Review - 2023 Toyota LandCruiser Prado

Offering buyers a spacious and comfortable seven-seat layout with some hardcore off-road underpinnings, the Prado is one of the most confident and versatile SUV packages you’ll find on sale today.

The current Prado is beginning to show some signs of its age, though, which begs the question of just how well it performs, and how much value is on offer in everything from the base model to the range-topping LandCruiser Prado.

Let’s take a closer look to find out how it stacks up.

Starting Price: $62,830

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How Much Does It Cost?

Toyota’s entry-level LandCruiser Prado GX is priced at $62,830, while stepping up to the Prado GXL brings the price tag to $69,530.

From here, the range moves to the Prado VX which is priced at $78,348, while prices for the the range-topping Prado Kakadu stand at $88,998.

Keep in mind that prices listed here are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

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Toyota Landcruiser Prado (GXL) Specifications

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

What Features Does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado Have?

Toyota’s entry-level Prado GX comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and is packed with halogen headlights with LED daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry & start, cloth upholstery with rubber floor mats, heated power-folding mirrors, a rear-view camera, hill-descent control, a 4.2-inch driver’s display and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Prado GXL adds a set of Bi-LED headlights, rear locking differential, three-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, side steps, roof rails and a leatherette steering wheel.

The Prado VX comes fitted with 18-inch alloys and a full-sized spare, as well as a surround-view camera with front parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, refrigerated storage box, DAB+ radio and an upgraded 14-speaker sound system from JBL.

Finally, the range-topping Prado Kakadu receives some off-road gear including a four-link rear suspension system with air springs, adaptive suspension, multi-terrain select modes, crawl control, a moonroof and a 9.0-inch rear seat display with wireless headphones.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys

• Halogen headlights with LED daytime running lamps

• Adaptive cruise control

• Cloth upholstery with rubber floor mats

• Keyless entry & start

• Rear-view camera

• 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Bi-LED headlights (GXL)

• Rear parking sensors (GXL)

• Rear locking differential (GXL)

• Side steps & roof rails (GXL)

• 18-inch alloys with full-sized spare (VX)

• Heated and ventilated front seats (VX)

• Surround-view camera with front parking sensors (VX)

• 14-speaker JBL sound system (VX)

• Adaptive suspension with four-link rear suspension (Kakadu)

• Multi-terrain select modes with crawl control (Kakadu)

• Moonroof (Kakadu)

• 9.0-inch rear display with wireless headphones (Kakadu)

Toyota LandCruiser Prado Colours

The LandCruiser Prado is available in Glacier White and Ebony as a no-cost colour option, while Eclipse Black, Dusty Bronze, Graphite, Silver Pearl, Wildfire, Espresso Brown, Crystal Pearl and Peacock Black are priced as a $675 optional extra.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

The Prado’s tough platform has made it one of the most versatile SUV packages on the road here in Australia, and remains extremely comfortable on short hops around town and confident on long-distance off-road tours.

Power for the entire Prado range is provided by the same turbo-diesel engine, which is something for price-conscious buyers to keep in mind.

Under the bonnet you’ll find Toyota’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4x4 system.

On the road, the Prado’s engine offers enough power to get up to speed in a remarkably smooth manner, while it’s not what you’d call fast. Having said that, Toyota’s top priority, and has instead turned its attention to making the Prado both tough and usable on pretty much any road or surface you can throw at it.

Around town, Toyota’s decision to stick with a hydraulic steering rack rather than an electronic system means it can feel bulkier than some of its rivals, but it is still accessible for most drivers, although it could use some more driver feedback as you pick up the pace.

It is exceptionally smooth and comfortable while driving around town thanks to its rugged suspension package, though, and makes for a very relaxing commuter with a heap of versatility up its sleeve.

As a complete package, the Prado is impressively smooth on a variety of Australian roads and feels tough as nails, which is a nod to Toyota’s build quality and the adventurous spirit of the Prado.

How Does the Prado Perform Off-Road and While Towing?

The Toyota Prado boasts some of the most impressive off-road specs for any family-friendly SUV package on the market, with 219mm of ground clearance on offer, a wading depth of up to 700mm, and steep approach & departure angles standing at 30.4 and 23.5 degrees respectively.

