Pros

  • Superb off-road ability
  • Comfortable, bump-flattening ride
  • Bulletproof reliability and build quality
  • Spacious and comfortable interior

Cons

  • Noticeable body roll, especially at speed
  • Using the third row seating restricts luggage space
  • Tech in early models is getting old
  • Interior feels dated

Verdict

While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.

The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado...

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Publish: July 2, 2021
ReDriven Red Power

More spacious than a Toyota RAV4, more rugged and off-road ready than a Toyota Kluger/Highlander yet not committing to the full-fat full-size LandCruiser and price tag, the Toyota Prado nails the diet-LandCruiser form perfectly.

Initially available as a three- or five-door, four-wheel-drive wagon, (the latter available with seven seats), the Toyota Prado also offers more refined SUV driving dynamics when compared to some of its 4×4 dual-cab-ute based counterparts.

Available in primarily six trim variants, a number of special editions and with a choice of diesel or petrol power plants, manual and automatic transmissions, the 150-series received regular updates to equipment and features during its life cycle with a subtle facelift in 2013.

This 2013 update, also called the 150-Mk.II, also saw the three-door Prado discontinued while the 150-Mk.III update in 2015 introduced Toyota’s 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. The 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol engine was also revised along with a new six-speed AC60F automatic transmission.

Styling and equipment was again updated in 2018 for the 150-Mk.IV while the petrol engines were discontinued, leaving all Prados to be powered by the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine.

2020/2021 saw more equipment updates, an increase in power and torque as well as subtle cosmetic changes.

While the Prado may be regarded as a potential zombie apocalypse vehicle and is even used by the United Nations in some of the world’s least desirable locations, do we recommend actually buying one? Read on.

More spacious than a Toyota RAV4, more rugged and off-road ready than a Toyota Kluger/Highlander yet not committing to the full-fat full-size LandCruiser and price tag, the Toyota Prado nails the diet-LandCruiser form perfectly.

Initially available as a three- or five-door, four-wheel-drive wagon, (the latter available with seven seats), the Toyota Prado also offers more refined SUV driving dynamics when compared to some of its 4×4 dual-cab-ute based counterparts.

Available in primarily six trim variants, a number of special editions and with a choice of diesel or petrol power plants, manual and automatic transmissions, the 150-series received regular updates to equipment and features during its life cycle with a subtle facelift in 2013.

This 2013 update, also called the 150-Mk.II, also saw the three-door Prado discontinued while the 150-Mk.III update in 2015 introduced Toyota’s 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. The 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol engine was also revised along with a new six-speed AC60F automatic transmission.

Styling and equipment was again updated in 2018 for the 150-Mk.IV while the petrol engines were discontinued, leaving all Prados to be powered by the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine.

2020/2021 saw more equipment updates, an increase in power and torque as well as subtle cosmetic changes.

While the Prado may be regarded as a potential zombie apocalypse vehicle and is even used by the United Nations in some of the world’s least desirable locations, do we recommend actually buying one? Read on.

More spacious than a Toyota RAV4, more rugged and off-road ready than a Toyota Kluger/Highlander yet not committing to the full-fat full-size LandCruiser and price tag, the Toyota Prado nails the diet-LandCruiser form perfectly.

Initially available as a three- or five-door, four-wheel-drive wagon, (the latter available with seven seats), the Toyota Prado also offers more refined SUV driving dynamics when compared to some of its 4×4 dual-cab-ute based counterparts.

Available in primarily six trim variants, a number of special editions and with a choice of diesel or petrol power plants, manual and automatic transmissions, the 150-series received regular updates to equipment and features during its life cycle with a subtle facelift in 2013.

This 2013 update, also called the 150-Mk.II, also saw the three-door Prado discontinued while the 150-Mk.III update in 2015 introduced Toyota’s 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. The 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol engine was also revised along with a new six-speed AC60F automatic transmission.

