leather-trimmed interiors
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Premium sound systems
- Large infotainment screens with off-road telemetry
- Sound deadening
- Panoramic sunroofs
- Electric tailgates
- Premium suspension
Potential for Modifications
Even the best luxury 4X4s can be improved. Whether it’s bull bars, lift kits, or long-range fuel tanks, it’s important to pick a vehicle that has plenty of aftermarket options available for it and that can handle the modifications needed for serious off-road use.
Best Luxury 4X4s in Australia: Reviewed
Now, let’s get into the best luxury 4X4s Australia has to offer. We’ve done the hard yards and carefully evaluated the top luxury 4X4s, considering their off-road prowess, everyday practicality, and overall suitability for different driving needs.
These luxury 4WDs are in no particular order, as the best choice will depend on individual preferences, intended use, and personal driving style.
Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (Sahara and GR Sport models)
Ideal for: Adventurers, families, and long-distance tourers.
The Toyota LandCruiser has been a staple in Australian off-road culture for decades, and the latest model, the LandCruiser 300 Series is no different. True to Toyota form, the majority of new 300 Series LC’s were sold before they even reached our shores. On road they are refined and powerful, with a silky 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel producing 700 Nm of torque and delivering serious pulling power.
Pros:
- Great off-road capability – Full-time 4WD with locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select ensures it can tackle sand, mud, rock, and steep inclines with ease.
- 3,500kg towing capacity – Strong enough to tow large caravans, camper trailers, and boats, making it a top choice for tourers.
- Advanced tech like e-KDSS suspension (GR Sport model) – The electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS) enhances wheel articulation and ride comfort, improving both off-road capability and on-road handling.
- Insane amount of aftermarket accessories and modifications available – One of the most customisable 4X4s in Australia, with countless upgrade options, from suspension lifts and bull bars to snorkels and roof racks.
Cons:
- The interior is fancy… for a LandCruiser, but almost basic compared to other luxury 4WDs Australia has available. While the GR Sport and Sahara ZX trims offer leather upholstery, woodgrain accents, and a premium sound system, they lack the ultra-luxury feel found in European competitors like the Range Rover.
- Smaller fuel tank than previous models. The LandCruiser 300 Series features a 110L fuel capacity, which is less than the outgoing 200 Series (138L). This reduction may impact long-distance touring, requiring more frequent fuel stops—especially in remote areas.
- Small number of reports in the industry of engine failure due to oil issues. Some early reports suggest potential oil-related issues in the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel, leading to engine failure in rare cases. While not widespread, it’s something to monitor as more real-world data emerges.

white Toyota 4x4 on sand dunes in desert
Range Rover Sport
Ideal for: Luxury 4WD seekers who want comfort and prestige.
The Range Rover Sport proves that luxury and off-road ability can coexist, but it also highlights that the more refined a 4WD, the more off-road compromises it makes, making it better suited for comfort-focused touring rather than serious modifications or extreme off-roading.
Pros:
- High-end interior and infotainment system with premium materials and a minimalist design.
- Excellent handling and on-road comfort – Adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, and an advanced chassis deliver a smooth, composed ride, making it one of the best-handling luxury 4X4s on the market.
- Offers multiple powertrains, from the six-cylinder mild hybrid to the P530 V8 twin-turbo, providing strong performance across the range.
- Refined and quiet cabin – Acoustic glass and noise cancellation technology create a serene driving experience.
Cons:
- Pricey to maintain, with high servicing and repair costs.
- Complex electronics can be problematic in remote areas if issues arise.
- Less aftermarket support for modifications compared to traditional off-road-focused 4WDs.
- Off-road capability is limited by its luxury focus, making it less suited for extreme terrain.
Nissan Patrol Y62 (Ti-L model)
Ideal for: Large families, towing enthusiasts, and long-haul adventurers.
The Nissan Patrol Y62 is one of the few luxury 4X4’s still rocking a V8 engine, producing 298kW and 560Nm. It delivers serious power for towing and highway cruising, making it a favourite among outback tourers.
