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
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
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...
Publish: July 2, 2021
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.
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 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 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 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
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.
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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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We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...