We headed up to the Blue Mountains in a Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu. This model comes with all the little luxuries that makes a 4WD comfortable.

As it’s the middle of winter it was exceptionally cold. Heated front seats were appreciated as was the general cabin heating.

Its especially comfortable inside. You seem to just relax into the seats and there was plenty of room for me. Also there seems to be a place for everything. Wireless charging tray, large cup holders for the coffees and hot chocolates and a huge centre console bin.

Rear seats are spacious and come with two isofix and thee top tether points for bay seats. However the boot space is surprisingly limited with an intrusive hump, which apparently houses the hybrid battery.

I actually think it would be squashed to take a pram and all the baby gear needed. Given the size of the 4WD that’s a bit disappointing

The roads were icy and snowy so the Full time 4WD was a great safety feature.

The mild hybrid diesel engine has plenty of performance and the economy is excellent.

Prado Kakadu is priced from about $100,000 dollars plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Prado Kakadu – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Prado Kakadu – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the LandCruiser Prado Kakadu could also look at:

Buyers of the Prado Kakadu could also look at the following: Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X XT, Lexus GX, GWM Tank 500, Land Rover Defender, KGM Rexton, Nissan Patrol

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While its capable off road, the Kakadu is destined to spend most of its time around town  and doing the school run. With trips to the snow or weekend retreat as a break from the daily routine.

The new Prado comes with a completely new exterior style and interior makeover. But with many familiar underpinnings.

The 2.8 litre turbo diesel 48Volt mild hybrid engine is a carry-over from the previous model. It has reasonable performance and economy. Full time 4WD and an eight-speed automatic transmission complete the picture.

Little luxuries like:

• heated and ventilated front and outer rear seats
• electric front seats with adjustable lumbar support
• wireless smart phone connectivity and charging and a
• 20-inch alloy wheels

All add to the ambience.

The outer middle row seats have isofix and to tether points for baby seats. Boot space using five seats is reasonable, but the high load level is a bit of a pain if you are trying to lift a heavy stroller.

The new Prado remains a favourite family 4WD Wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Prado Kakadu  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Prado Kakadu  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

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The new Prado was released late last year and featured a completely new exterior design, refreshed interior along with familiar engine etc.

The new design certainly attracts attention, split between those that like it and those that don’t.

Inside its comfortable and the five-seat configuration allows plenty of boot space. I do like the new driver instrument and central screen layout. However, there is little free storage space along the transmission tunnel. Also the boot load height is quite high.

The Altitude I drove came in the unusual dusty Bronze metallic colour that stood out. It also came with a factory fitted bulbar and driving light bar.

Other 4WD focused features include:

• 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels with Toyo® Open Country all-terrain tyres
• Stabiliser disconnection mechanism
• Digital rear view mirror for when the boot is full.
• Rear electrical differential lock and
• 3-mode Drive Mode Select

Powered by the existing 2.8 L 4-cylinder 48V mild hybrid diesel engine and an 8 speed AT, the Prado has reasonable performance and economy.

The new Prado remains a robust and capable 4WD vehicle that has always been popular for off road adventures and towing.

Priced from $92,700 plus the usual costs it’s  well worth considering if you want a true 4WD.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Prado Altitude – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Prado Altitude  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

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Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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The Prado comes in five different versions starting from around $72,500 for the GX through to $99,990 for the top spec Kakadu. These are plus the usual costs.

It comes with the improved 2.8L 4 Cylinder mild hybrid  turbo diesel engine with V Active technology that was introduced into the HiLux range earlier. This produces some  150kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

The new model will now tow 3500kg and has a 700mm wading depth.

The  V-Active technology incorporates a 48V electric motor-generator, a compact 48V lithium-ion battery and an idle-stop system.

The introduction of the more off-road focussed Altitude model is a bonus. It comes with a stabiliser disconnect mechanism (SDM) function which allows for greater wheel articulation. It also has a faster activating rear diff lock and 18 inch `specialised all terrain tyres.

I have to say its design is unusual and has throwback elements of the FJ Cruiser in there. I like it and its certainly different to the current model.

The Prado is an important model for Toyota and more details will follow in the coming weeks about it

Thus is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LandCrusier Prado  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LandCruiser Prado  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado pricing*

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

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Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

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The key details we have chatted about before. Highlights are that the Prado will come in five different model grades. GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu and for the more adventurous buyers an new model the Altitude.

Some models have 5 seats some seven.

All models will come with a large 12.3-inch central screen. This accommodates wireless smart phone connectivity, embedded navigation, and digital radio.