Pros:
- Powerful V8 engine – The 5.6L naturally aspirated petrol V8 has strong performance, smooth acceleration, and excellent highway cruising ability.
- Spacious interior with premium features – Offers a somewhat luxurious cabin with leather-appointed seats, tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a premium Bose sound system.
- 3,500kg towing capacity – A strong and stable tow vehicle, making it ideal for hauling large caravans, boats, or trailers.
Cons:
- The V8 petrol motor is thirsty
- Bulkier than some rivals for city driving – Its large size and turning circle can make tight urban streets and parking challenging.
- Lack of diesel option
Lexus LX 600
Ideal for: Drivers wanting LandCruiser toughness with Range Rover-like refinement.
The Lexus LX 600 shares much of its DNA with the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series but offers a higher-end interior and more premium features. With the same 3.3L twin-turbo diesel and adaptive variable suspension, it’s built for serious comfort on and off-road.
Pros:
- High-end finishes and technology
- Strong off-road capability
- LandCruiser reliability with added luxury
Cons:
- Pricier than the LandCruiser
- Slightly lower resale value compared to Toyota
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Ideal for: Enthusiasts who want serious capability and exclusivity.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon remains one of the most capable luxury 4X4s in the category, thanks to triple-locking differentials, a ladder-frame chassis, and advanced suspension. Designed for both urban living and serious off-roading (though, serious off-roading doesn’t always happen), it balances raw power and durability with high-end comfort. Notably, the high-performance AMG G63 variant, with a twin-turbo V8 producing 430kW, makes it one of the most powerful luxury 4X4 cars on the market.
Pros:
- Iconic design with serious off-road capability thanks to triple-locking differentials, permanent 4WD, and high ground clearance.
- The handcrafted interior, premium materials, and advanced tech offer a high-end cabin experience while retaining true 4WD toughness.
- Exceptionally powerful – The AMG G63 delivers sports-car levels of performance.
Cons:
- Heavy and thirsty on fuel – The G63’s V8 is a thirsty one, and its weight exceeds 2,500kg, also impacting efficiency.
- Limited availability of the diesel variant – The G400d diesel model has been discontinued in Australia, meaning buyers must look at the second-hand market for a more fuel-efficient option.
- Not as practical for extreme touring – While incredibly capable, modifications and aftermarket support are limited compared to traditional off-road-focused 4WDs like the LandCruiser or Patrol.

Black jeep wagon 4x4
Land Rover Discovery
Ideal for: Families and adventurers who want a balance of luxury, practicality, and off-road capability.
The Land Rover Discovery is a versatile luxury 4X4 that seamlessly blends premium comfort, advanced technology, with some genuine off-road ability. While it leans more toward family-friendly touring than hardcore off-roading, its Terrain Response 2 system, air suspension, and strong towing capability ensure it remains a capable choice for adventurers.
Pros:
- Wading depth of 900mm.
- Premium interior with practical design – High-quality materials, leather-appointed seats, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a configurable digital driver display offer both luxury and functionality.
- Excellent on-road comfort and handling – The Discovery provides a smooth, quiet, and refined ride, making it great for long-distance touring.
- Strong towing capacity – With a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, it’s well-suited for towing caravans, boats, or trailers.
Cons:
- Costly to maintain – Servicing and repairs can be expensive, especially outside major cities.
- Not as rugged as some competitors – While capable, it lacks the chassis strength and aftermarket modification support of traditional off-roaders like the LandCruiser or Patrol.
- Diesel models have had past reliability concerns – Some previous-generation diesel engines had reported timing chain and reliability issues, though the latest models have improved.
- Lacks a full-size spare in some trims – Some models come with space-saver spare tyres, which is ludicrous on a luxury 4X4.
Conclusion
Finding the best luxury 4X4 in Australia isn’t easy, but we hope this guide has helped break down the key contenders. To off-road while maintaining any creature comforts takes a special vehicle and we think we've given you enough insight into the main contenders to make an educated decision.