Styling and equipment was again updated in 2018 for the 150-Mk.IV while the petrol engines were discontinued, leaving all Prados to be powered by the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine.

2020/2021 saw more equipment updates, an increase in power and torque as well as subtle cosmetic changes.

While the Prado may be regarded as a potential zombie apocalypse vehicle and is even used by the United Nations in some of the world’s least desirable locations, do we recommend actually buying one? Read on.

Toyota Prado-1 Toyota Prado-2 Toyota Prado-3 Toyota Prado-4 Toyota Prado-5 Toyota Prado-6 Toyota Prado-7 Toyota Prado-8 Toyota Prado-9 Toyota Prado-10 Toyota Prado-12 Toyota Prado-13 Toyota Prado-14 Toyota Prado-15

  • Honestly, not a whole lot.
  • There can be issues with the electronically-modulated, kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) which can cost thousands to repair, however, we wouldn’t regard that as a common problem. If the Prado you’re looking at is leaning to one side, avoid it.
  • Very few issues with the Prado can be classified as a common and any problems are generally the result of abuse or a lack of maintenance
  • Be sure to check the service history and inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of abuse or damage
  • Honestly, not a whole lot.
  • There can be issues with the electronically-modulated, kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) which can cost thousands to repair, however, we wouldn’t regard that as a common problem. If the Prado you’re looking at is leaning to one side, avoid it.
  • Very few issues with the Prado can be classified as a common and any problems are generally the result of abuse or a lack of maintenance
  • Be sure to check the service history and inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of abuse or damage
  • Honestly, not a whole lot.
  • There can be issues with the electronically-modulated, kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) which can cost thousands to repair, however, we wouldn’t regard that as a common problem. If the Prado you’re looking at is leaning to one side, avoid it.
  • Very few issues with the Prado can be classified as a common and any problems are generally the result of abuse or a lack of maintenance
  • Be sure to check the service history and inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of abuse or damage

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV
  • 3-door SUV

Engine:

  • 2.8-litre 4-cyl, turbocharged diesel (2015 – current) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu)
  • 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel (2009 – 2015) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, SX, ZR)
  • 4.0-litre V6 petrol (2009 – 2018) (GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd manual four-wheel drive (2009 – 2020) (GX, GXL)
  • 5-spd sports automatic four-wheel drive (2009 – 2015) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, SX, ZR)
  • 6-spd sports automatic four-wheel drive (2015 – current) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, Kakadu Horizon)

Power:

  • 130kW – 150kW – 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 127kW – 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 202kW – 207kW – 4.0-litre V6 petrol

Torque:

  • 450Nm – 500Nm – 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 410Nm – 3.0 Litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 381Nm – 4.0-litre V6 petrol

Fuel use:

  • 7.0 – 7.9/100km (claimed for the 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel)
  • 8.5 – 8.8L/100km (claimed for the 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel)
  • 11.6L/100km (claimed for the 4.0-litre V6 petrol)

Dimension:

  • Height: (1845mm – 1880mm) – Depending on variant
  • Length: (4485mm – 4995mm) – Depending on variant
  • Width 1885mm
  • Kerb Weight: (2095kg – 2455kg) – Depending on variant

Capacities:

  • Towing braked (2500kg – 3000kg) – Depending on variant
  • Payload (535kg – 795kg) – Depending on variant

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV
  • 3-door SUV

Engine:

  • 2.8-litre 4-cyl, turbocharged diesel (2015 – current) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu)
  • 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel (2009 – 2015) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, SX, ZR)
  • 4.0-litre V6 petrol (2009 – 2018) (GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd manual four-wheel drive (2009 – 2020) (GX, GXL)
  • 5-spd sports automatic four-wheel drive (2009 – 2015) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, SX, ZR)
  • 6-spd sports automatic four-wheel drive (2015 – current) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, Kakadu Horizon)

Power:

  • 130kW – 150kW – 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 127kW – 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 202kW – 207kW – 4.0-litre V6 petrol

Torque:

