In 2018, we tested cars of all shapes and sizes. Below you’ll find a list of the heaviest cars we featured over the year, most of which are off-roading bakkies and SUVs. In some of these cases, bigger is indeed better. But in others? Not so much…
5. Lexus LS500: 2 251 kg
This flagship saloon from Lexus is packed to the brim with features, such as 23 speakers and front and rear massaging seats. It’s powered by a twin-turbo 3,5-litre V6 mated to a 10-speed torque converter. Interestingly, it weighs in just 10 kg heavier than its competitor, the Mercedes-Benz S560L.
4. Roush Ford Ranger DC 3,2 TDCi RS3 AT: 2 388 kg
Roush decided to up the Ranger’s 3,2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel’s performance with a stage three tuning kit, pushing power to 190 kW and 650 N.m. Test figures for the (hefty) tuned bakkie, however, were a little underwhelming as it managed a 0-100 km/h time of 9,84 seconds.
3. Haval H9 2,0T AWD Luxury: 2 391 kg
The Haval H9 is an impressive offering from the premium Chinese manufacturer, but its considerable mass isn’t easy on the 180 kW 2,0-litre turbocharged engine’s fuel consumption…
2. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 3,0D VX-L: 2 445 kg
A veteran off-roader and iconic nameplate thanks to its highly acclaimed off-roading capabilities, generous standard specification and overall reliability, the Prado is the go-to choice for many in this segment. But, as expected, it’s not exactly light…
1. Nissan Patrol 5,6 V8 Premium 4WD 7AT: 2 648 kg
Not only was this the heaviest car we tested in 2018, but with a naturally aspirated 5 552 cm3 V8 the Patrol also sported the biggest engine we experienced all year. This 298 kW powerplant allows the 2,6-tonne juggernaut to propel itself from 0-100 km/h in an impressive 7,77 seconds.
