I’ve lived in outback Oz on the edge of the desert and I’ve done long hauls on dirt roads (1,000 miles)
I wouldn’t knock a Landrover because regardless of what they say about Toyotas, if you’re in deep shit, the Landrover will get you out.
However if you have to drive a long way over corrugated roads (all roads are corrugated 🙂 ) to get to that shit, then my first choice would be the Landcruiser. Good airconditioning, and good dust sealing. It’s amazing how much of a dust storm you can get inside a Landrover. 🙂
One aspect if you’re not used to heat and long straight hauls, it’s dead easy to fall asleep at the wheel in the middle of the day. Stop to drink water at least every hour, and carry enough to be stranded beside the road for at least one day. Get a tarp and cord to provide shade in case of breakdown – but I’m sure you’ll be well briefed. Also a large umbrella for shade. And don’t leave the vehicle to walk for help if it breaks down – I lost a friend that way – they reckon he died within 5 hours because he didn’t take enough water (left it for his family)
The reality is you’ll notice that lots of the locals are driving around in 2wd utilities or wagons (estate car). 4wd is generally unnecessary if you’re sticking to tracks. However those utes and wagons will probably have the “country” pack, ie better suspension and limited slip diff, and it’s what I would be using.