  • 450Nm – 500Nm – 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 410Nm – 3.0 Litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 381Nm – 4.0-litre V6 petrol

Fuel use:

  • 7.0 – 7.9/100km (claimed for the 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel)
  • 8.5 – 8.8L/100km (claimed for the 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel)
  • 11.6L/100km (claimed for the 4.0-litre V6 petrol)

Dimension:

  • Height: (1845mm – 1880mm) – Depending on variant
  • Length: (4485mm – 4995mm) – Depending on variant
  • Width 1885mm
  • Kerb Weight: (2095kg – 2455kg) – Depending on variant

Capacities:

  • Towing braked (2500kg – 3000kg) – Depending on variant
  • Payload (535kg – 795kg) – Depending on variant

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV
  • 3-door SUV

Engine:

  • 2.8-litre 4-cyl, turbocharged diesel (2015 – current) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu)
  • 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel (2009 – 2015) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, SX, ZR)
  • 4.0-litre V6 petrol (2009 – 2018) (GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd manual four-wheel drive (2009 – 2020) (GX, GXL)
  • 5-spd sports automatic four-wheel drive (2009 – 2015) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, SX, ZR)
  • 6-spd sports automatic four-wheel drive (2015 – current) (GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, Kakadu, Kakadu Horizon)

Power:

  • 130kW – 150kW – 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 127kW – 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 202kW – 207kW – 4.0-litre V6 petrol

Torque:

  • 450Nm – 500Nm – 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 410Nm – 3.0 Litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel
  • 381Nm – 4.0-litre V6 petrol

Fuel use:

  • 7.0 – 7.9/100km (claimed for the 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel)
  • 8.5 – 8.8L/100km (claimed for the 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel)
  • 11.6L/100km (claimed for the 4.0-litre V6 petrol)

Dimension:

  • Height: (1845mm – 1880mm) – Depending on variant
  • Length: (4485mm – 4995mm) – Depending on variant
  • Width 1885mm
  • Kerb Weight: (2095kg – 2455kg) – Depending on variant

Capacities:

  • Towing braked (2500kg – 3000kg) – Depending on variant
  • Payload (535kg – 795kg) – Depending on variant

Warranty:

3 years/unlimited kms

Servicing:

15,000kms or every 12 months

 

Model range, pricing and features

Toyota Prado-1

GX (2009 - 2021)

Price when new: $49,170 - $59,840

Price used: $16,650 - $64,600

The base spec Prado GX is still loaded with features and equipment and is as immensely capable off-road as it is refined on-road.

The technology fitted to earlier GX models is starting to feel quite dated and more recent examples are fitted with some excellent safety features but while the GX makes for an excellent platform to build an accessory-laden off-roading monster, we’d recommend looking higher up the Prado food chain.

Standard features:

  • Five seats on GX (7-seat option)
  • 12-volt auxiliary sockets
  • 6-speaker stereo
  • 9-speaker stereo (From 2017)
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • 240-volt sockets (From 2015)
  • ABS
  • Air conditioning pollen filter
  • Air conditioning rear
  • 7 airbags
  • 5-star ANCAP rating
  • Auxiliary tank (optional)
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB/AUX and iPod connectivity
  • 7-inch colour screen
  • First and second row bottle holders
  • Brake assist
  • Brake emergency display (From 2015)
  • Rear vision camera
  • CD player (until 2020)
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (From 2020)
  • Central locking key proximity
  • Selectable centre differential
  • Electronic stability control
  • Traction control
  • Trailer sway control
  • Cruise control
  • Cooler compartment
  • Dual range transmission
  • Electronic brake force distribution (EDB)
  • Engine immobiliser
  • Gloss finish inserts
  • GPS (From 2017)
  • Halogen headlights (From 2017)
  • Keyless start
  • Hill-start assist and downhill assist (GX auto models from 2014)
  • Centre limited slip differential (4-wheel drive)
  • Multi-function control screen
  • Multi-function steering wheel
  • Front, middle (transmission case) and rear skid plates
  • Full size rear mounted spare wheel (alloy)
  • Cloth Trim
  • Velour Trim (From 2015)
  • Trip Computer
  • Autonomous emergency braking (standard on all automatic models from 2018)
  • Pedestrian detection (standard on all automatic models from 2018)
  • Active cruise control (standard on all automatic models from 2018)
  • Lane departure alert (standard on all automatic models from 2018)
  • Auto high-beam (standard on all automatic models from 2018)
  • Toyota Link app-ware (From 2018)
  • Pedestrian detection at night (From 2020)
  • Cyclist detection during the day (From 2020)
  • Brake to steer lane-keeping technology (From 2020)
  • Speed sign recognition (From 2020)

