This author has pushed loads of attention-grabbing vehicles through the years, with the intense blue mid-engine C8 Corvette maybe one of the crucial apparent candidates. Now we have to say we had been slightly shocked that the brand new Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX surpassed that.
Now coming into its fifth-generation, the J250 mannequin marks an entire departure from its predecessor. Ditching the glossy traces of the 2010s for boxy retro appears, it’s maybe no surprise we couldn’t go to a café, petrol station or grocery store with out being stopped.
What ensued was a prolonged dialogue, however maybe the true mark of its recognition is simply what number of of these folks informed us that they had an order in for one already. Thoughts you, the brand new Prado hasn’t arrived with out some controversy both.
Identified right here because the Prado as a result of we obtain the bigger 300 Collection LandCruiser, whereas in North America it’s merely a LandCruiser, it’s pushed some buttons, with compromised boot house, irritating third-row seating, and its ‘delicate hybrid’ powertrain.
That’s along with the eye-watering pricing, all of which has made the brand new Prado a hotly debated matter. To search out out simply what’s what, we grabbed the keys to the mid-spec VX mannequin for a stable 10-day take a look at the most recent Toyota to interrupt the web.
The VX mannequin is priced at a hefty $87,400 earlier than on-road prices, with probably the most inexpensive GX mannequin sitting at $72,500 and top-spec Kakadu solely a hair shy of six-digits. As a comparability level, the final old-gen Prado I drove was additionally a VX.
Again then although (in 2023), the worth tag learn $11,052 much less. While you hear anybody complaining about inflation, that is what they’re speaking about. With that stated, there’s no denying the brand new Prado takes some huge steps ahead.
Not solely is the design an absolute world-beater – though it’s onerous to choose between this and its Lexus GX fraternal twin – however the inside has jumped effectively over a decade ahead. Crystal clear 12.3-inch twin shows and a responsive working system now function.
The duo offers the central infotainment system and driver’s instrument cluster. There’s lots extra in the way in which of sentimental contact supplies all through the cabin as effectively, though it’s (maybe intentionally) not fairly at Lexus’ stage.
Regardless, you’ll actually be saved comfy with heated and ventilated entrance seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. There’s tri-zone local weather management, too, though the switches for it surprisingly really feel rather less stable than I’d anticipated.
The true controversy within the cabin, although, is in terms of the third-row seats and boot. With the rearmost row unable to be folded flat into the ground of the Prado, Toyota has fitted a detachable plastic storage field to create a stage ground.
Clearly an afterthought, even the development of this storage field feels as flimsy as a pre-election promise. The rationale why that is all vital, in fact, is as a result of no Prado variant comes with the mannequin’s as soon as iconic tailgate-mounted spare wheel anymore.
Certainly, a side-hinged tailgate is now not obtainable both, with all variants that includes a top-hinged providing with an openable rear window. There’s additionally room required for the hybrid system, consuming into much more under-floor house.
There’s no denying that when you open it, the boot is smaller than anticipated. Toyota claims three-row fashions supply 182-litres of cargo house, increasing to 906-litres with row three folded, and 1,829-litres when the second row drops.
The peak of the boot ground makes loading heavy objects fairly a chore. That stated, Toyota has introduced a 5-seat GXL is on its option to be a part of the two-row variations of the GX and Altitude, which have 954-litres of boot house (increasing to 1,895-litres).
The VX and Kakadu variants will stay seven-seater solely. The Prado additionally grabs the similar 48V hybrid system launched with the most recent HiLux replace, which replaces the alternator and ancillaries with an ‘built-in starter generator’ that harnesses regen braking energy.
The engine itself is a well-known one, the model’s longstanding 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, though it’s now backed by an 8-speed automated transmission. It delivers 150kW and 500Nm, with a claimed gas consumption of simply 7.6-litres/100km mixed.
With the 48V system introducing stop-start to this engine, it’s impressively fast to fireside again up when the lights flip inexperienced because it’s sans a standard starter motor. Other than that, the ability supply feels pretty much like a lot of the different automobiles you’ll discover it in.
The extra gears assist preserve it within the candy spot in the course of the rev vary extra of the time to make progress smoother, and we virtually by no means seen gear adjustments. Further off-roading functionality is useful too.
Taking it to Goolwa Seaside to make the 10km drive all the way down to the Murray Mouth, it dealt with even the loosest sand confidently, even earlier than enjoying round with the assorted off-road controls past the handy locking centre differential.
On the street, the steering is easy and progressive, and the experience high quality is effectively judged. While you peel again the layers to the origins of its platform and powertrain, it’s spectacular how refined it feels.
Other than the unmistakable clatter of a four-cylinder oiler, it’s worthy of the LandCruiser badge. Whether or not it’s going to be just right for you and/or your loved ones is one other query completely, and one which is a case-by-case foundation.
In the event you’re a solo traveller or adventurous couple, we doubt the boot state of affairs will likely be of a lot consequence. In the event you’re a household of 5 or extra needing to suit kids, kin, and issues, you’ll doubtless need to go for one thing with a extra versatile cargo space.
The Ford Everest, on this occasion, is the brand new Prado’s hardest impediment, whereas Toyota itself has admitted some consumers might look elsewhere in its personal 4×4 line-up. That stated, there may be an terrible lot to love about Toyota’s newest arrival, even with some compromises.
It’s not going to be for everybody, however for the fitting purchaser, we see it leaving them correctly stoked. In spite of everything, for a Thai-built Japanese automobile that one way or the other nonetheless feels this Aussie, what different adjective is there?
You will discover out extra on the Toyota Australia web site or by speaking to your native dealership. To get a low price finance quote, discuss to Credit score One, Australia’s greatest reviewed automobile finance dealer. To see an important vary of automobiles on the market, try OnlyCars.com.au.
Our take a look at car was supplied by Toyota Australia for impartial assessment functions.