In base form, the Prado GX is fitted with a low-range transfer case with downhill assist and traction control, while the GXL picks up a rear locking differential that helps climb some particularly tricky terrain.

The ruggedness and articulation of the suspension and low-range 4x4 system in the entry-level GX will have most drivers covered, while those demanding a locking rear-differential have the option of stepping up to the GXL without breaking the bank.

For those looking for more off-road gear, though, the range-topping Kakadu receives an adaptive variable suspension system, five-speed crawl control, multi-terrain select and kinetic dynamic suspension system that make it undoubtedly the most hardcore Prado in the range.

In terms of towing power, the Prado range offers braked towing capacity figures of 3000kg, which trails some of its key rivals that offer braked towing figures of 3500kg.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The Prado’s large platform lends itself perfectly to the world of family motoring, and while it’s beginning to show some serious signs of its age inside, it remains a comfortable and practical offering for large Australian families.

In the front of the cabin, the Prado’s cockpit is straightforward and familiar to Toyota’s other vehicles, with manual adjustment for the steering wheel and seat position in the GX and GXL, while the VX and above gain electronic adjustment.

In terms of space and comfort, the Prado’s cabin offers acres of headroom and space to stretch out thanks to its large proportions, with a high-riding dashboard housing the 9.0-inch infotainment system dropping vertically into a storage area in the centre tunnel.

Practicality is a strong point inside the Prado, with two folding storage areas behind the gear lever, two-tiers of storage inside the massive folding armrest with a small storage area just beside it, although it could use some extra USB ports to keep everyone happy and fully-charged.

In terms of seating seven people, the GX’s cabin is fitted with five seats as standard, with the option of a seven-seat interior available, while the GXL and above gain a seven-seat layout as standard.

The Prado’s second row is comfortable and more than spacious enough for tall adults, meaning any kids in the back of the Prado will be extremely happy, especially considering the second row can both slide and recline.

The second row of the Prado’s cabin features a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for forward and rear-facing child seats, with the added bonus of a folding armrest with cupholders and air vents.

Move to the third row of the cabin and space is more suited to young children than adults, with a comfortable pair of seats on offer in the third row, with boot space figures standing at 104L with all three rows standing, expanding to 553L with the third row folded and up to 974L with all seats folded down.

Is it Safe?

The LandCruiser Prado’s previous five-star ANCAP safety rating expired earlier this year, which means it has no current safety rating until it undergoes another round of testing with ANCAP.

For reference, the previous rating stood at five-stars, with an overall score of 35.11 out of 37.

As standard, the Prado range picks up Toyota’s Safety Sense suite that includes autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, active cruise control, trailer sway control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and seven airbags in the cabin.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine powering the LandCruiser Prado is rated at 7.9L per 100km on a combined cycle, which puts it on the thirstier side of the turbo-diesel fuel economy spectrum, but is perfectly acceptable considering the weight the engine has to push around.

Our Verdict: Is the LandCruiser Prado Worth it?

While the current-generation LandCruiser Prado might be showing some signs of its ageing platform and technology packages, it remains exceptionally comfortable and over-performer when pushed off-road.

True to its original design brief, the Prado confidently ticks both boxes of family-friendly motoring and rugged off-road abilities that many Australian drivers demand from their SUV, and while it is lacking in some small areas, it remains one of the best in the segment.

As a result, we can’t help but recommend you add the LandCruiser Prado to your shortlist if you’re in the market for a comfortable, versatile and tough seven-seat SUV with a hugely adventurous spirit.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, 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. Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty

2. No current ANCAP safety rating; previously five-stars from 2011 testing

3. 2.8-litre turbo-diesel produces 150kW/500Nm

4. 7.9L/100km combined cycle fuel economy

5. Full-time 4x4 system with low-range transfer case; locking rear diff for GXL and above

Pros

• Impressive off-road abilities; particularly for Kakadu flagship

• Smooth engine and transmission combination

• Comfortable suspension for town driving and B-roads

Cons

• Ageing interior design

• Lacking in technology department; needs some extra USB ports

• 3000kg braked towing capacity trails rivals

• No rear parking sensors on entry-level GX

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Toyota LandCruiser Prado Competition