GXL (2009 - 2021)

Price when new: $57,040 - $66,540

Price used: $15,850 - $70,450

The sweet spot of the range, we feel the GXL is all the Prado anyone really needs.

While early models may be lacking in modern tech, the GXL offers just the right amount of creature comforts over the GX. If your budget allows exploration higher up the Prado food chain, wonderful, however, an accessory laden GXL for a similar asking price as a later model higher spec Prado is a superb option.

GXL adds:

  • Seven seats as standard
  • Alarm
  • Bumpers painted body colour
  • Door handles painted body colour
  • Exterior mirrors painted body colour
  • Cargo blind rear
  • Side steps
  • Rear park distance control
  • First second and third row cup holders
  • First, second, third row head airbags (From 2009)
  • Front fog lights
  • 3-zone climate control
  • LED fog lights (From 2017)
  • LED headlights (From 2017)
  • Daytime running LED lamps (From 2017)
  • LED headlights with headlight washers (From 2017)
  • LED tail lights (From 2017)
  • Leather gear knobLeather hand brake lever
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Power door mirrors folding and heated
  • Rear windows extra dark 
  • Roof rails
  • Rear seats slide adjustment
  • Second row reclining seats
  • Third row split folding seats
  • Flat back tailgate (no-cost option from 2018)
  • Rear diff-lock (From 2018)

 

Altitude (2012 - 2017)

Price when new: $65,600 - $69,490

Price used: $24,800 - $55,750

Bridging the price and equipment gap between the GXL and VX, the Altitude special edition featured every year or so from 2012 to 2017, equipped with various additions over the GXL.

Altitude adds:

  • 14-speaker premium sound system
  • 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels (2015)
  • 18-inch alloy wheels (2017)
  • Second row blu-ray player
  • Chrome side body mouldings
  • Hill descent control
  • First row electric seats (2015)
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror (2015)
  • Headlights with electric level adjustments
  • Wireless headphones for rear passengers
  • Leather seats
  • Digital radio (DAB+)
  • Third row flat folding seats
  • Electric sunroof
  • Tailgate with opening window

VX (2009 - 2021)

Price when new: $70,990 - $78,990

Price used: $20,950 - $82,450

The VX marks the Prado range dipping its toes into the luxury realm of seriously capable off-roaders.

As you’ll see below, even early VX Prados are loaded with features and equipment.

More recent versions continue this trend on and while the VX potentially offers a more refined Prado to tackle the day to day grind, it loses nothing in off-road ability.

VX adds:

  • Multi-zone climate control
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Cargo tie down rails
  • Front park distance control
  • Leather-accented seats
  • Automatic headlights
  • Automatic LED headlights (From 2014)
  • Headlamp jet washers (From 2014)
  • First and second row heated seats
  • Rain sensing automatic wipers (From 2014)
  • Active off-road suspension
  • Electronically modulated kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) (From 2018)
  • 17-speaker premium JBL audio system
  • Satellite navigation (From 2014)
  • Voice recognition
  • Wood/leather gear knob
  • Woodgrain dashboard inserts
  • Woodgrain door inserts
  • Power-folding third-row seats (From 2014)
  • Electro-chromatic interior mirror
  • Chrome interior door handles
  • Power adjustment for the tilt and telescopic steering column
  • 360-degree camera and terrain monitor (From 2018)
  • Blind-spot monitor (From 2018)
  • Rear cross-traffic alert (From 2018)
  • Ventilated seats (From 2018)
  • Cool box (From 2018)

Kakadu (2009 - 2021)

Price when new: $83,100 - $92,590

Price used: $25,500 - $90,950

Depending on year model, the top spec all the bells and whistles Kakadu offers some incredible off-roading equipment and technology while wrapping its occupants in the most luxurious environment a Prado can muster.

