Over the years, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has established itself as one of the most accomplished off-roaders on the South African market. While many SUVs are bought for ‘curb appeal’, the Prado leverages its Land Cruiser DNA to deliver when the going gets tough. It’s a car that has proven to be so much for than just a pretty face and owners have come to rely on the robust construction and go-anywhere capability that the Land Cruiser badge signifies. With a new engine, tech, and appeal, the new Prado offers improved fuel consumption and engine efficiency as well as increased towing capacity, making it the ideal workhorse for adventurous types.
Power up
At the heart of the revised range is the new 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo diesel engine with an additional 30kW of power and 100Nm of torque. The old five-speed transmission has also been updated to a six-speed automatic transmission, giving you more power when you need it most.
The Prado’s overlanding and towing credentials also benefit from this higher-performance engine while also promising better fuel economy with fuel consumption improving to 7.9 litres/100km. What’s more, a newly-fitted balance shaft helps smooth out engine vibrations, improving NVH performance and contributing to an even higher degree of refinement.
The 4.0-litre petrol engine continues unaltered (also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission). Maximum power is 202 kW at 5,600rpm, with peak torque of 381Nm delivered at 4,400rpm.
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New Infotainment
A new-generation multimedia system is fitted across the range, which now incorporates a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Customers are able to utilise mobile-phone-services such as Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, SoundCloud etc. to enhance their driving experience – while providing enhanced telephony and messaging interfaces ‘on-the-fly’. An embedded satellite navigation system complements the aforementioned smartphone functionality – particularly useful when out of signal range.
Standard Specifications
With three-grade options to choose from; TX, VX and VX-L, there’s a Prado to suit your needs and budget.
The entry-level TX variants come well equipped with features like automatic dual-zone climate control, a 6-speaker touch audio system, cruise control, park distance control, keyless entry, three power outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, 3rd row seating and reverse camera. The refrigerated centre console helps make light work of road trips or bushveld excursions.
Upgrading to the VX model will get you even more comfort and convenience with the addition of features like a 14-speaker Premium audio system with woofer, power tilt-and-telescopic steering adjustment, and rain-sensing wipers.
The flagship VX-L versions feature Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which encompasses Pre-Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). A power-operated tilt-and-slide moonroof completes the VX-L package.
Off-road technologies
The new Prado really shines when its put to the test off-road. All Prado models feature Toyota’s Active Traction Control system (A-TRAC), which actively regulates wheel-slip, by directing torque to the wheel with the most traction. The system is capable of applying braking pressure to wheels individually to maximise traction.
The Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system in the VX and VX-L models offers five pre-configured modes (mud & sand, loose rock, mogul, rock & dirt and rock) to allow the driver to select the correct mode depending on the ‘road’ ahead.
New for 2020 is the inclusion of ‘Drive Mode Select’ on 2.8 VX and VX-L variants which also offers five modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Normal and Eco) to adapt vehicle dynamics according to driver preference.
Colour & trim
The new Prado is available in a total of eight colours, ranging from Glacier White to the sophisticated Blackish Ageha (a dark metallic teal).
Buyers also have the choice of two interior colour schemes on the VX and VX-L; Black and ‘Neutral Beige’. A matte-finish Walnut wood trim is paired with the Black interior, whilst the Beige iteration is paired with matte Oak accents. TX models forego the wood trim for a classic black interior design.
Model Line-Up & Pricing
Prado 2.8L Diesel TX – R 939,900
Prado 4.0L Petrol VX – R 1,029,000
Prado 2.8L Diesel VX – R 1,060,600
Prado 4.0L Petrol VX-L – R 1,072,600
Prado 2.8L Diesel VX-L – R 1,105,800
All Prado models are sold with a 9-services/90 000 km service plan – with 10 000 km service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
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