Overview
THE all-new LandCruiser Prado is actually dearer than the mannequin it replaces. Pricing begins from $72,500 plus on-road prices for the entry-level five-seat GX, making it near $10,000 greater than the kick-off value of the outgoing vary.
That stated, the distinction between the previous and the brand new is as clear as evening and day…
Not a lot is carried over into the new-generation mannequin other than the nameplate; though the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150kW of energy and 500Nm of torque will probably be acquainted to present Prado homeowners.
The 250 Sequence Prado provides 48-volt mild-hybrid help into the deal and two extra ratios within the computerized transmission (for a complete of eight). And the adjustments don’t cease there.
Constructed on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform – shared with the V6 petrol-powered Lexus GX, Toyota LandCruiser 300 Sequence, Toyota Tundra and others – the brand new Prado provides electrically assisted steering, a powered park brake, elevated towing capability (now 3500kg), and vital advances in energetic security and connectivity.
The towing capabilities of the brand new Prado are complemented by a tow/haul system that holds decrease gears longer, provides higher engine response throughout towing, and gives engine braking to assist gradual the car.
Off-roading skill is enhanced by the everlasting 4WD driveline, low-range gearing, centre differential, downhill help management and multi-mode traction management, in addition to 110 litres of gasoline capability.
5- and seven-seat configurations can be found, the extra spacious cab drawing on an extended wheelbase than earlier than and filled with options often discovered far larger up the mannequin stroll.
These embody a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment array paired with a 7.0-inch color multi-information show, a panoramic view monitor, 10-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio, and 4 USB-C charging ports.
Each grade is provided with cloud-based navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wi-fi Android Auto plus compatibility with Toyota Related Companies by way of the myToyota Join smartphone app.
Additional, all variants within the new Prado vary are fitted with Toyota’s newest energetic security applied sciences, together with a pre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise management and lane hint help.
Further particulars of what’s supplied in every variant and full mannequin pricing is obtainable right here.
Toyota affords the LandCruiser Prado with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee, capped-price servicing, and six-month/10,000km service intervals.
Driving Impressions
Physique-on-frame chassis preparations will not be sometimes probably the most obedient on-road companions. However the 250 Sequence LandCruiser Prado is a major step above the pack, and lightyears forward of its predecessor.
Coupled with extra wheel journey than earlier than, and lighter, electrically assisted steering, you would be forgiven for pondering the newest Prado is likely to be slightly ponderous. However that’s actually not the case.
Physique management is great usually, with the flexibility to get well from a high-speed swerve nothing wanting excellent. That stated, we’ve some reservations in regards to the softest Consolation setting of the adaptive dampers discovered within the range-topping Kakadu, which can be slightly too spongey for the applying.
The cushioned physique mounts and underbody panelling discovered within the new LandCruiser Prado additionally assist to attain a quieter trip. Actually, we reckon it’s virtually as quiet because the Land Rover Defender, barring a touch of wind noise from the distinguished door-mounted aspect mirrors.
Mechanical noise is equally properly attenuated. Regardless of the engine being carried over from the 150 Sequence Prado (and others), we discover an fascinating change in pitch due to revised consumption and exhaust manifolds that quietens the drama throughout heavy throttle functions.
Mated with a duteous and smooth-shifting transmission and there’s little or no NVH on which to comment. Put merely, the 250 Sequence LandCruiser Prado is way quieter and extra refined than virtually any competitor in its section.
Acceleration is regular, however not brisk. If you’ll want to race from the site visitors lights then the Prado isn’t for you. It’s evident the two.8-litre engine and eight-speed auto are geared as an alternative to supply pulling energy throughout the rev vary, and for low-end crawling with a load on board.
The brand new transmission works extremely properly on this state of affairs, speaking with the off-road assistants to lock up the torque converter and forge a means forward. It’s way more decisive than the six-speed Aisin unit it replaces whereas additionally offering a more in-depth ratio set for improved gasoline financial system.
Prado’s different off-road ‘rabbit’ comes from its manoeuvrability. Regardless of having a wheelbase now shared with the LandCruiser 300 Sequence (2850mm, or +60mm), its brief overhangs and quickened steering ratio means it’s a cinch to weave between timber and washaways (turning circle is listed at 12.0m).
