Toyota has established the Landcruiser Prado as one of the toughest 4×4 SUVs on the market, with a feature-packed package that offers an exceptionally attractive value proposition.
Although the Prado is more than a decade old, Toyota has tweaked the SUV’s on- and off-road driving capabilities to remain competitive.
Toyota introduced a new engine to the lineup last year, and in 2022, the Landcruiser Prado range will have more equipment than ever before, making it the best work vehicle for tradies.
Engine And Performance
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a rugged, all-terrain four-wheel-drive SUV with a roomy interior and a powerful diesel engine. The GX, GXL, VX, and Kakadu trim levels are available. All Land Cruiser Prado models are powered by a 150kW/500 Nm 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine.
While the Prado’s six-speed automated transmission is quieter than previously while keeping the 2.8L engines robust mid-range, the 500 Nm figure is distributed between 1600-2800rpm; according to Toyota, the six-speed ‘box keeps gears until the 4500rpm red line at wide-open throttle.
Fuel Economy
Surprisingly, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado consumes less fuel than one would think from a vast, hefty 4×4 SUV. Toyota’s declared economy statistic is 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres, which is very low for a vehicle of its class.
Real-world driving stats are likely to exceed 9L per 100km, especially in the city, but when compared to its rivals, the newest Prado is more fuel-efficient than you may think.
Interior
The interior design is quintessential Prado. The typical wood grain on the steering wheel, dashboard, and doors, a centre stack full of four-wheel-drive controls, and a refrigerator in the centre console
There are few visual distinctions between the new Land Cruiser Prado and the previous models. The primary changes include a redesigned infotainment unit with new buttons on its side and a new operating system.
The Prado’s cabin is open, practical from front to rear. Though nothing has changed, the inside appears a bit nicer than before, mainly due to the larger media screen – at nine inches, it’s now a whole inch larger than the previous edition.
The screen is simple and now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, appealing to many buyers.
Several storage compartments include:
- Cupholders.
- Door pockets.
- A spacious central console bin.
- A USB outlet for charging your smartphone and other gadgets.
Along with being pretty comfortable, the front seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and vented. Passengers in the second seat have ample head, knee, and leg space across the row. The second-row seats include three top tether points and two ISOFIX points.
The third-row seats are tight – but that’s to be expected in a seven-seater – and this row has a split-fold-flat layout. The Prado’s cargo capacity is rated as 104 litres; when the third-row seats are folded down, you get 553 litres of cargo space. With the second and third seats folded down, the cargo capacity is reported to be 974 litres. This is plenty of room for tradies to lug their equipment around daily.
Exterior
All Prado models come standard with LED daytime lights and alloy wheels, and a full-size spare tyre is installed on the tailgate as standard to accommodate the long-range fuel tank configuration.
While the aesthetics remain pretty much the same, tradespeople will be glad to find that the Land Cruiser Prado’s current edition has a maximum towing capacity of 3000kg.
Safety Features
The Prado has had the highest five-star ANCAP safety rating, but that certification will expire in 2022. Toyota has chosen not to re-test this model, though.
The second-row seats include three main tether points at the top and two ISOFIX points. The current Prado consists of seven airbags, three top-tether points, and two ISOFIX hooks in the second row, all of which are considered standard equipment.
Safety smarts include:
- Tentative adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist system
- Helpful blind-spot monitoring
- Front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Automatic high beam
- Traffic sign recognition
The Bottom Line
With any Toyota Land Cruiser Prado model, the sense of confidence and composed disposition make this 4-wheel drive so appealing no matter which one you choose.
In terms of performance, there are no real surprises on the road, and it can really hurry down a lengthy stretch of road.
If you’re searching for a combination of a towing powerhouse, an off-road warrior, and a stylish, family-friendly SUV. In terms of all-around capability, the Land Cruiser Prado is almost certainly the category leader in sturdiness and value for money and so deserves a spot on your shortlist.
