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Toyota Prado SUV

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Toyota Prado SUV Review

Price range:

$55,990 - $88,990

Car Verdict rating:

Good:

One of our favourites: distinctive bold styling - agriculturally urbane - simple & functional interior - powerful & economical engines PLUS unbelievable off-road applicability & capability.

Not so Good:

Entry pricing is a bit steep; however, the top of the range Kakadu has all the off-road tricks & treats. Luggage capacity is reduced when the third row is in use...

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Toyota Prado SUV Competitors

Toyota FJ Cruiser 40 from: $44,490 car review	Jeep Wrangler 30 from: $31,590 car review	Mitsubishi Challenger 30 from: $36,990 car review
Mitsubishi Pajero 30 from: $45,490 car review	Nissan Pathfinder 30 from: $48,490 car review	Ssangyong Rexton 20 from: $35,990 car review

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Toyota Prado SUV Review

Design and Engineering	Good	It’s the Prince Of The Road in our books, second only to the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series. The Prado is now available in two bodystyles - the 5-door and a new 3-door! About 25% of Prado owners take their vehicle off-road at least once a month so it’s no wonder there is so much off-road technology packed into the new model. Exterior design uses a few design cues from the LandCruiser 200 Series and softens it a touch...
Design and Engineering	Not so good	The spare wheel mounted on the rear tailgate obscures some of your rear vision when parking - but this is compensated by the reversing camera.
Interior and Styling	Good	The very spacious & comfortable interior provides great frontal visibility. The optional third row seats fold flat into the floor offering a good amount of luggage space and for even more room the second row can also be folded flat. As Prado’s are more than likely to be driven to school & back and used for the weekend drives, safety is paramount - all Prado's come standard with ABS brakes, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction control, Vehicle Stability Control (ESP), driver & passenger front &d side airbags, curtain airbags & driver’s knee airbag. Impressive list, huh!?
Interior and Styling	Not so good	The interior is similar to the LandCruiser 200 Series. The knobs and buttons are not the most modern, but it does the job.
Performance	Good	Engines include a 3.0L Turbo Diesel & a 4.0L V6 Petrol. So far we have only driven the Diesel - and we like it (on and off-road). It has 127kW and 420 Nm of torque; the Prado performs very well for a vehicle of its size, its power and fuel economy are impressive... Top of the range Kakadu comes with the CRAWL off-road system, this system maintains the vehicle speed in difficult off-road conditions letting the driver just steer PLUS exterior cameras giving you vision of the terrain surrounding the vehicle!
Performance	Not so good	Acceleration to 80km/h is fine - however, building up speed over 80km/h for overtaking requires some more oomph.
Ride and Handling	Good	The new Prado has passenger-car-like comfort & handling AND although it's fitted with all-terrain tyres it's only during tight corners you’ll notice you’re in an SUV.
Ride and Handling	Not so good	The Prado still uses a rear live axle and on the base model (without the KDSS suspension) there is still some body roll. The comfortable soft suspension means you’ll feel the Prado nose-dive somewhat during harder braking.
Buying and Owning	Good	If you’re after a large car - that can tow - and offer the luggage space of a wagon - and the seating capacity of a People Mover - and you have that little bit extra to spend we would recommend you don't look past the Prado. Toyota SUV's are the best at holding a high residual value PLUS they are very reliable and capable of doing the big trips without hassle.
Buying and Owning	Not so good	The new Prado is more expensive than the superseded model - however it is packed to the rafters with new technology and improved build quality.