The pride of the Toyota SUV parade, the Prado, is showing off a new stiff upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and off-road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain mated to a new eight speed automatic shifter.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on- and off-road capability and functionality. The latest generation consists of five members – GX, GXL, VX, Altitude and Kakadu – all featuring the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatic transmission.
With the stiffer ladder-frame underpinnings the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation. Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before and front and rear track widened to 1664mm, 79mm and 83mm, respectively, up on previously. Overall length is stretched, providing more cabin space.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX. Up a notch to the GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990. The mid-range VX seven-seater (on test) comes in at $87,400, while the off-road focused Altitude ($92,700) is second only to the flagship Kakadu ($99,990.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years unlimited kilometre cover and five years’ capped price servicing for the first 10 services over six-month intervals or 10,000km, whichever comes first. There is also the option of a full-service lease through Toyota Finance Australia.
STYLING
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics offer substantial functional benefits. For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight off-road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keep clear of potential damage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatic high beam and auto-levelling.
INTERIOR
While the cabin has undergone an extensive makeover to ensure up to five or seven occupants, according to the grade, are carried in comfort and safety, it does have a twist. Look, we know the md-hybrid battery needs a home but why build it such a quirky corner.
To accommodate this, the third row of seats does not fold flat. It sticks up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate. Toyota’s solution is to fill the gap with a skinny removable storage box with lid that takes shopping bags three abreast. It makes for quite a lift to load and unload.
The rear fares no better with occupants. Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort for even the average build occupant is at a premium. However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-row seats to tumble forward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await borders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area. There are also air vents in the roof. There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row folded as well.
The VX boasts leather accented upholstery with black/tan colour schemes, driver’s lumbar support with memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyre pressure monitor.
INFOTAINMENT
All variants are fitted with the latest gen multimedia system accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or via steering wheel-mounted controls. On hand are wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, plus Bluetooth, AM/FM/DAB+ radio and embedded cloud-based satellite navigation.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip differential.
SAFETY
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app. Driver assistance applies on- and off-road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distances.
Other advanced technology includes autonomous emergency braking pre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera, along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
DRIVING
The tried-and-tested 2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough. Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending towards city usage.
Driver assistance systems span on- and off-road going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while across-the-board trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity.
With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspension The braking and steering systems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
SUMMARY
For those who like the idea of genuine off-road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design to have city dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