Wheel placement is properly communicated and visibility glorious, the high-resolution digital camera system filling any gaps as required by way of a button now conveniently relocated forward of the gearshift.
For severe off-roaders, the Altitude model is prone to be a success – even when the $92,700 + ORC price ticket is a little bit of a stretch. Rear and centre diff locks, an prolonged record of off-road modes, crawl management and a disconnecting entrance sway bar add to wheel journey that exceeds the outgoing mannequin by as much as 20 per cent.
Very important off-road geometry figures see the Prado provide a wading depth of 700mm and floor clearance of 210mm (221mm on VX, Altitude and Kakadu). The car’s method angle is listed at 31 levels (32 levels on VX, Altitude and Kakadu) and departure angle 17 levels, however the break-over (or ramp-over) angle will not be suggested.
Surprisingly, and even on bigger diameter 20-inch wheels, the Prado affords glorious bump absorption on corrugated unsealed roads – and with the tyres at highway pressures. The double wishbone entrance and four-link stable rear association assists the Prado’s glorious damping in offering easy management over fast-changing highway surfaces.
The setup permits most tyre contact – and spectacular suggestions – even by way of mud and sand and is equally good in low-speed crawling and in steep terrain.
Positive, we’d have cherished a extra aggressive tyre, however for 90 per cent of consumers the usual setup is near perfect.
What isn’t perfect, nevertheless, is the compromised seven-seat association of the GXL, VX and Kakadu variants. A “storage resolution” resembling a flimsy Eski sits behind the third row of seats in an try to degree the stowed peak of the sixth and seventh seats for simpler loading.
There may be nonetheless a major hole between the second- and third row of seats to take care of, and a most weight restrict of 60kg on the lid of the storage field. We really feel the association is a compromise that received’t swimsuit rough-and-tumble off-road consumers, who’re as an alternative left simply two choices: the entry-grade GX or costly Altitude.
Storage capability throughout the line-up sees five-seat variants provide 954-1895 litres and seven-seat variants 182-906-1829 litres. The 48-volt battery system (a 4.3Ah lithium-ion unit) is saved beneath the third row of seats and the full-size spare wheel beneath the ground.
Entry to the cargo space is now by way of a top-hinged tailgate with a person folding glass part, and never the side-hinged tailgate with exterior spare wheel as earlier than.
With that stated, the third row of seats is extra person pleasant than earlier than. Bottle holders, USB-C cost factors, HVAC shops and elevated head and knee room make the rearmost seats a greater place to be. We even discovered them simpler to clamber out and in of, in no small half due to the well-placed ‘foot plates’ outboard of the second row.
Additional ahead the Prado cabin is a much more intuitive place to be with sensibly positioned switchgear (now not hidden from view within the decrease dashboard) providing simpler entry to generally used capabilities. The digital screens are set excessive and provide detailed, however not overwhelming, data pertinent to the driving setting.
Piano model buttons for the local weather management are welcomed (no fiddly touchscreen right here), as is a logical array of off-road controls set close to the gear shift. Although we solely spent a handful of hours within the new LandCruiser Prado, we have been shocked by how rapidly we may hit the fitting button with out taking our eyes from the highway. It’s actually a really intuitive structure certainly.
The extent of adjustability within the driver’s seat and steering column is properly matched to the Prado’s lowered dashboard and window line, permitting the driving force to take a seat comfortably low whereas nonetheless seeing out. If we have been to be choosy, the urethane steering wheel of the GX will not be for us, the leather-wrapped choices elsewhere within the vary a much better alternative in our opinion.
As we stated on the outset, the fifth-gen LandCruiser Prado may simply be one of the best household 4WD within the Aussie market. Positive, it’s pricier than earlier than, but it surely’s additionally much better outfitted, safer, extra trendy, and extra economical than the mannequin it replaces.
It’s now a really sturdy and credible challenger to the inimitable Land Rover Defender whereas additionally being a car that can wipe the ground with nearly every other Massive section four-wheel drive you care to call.
