Review - Toyota Landcruiser Prado

Toyota has built a reputation for the Prado as one of the market’s toughest 4x4 SUVs, with a feature-packed offering that presents an extremely compelling value for money proposition. To make things even better, last year Toyota added a new engine to the lineup, and in 2021, we’ve seen more equipment added to the Landcruiser Prado range than ever before. The downside of these additions, though, is that the prices have jumped by around $1,000.

With that in mind, let’s take a close look at the range and see whether or not these recent additions to the Landcruiser Prado lineup mean that it’s the perfect choice of 4x4 for you and your family.

Starting Price: $59,840

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Toyota Landcruiser Prado (GX) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Toyota Landcruiser Prado car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Toyota Landcruiser Prado range kicks off at $59,840 for the entry-level GX variant, with prices for the mid-range GXL variant jumping to $66,540. The range then moves to the Landcruiser Prado VX variant, which is priced at $76,257, and tops-out with the Prado Kakadu which comes with a $86,907 price tag.  

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What Features Does the Toyota Landcruiser Prado Have?

All  Toyota Landcruiser Prado models come with the same engine and transmission combination, as well as a dual-range 4x4 system. The entry-level GX variant comes with features like a set of 17-inch alloys, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, keyless entry and start, heated power mirrors, reversing camera, automatic wipers, air conditioning and cooled centre console, trailer sway control system, hill descent control and puddle lights.

Moving to the Landcruiser Prado GXL variant adds key features like bi-LED headlights, three-zone climate control, rear locking differential, rear parking sensors, side steps, third row of seats, roof rails, leather steering wheel, privacy glass and an alarm. The Prado VX adds a set of 18-inch alloys, front parking sensors, surround-view camera, premium JBL sound system and DAB radio, as well as a full-sized spare tyre and small refrigerator. Toyota’s flagship Landcruiser Prado, the Kakadu, adds four-link rear suspension with adaptive air springs, surround-view camera, rear-seat entertainment system and multi-terrain select system.

Range Features:

• Dual Range 4x4 System
• 17-inch alloys
• 9-inch Infotainment System With Satellite Navigation
• Rear View Camera
• Keyless Entry & Start
• Bi-LED Headlights (GXL & above)
• Locking Rear Differential (GXL & above)
• 18-inch alloys (VX & above)
• Surround-view camera (VX & above)
• Four-Link Rear Suspension With Air Springs (Kakadu)
• Adaptive Suspension (Kakadu)

Toyota Landcruiser Prado Colours

Is The Toyota Landcruiser Prado Comfortable to Drive?

One of the main reasons the Prado has been a sales hit is down the fact that it ticks so many boxes in terms of everyday driveability, while having the ability to conquer pretty much any terrain you present it with. In that respect, the Prado is an undeniable performer that is comfortable on anything from rough, unsurfaced roads to the sealed tarmac of the city streets. As is typical with 4x4s, the steering is heavier than a typical passenger car, but the Prado is by no means difficult to drive, so long as the driver is aware of just how big the car is while navigating car parks or tight maneuvers. Around town, the Prado feels a little bit rougher around the edges than some of its competitors, but that’s what happens when you’re significantly more competent than they are when the road stops.

Is the Prado Confident Driving Off Road and Towing?

Thanks to its permanent dual-range 4x4 system and central Torsen limited-slip differential, the Landcruiser Prado is perhaps the best-in-class when the going gets tough. As we mentioned earlier, Toyota has updated the Prado range with a new 2.8-litre turbo diesel unit pushing out 150kW and 500Nm of torque to give you the push you need to get over any obstacles, or tow large objects without breaking a sweat.

Combined with Toyota’s clever engineering and experience with offroading, the Prado really is one of the best options when it comes to offroad exploring. Toyota has rated the Prado with ground clearance of 219mm, wading depth of 700mm and has an approach angle of 30.4° and departure angle of 23.5°.

In terms of sheer towing power, Toyota says that the Prado is capable of a 3,000kg braked towing capacity. 

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Toyota is well aware of the fact that a lot of Prados will be the car powering long road trips, and with that in mind, they’ve done an excellent job in the packaging of the Prado’s interior and ensuring it’s practical enough to accommodate a family-sized load of luggage. The interior design is fairly understated, with a utilitarian rather than stylistic approach to cabin design. For those with a family of young children, this will come as good news, because the surfaces are designed to be easy to clean after they’re trashed by your little ones.

The rear of the cabin has a huge amount of space for adult passengers, with the third-row of seats more suited to children and young teenagers when needed. In the boot, there is 620L of storage on offer in the five-seat, or 120L in the seven-seat configuration. If you’re looking for maximum volume for a growing family, you can upgrade the base model Prado with an added third row of seating, although this comes at a cost of $2,550; the GXL variants come with the third row as standard.

Is it Safe?

The latest Toyota Landcruiser Prado has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, and comes with a full suite of safety equipment even on the base model GX. This means that safety features like autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beam and traffic sign recognition are all included on all Prado models. Considering some of the Prado’s competitors leave out key safety features for more expensive variants, it’s nice to know Toyota is willing to throw in all this equipment on the base model GX.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Surprisingly, the Toyota Landcruiser Prado is not as thirsty as you might expect a large, heavy 4x4 SUV would be. Toyota’s official economy figure stands at 7.9L per 100km, which is surprisingly economical for a car of this type. Real-world driving figures will likely see these figures creep well above 9L per 100km, particularly in the city, but compared to its competitors, the latest Prado is relatively frugal on petrol than you might have thought.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota Landcruiser Prado Worth it?

Toyota has been manufacturing the Prado since 1984, and in that time, they’ve refined their recipe so effectively that it remains one of the most competent and common sense options if you’re looking for a towing workhorse, off road weapon and comfortable, family-friendly SUV all in a single package. The Prado is perhaps the segment leader in terms of all-round capability, build-toughness and value for money, and for those reasons, deserves a spot on your shortlist. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, don’t forget that you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. New 2.8-litre turbo diesel produces 150kW/500Nm
2. Permanent Dual-Range 4x4, Limited-Slip Differential, Locking Rear & Centre Diffs
3. Third-row seating available on base model ($2,550 option)
4. Five-Year, Unlimited KM Warranty
5. 7.2L Per 100-kilometre economy (claimed) 

Pros

• Active safety suite included on base model
• Outstanding performance on and off-road, and while towing
• Seven-Seat configuration is massively practical and flexible

Cons

• Can be difficult in tight spots
• Utilitarian cabin is unexciting 
• Spare wheel can eat up rear visibility

OnlineAuto Rating: 9.5/10

Toyota Landcruiser Prado Competition