If you’re after the ultimate touring Prado and if you can afford it, find a Kakadu.

Kakadu adds:

  • Power adjustable steering column with memory setting
  • Blind spot sensor
  • Front, side and rear vision four-camera multi-terrain monitor cameras
  • Cool box in centre console
  • Cruise control with distance control and low speed off-road
  • Electronic differential lock
  • Rear passenger headphones plug in and wireless (From 2014)
  • Air electronic and auto levelling adaptive variable suspension
  • Five-mode selectable multi-terrain traction control system
  • Five-setting CRAWL cruise control system
  • Millimetre-wavelength radar sensor
  • Moonroof
  • Wood/leather steering wheel
  • Key-linked driver’s memory seat and steering wheel (From 2014)

SX (3-door, 2009 - 2013)

Price when new: $55,990 - $56,090

Price used: $16,850 - $29,950

The SX is basically a 3-door version of the 5-door GX.

SX adds:

  • See GX features

ZR (3-door, 2009 - 2013)

Price when new: $65,904 - $67,990

Price used: $20,450 - $36,100

The ZR is very closely related to the 5-door Kakadu, featuring many of the top spec Prados equipment and features.

ZR adds:

  • CRAWL control
  • Four-camera Multi Terrain Monitor (MTM)
  • Multi Terrain Select (MTS)
  • Electronic locking rear differential
  • 18-inch wheels
  • 12-speaker premium Pioneer DVD multi-changer,
  • Touch-screen satellite navigation
  • Refrigerated cool box
  • Moonroof
  • Rain-sensing intermittent wipers
  • Auto on/off headlamps
  • Jet headlamp washers
  • Privacy glass
  • Front parking sensors
  • Front-seat heaters
  • Illuminated entry
  • Electro-chromatic interior mirror
  • Power adjustment steering column
  • Sun visor extensions
  • High-gloss and metal-look instrument panel
  • Time-delay lights.

While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.

The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado retains value incredibly well and with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, should outlast humanity.

Yes, you should buy a Prado.

The sweet spot of the range is a post-2015 GXL. Find one loaded with quality aftermarket accessories with relatively low kilometres and a perfect service history and in excellent condition however, all Prados are highly recommended.

Overall, our tip is to work out your strict budget, define exactly what you’re going to be doing with your Prado and what level of luxury and equipment you absolutely need, then find the Prado that fits those requirements in a colour you like.

While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.

The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado retains value incredibly well and with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, should outlast humanity.

Yes, you should buy a Prado.

The sweet spot of the range is a post-2015 GXL. Find one loaded with quality aftermarket accessories with relatively low kilometres and a perfect service history and in excellent condition however, all Prados are highly recommended.

Overall, our tip is to work out your strict budget, define exactly what you’re going to be doing with your Prado and what level of luxury and equipment you absolutely need, then find the Prado that fits those requirements in a colour you like.

While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.

The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado retains value incredibly well and with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, should outlast humanity.

Yes, you should buy a Prado.

The sweet spot of the range is a post-2015 GXL. Find one loaded with quality aftermarket accessories with relatively low kilometres and a perfect service history and in excellent condition however, all Prados are highly recommended.

Overall, our tip is to work out your strict budget, define exactly what you’re going to be doing with your Prado and what level of luxury and equipment you absolutely need, then find the Prado that fits those requirements in a colour you like.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of July 02, 2021.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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