Final iterations of 4x4 models often outperform the all-new replacements

A couple of the vehicles we’ve compared lately reminded me that the final versions of a model are often the best. 

Years – sometimes decades – of upgrades and refinements iron out the wrinkles and hone the package into its best form. More often than not, that last iteration is a better vehicle than the all-new, unproven model that replaces it.

The recent Toyota HiLux versus Isuzu D-MAX, and upcoming Nissan Patrol versus GMC Yukon comparisons really drive home this belief. Both the N80 HiLux and Y62 Patrol are nearing the end of their respective lifecycles, with new models expected to arrive in 2026. In the case of the Patrol, the Y63 has already been released overseas.

The current Patrol and HiLux are the best versions of their respective generations – and we’ll miss them when they’re no longer available as new vehicles.

Certainly with the Patrol, we’ll lament the loss of the sublime VK56 V8 engine, which has been replaced by a V6 in the Y63. And while Nissan has finally sorted out the multimedia system and added a driver info screen in the Y62, the lovely analogue gauge cluster remains front and centre. I could never understand Y62 owners who spent extra money to replace the Nissan gauges with an aftermarket digital setup that looks like it came from a 1990s video game.

It’s the same story in the HiLux, with clear, easy-to-read analogue gauges set in a simple, functional dash – which you can bet will be replaced with something silly in the next model. Just look at the gauge cluster in the 250 Series Prado, or even the one in the newer-than-HiLux D-MAX – it’s hideous! I’m convinced the people designing these things don’t actually drive cars at all.

While the arrival of replacement models will push more of these superseded vehicles onto the secondhand market, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll become much cheaper – at least not for a while.

Look at the 200 Series LandCruiser – still regarded by many as a better vehicle than its replacement. It held its value for years on the secondhand market. Only recently, after factory updates and improvements to the 300 Series, have people started to warm to the newer LandCruiser.

And don’t get me started on the intrusive ADAS systems forced upon us with every new model – yet another reason the older version might be the better choice.