Toyota Prado

Share on facebook
Share on whatsapp
Share on twitter
Share on email

Truly Masterful Toyota Prado.

By Rubin van Niekerk

Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu explains: “We have changed our perception and believe that this Land Cruiser model should be offered as a practical and affordable off-roader. We resolved that going back to our roots would be core to the Land Cruiser brand going forward.”

The new Land Cruiser Prado has an unrivalled global reputation for strength, reliability and coping with the harshest conditions.
Land Cruiser evolved into three parallel series, namely the 300 Series a Luxury SUV, the Utility Focused world famous 70-series which is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the Versatile Option that includes Prado.
Prado evolved closer in character to the luxurious and larger Land Cruiser 300. Excellent authentic off-road performance and new GA-F platform frame is ideal for passengers and cargo. 
Land Cruiser was born 73 years ago as the “Toyota BJ”, on 1 August 1951 and became the first vehicle to successfully climb to the sixth station on the slopes of Mount Fuji.
It’s one of Toyota’s best-selling models, with more than 11,3 million sales to date globally. This ageless yet modern fully-fledged off-roader thrives in harsh conditions and damaged parts are easy to replace. Overall length is 4 925mm, width 1 980mm, height 1 935mm and the wheelbase is 2 850mm.
Standard headlights are a slim oblong triple-eye arrangement of LEDs, alongside vertically arranged turn indicator and daytime running lights. Front fog lights are deeply recessed in the bumper corners and all corners are chamfered for manoeuvrability.
It has great views ahead and to the side while a bonnet shape with raised sides makes it easier to locate the vehicle’s corners.
Comprehensive Toyota-approved accessories like roof rails, side steps and roof tents simplify tailoring vehicles.
Many details enhance aerodynamics, like deformable spats at the front wheels reduces airflow and helps cooling the brake discs.
Interior layout emphasises durability, quality and measures to reduce fatigue. Horizontal lines on the instrument panel and upper door mouldings assists orientation in challenging conditions.
A high set instrument combimeter and multimedia display has easy visibility and a wide console area with close driving controls for intuitive operation. Sharp digital graphics are clear, and a multimedia system is accessed via a high-definition touchscreen. Simple toggle or push control switches operate in unified methods.
The Land Cruiser Prado range has seven-seat interiors and supportive front seats are available with power adjustment. Second-row seats in a bench arrangement divides 60:40, and the third row has two seats that can be folded flat manually or with power control. Luggage capacity increases when the third-row seats are folded, a top-hanged rear door improves access and has an opening glass hatch.
A re-engineered 2,8-litre turbodiesel engine improves performance and fuel efficiency with 150kW at 3 000rpm matched to a smooth new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Maximum torque of 500Nm from 1 600rpm, enables tow loads up to 3 500kg.
The differential locking system changed from a motor to a solenoid type, giving 85% quicker response when stranded.
Off-road character reflects in the retention of a body-on-frame construction, but its capability is a step above the previous model. A performance enhancing new GA-F platform and frame, also features in the new Land Cruiser 300. Torsional rigidity of the frame increased by 50%, which improves handling.
A more direct electric power steering system (EPS) has less kickback on rough surfaces and easier manoeuvrability at all speeds. It also enables Lane Tracing Assist as part of its Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance package.
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) gives stable braking without wheel-lock, maintaining low speed on steep descents.
Crawl Control in off-road/downhill driving avoids wheelspin and wheel-locking.
The Land Cruiser Prado has many convenience and safety features like Clearance and Parking Sonar, 7 x USB ports, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Prado TX has comprehensive standard innovations and conveniences like seat heater and ventilation, Auto Headlamp Levelling and a 6-speaker sound system.
The VX-R has a 5-mode Drive selector (versus 3-mode in the TX) power folding seats, heads-up display (HUD), wireless charger, fridge, heated steering wheel, 10-speaker sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay. Front lighting elements are individual LED items in VX-R guise while 2nd row passengers have seat heating, and ventilation with a power moonroof.
Robust construction gives protection in the event of impact and many safety features help prevent accidents.
Toyota owners can have a personal MyToyota profile activated by Toyota SA, providing a platform to quickly access all information and services related to their vehicle(s). All new Toyotas have a device available that opens up a whole new world of features like in-car WiFi capability and supplementary Connect services.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado pricing:
• Prado 2,8GD TX: R1 296 300
• Prado 2,8GD VX-R: R1 448 900

Land Cruiser Prado models have a 9 services/90 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Customers can purchase service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the comprehensive Toyota dealer network (220 outlets).
www.toyota.co.za

 

Join our
Mailing List

* indicates required
/ ( mm / dd )