Land Cruiser Conquers Ike Gauntlet, Out-Tows Palisade

Toyota Land Cruiser Proves Its Mettle on Grueling Ike Gauntlet

The brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser has officially faced its toughest challenge yet: the Ike Gauntlet. This extreme towing test, known as the world’s toughest, put the capable SUV head-to-head with the Hyundai Palisade, towing a 4,500 lb Kawasaki Ridge Crew side-by-side and trailer. While the Palisade put up a valiant effort, the Land Cruiser emerged as the clear winner, showcasing its superior towing prowess and more robust, truck-like construction.

Palisade Struggles on the Descent

The Hyundai Palisade, in its XRT trim, was tasked with towing a 4,500 lb load, pushing it near its 5,000 lb maximum capacity. Equipped with its tow-haul mode and a wireless brake controller, the Palisade tackled the downhill portion of the Ike Gauntlet. However, the test revealed its limitations as a dedicated tow vehicle. The Palisade required a significant 11 brake applications to maintain control on the steep descent, a number considered less than ideal. Transmission temperatures climbed to 241°F and oil temps reached 226°F during the downhill run, indicating the strain on its powertrain.

On the uphill climb, the Palisade’s 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, struggled. Despite being at full throttle, the SUV’s speed dropped, barely maintaining the speed limit. Temperatures continued to rise, reaching 242°F for oil and 243°F for transmission fluid. The Palisade completed the ascent in 8 minutes and 52 seconds, with a concerning 5.2 MPG fuel economy. While it avoided any warning lights, the strain was evident, highlighting that it’s better suited as a family hauler than a heavy-duty tow rig.

The Palisade XRT, as tested, comes in at just over $51,000. While it offers a comfortable ride, three rows of seating, and decent tech, its towing performance on the Ike Gauntlet suggests it’s best for lighter loads or shorter distances.

Land Cruiser Dominates the Gauntlet

In stark contrast, the Toyota Land Cruiser, built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis shared with the Tacoma and 4Runner, demonstrated its inherent strength. Even with the trailer’s weight near its limit, the Land Cruiser required only seven brake applications on the descent, significantly fewer than the Palisade. This lower number indicates better engine braking and less reliance on the friction brakes, keeping temperatures more in check.

The uphill climb was where the Land Cruiser truly shone. Its powertrain, while not explicitly detailed in terms of horsepower and torque for this specific hybrid setup in the provided transcript, clearly offered more robust performance at altitude. The SUV maintained speed more effectively, and while temperatures did rise, they remained within a more manageable range compared to the Palisade. The Land Cruiser completed the climb, though the exact time wasn’t provided, it was implied to be a much stronger performance. The transcript mentions the Land Cruiser weighs over 5700 lbs due to its hybrid components and body-on-frame construction, with a payload capacity of 1000 lbs.

The Land Cruiser’s infotainment system, while featuring many driver assistance settings, presented a slight challenge with its integrated trailer brake controller, requiring a few menu dives to activate. However, once engaged, it performed effectively. The vehicle’s design also offers a more commanding view of the road, enhancing the feeling of control while towing.

The tested Land Cruiser priced around $70,000, making it a more significant investment than the Palisade. However, its traditional truck underpinnings and proven capability on extreme tests like the Ike Gauntlet justify the premium for those who prioritize serious towing and off-road performance. It represents a more durable, go-anywhere option compared to the more car-like Palisade.

Verdict: Land Cruiser is the King of Towing

For families who need to tow a weekend adventure vehicle like a side-by-side, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the superior choice. Its body-on-frame construction, coupled with its refined powertrain and braking systems, allows it to handle heavy loads with greater confidence and stability. While the Hyundai Palisade can tow, it’s better suited for lighter trailers and everyday family duties. The Land Cruiser’s higher price tag is validated by its significantly more capable and robust towing performance, making it the clear winner for demanding towing tasks.

Source: Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Hyundai Palisade vs Ike Gauntlet: Which Is the BEST Family Tow Rig? (YouTube)