All models will feature the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense technology including.

• a panoramic view monitor,
• nine airbags,
• trailer sway control and a
• pre-wiring harness for the tow hitch.

All Prado variants are powered by the same 150kW, 500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain with 48-volt technology, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every Prado offers full-time all-wheel drive with a lockable torque-sensing Torsen®⁹ centre differential and low-range gearing, with a strong 3,500kg braked towing capacity¹¹ across the range.

More details and pricing will be available closer to the launch

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

More details about the all new Toyota LandCruiser Prado can be found HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Toyota Prado RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Quick Highlights

• Five-variant LandCruiser Prado introduces 48-volt technology across model range
• New Altitude variant delivers enhanced off-road performance and rugged styling
• All-new LandCruiser Prado range arrives in Australia mid-year

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Before listeners get too excited, the new Prado isn’t due here until mid-2024 and pricing hasn’t been announced yet. But I can tell you a bit about it.

The main improvement is that the Prado now shares the same platform as the 300 series LandCruiser. Which means in this case the same wheelbase.

Other improvements include better wheel travel from the revised suspension, along with better ride and handling.

It now comes with electronic steering, along with a muscular styling redesign. Some would call it a boxy design, but its certainly a departure from the existing model.

The new Prado comes with the familiar 2.8L turbo diesel engine. This produces with 150 kilowatts of power and 500 Newton metres of torque. This is matched to a new direct shift eight speed automatic transmission.

The engine now comes with mild hybrid technology to improve fuel economy.

The Prado and the Pajero were doubly responsible for the surge in larger SUV popularity as a family transport in the mid to late 90”s. It’s been hugely successful, but with changing buyer tastes, will the new model be as successful.

I like the muscular style and having a true 4WD as an alternative to the urban based SUVs is always a good thing.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE TOYOTA PRADO RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Toyota Prado new generation details

• New-generation LandCruiser Prado unveiled with new design, platform and technology
• All new model retains the essence of LandCruiser performance for lifestyle-focused families
• Due on sale in Australia mid-2024 

The all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado family SUV has made its world premiere. Bringing with it significant mechanical upgrades, enhanced performance, and rugged styling changes. Planned arrival in Australian showrooms mid next year.

Since its arrival in 1996, the Prado has been one of Australia’s most popular large SUVs. Thanks to its blend of capability, amenity and passenger-oriented comfort. The all-new model continues that brief with go-anywhere performance and a design that symbolises the essence of the LandCruiser.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new Prado provides all the hallmarks of a LandCruiser that customers love.

“Australian customers appreciate the vast capability of the LandCruiser Prado. From use as a family vehicle, to off-roading, towing and long-distance touring, which is evidenced by its huge popularity,” Mr Hanley said.

“The all-new Prado takes everything that customers love about the Prado to a new level. With even greater performance, capability and technology, as well as bold new styling inside and out.”

New generation Prado

The new-generation Prado adopts a new design direction that fuses traditional and contemporary styling cues. Employing horizontal lines inspired by LandCruisers of yesteryear to deliver on the theme of functional beauty.

The front end is based around a rectangular grille and tri-beam headlights, with a low-set front cowl to improve forward visibility.

Muscular wheelarches and strong horizontal lines provide a sense of strength, with a low beltline that further improves visibility for occupants.

At the rear, the Prado features a vertically oriented tailgate and simple tail-light signature to complement the front end. It has silver lower bumpers at both the front and rear of the vehicle.

Dimensions and platform

Measuring 4,920mm long, 1,988mm wide and 1,860mm tall, the all-new Prado is 95mm longer and wider, and 10mm taller than before. Its 2,850mm wheelbase is 60mm longer than before, and now matches the length of the LandCruiser 300 Series.¹

The Prado now shares its underpinnings with the 300 Series, riding on the rugged and sophisticated TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis. This is 50 per cent more rigid than the current-generation Prado, helping to increase overall vehicle rigidity by 30 per cent.

The modern and stiff platform allows for improved suspension performance. With greater wheel articulation for off-roading and excellent handling and ride comfort on-road.

Wheel articulation is improved further with Toyota’s brand-new stabilizer-bar control system which allows the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected for excellent wheel articulation, while enhanced functionality for the multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor systems help the Prado go even further off-road.

The adoption of electric power steering provides a crisper steering feel and enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability on-road, maximises control when off-roading, and allows compatibility with active safety systems such as lane trace assist.

Engine and transmission

In Australia, the all-new Prado will be offered with the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine enhanced with 48-volt technology to help improve fuel consumption in urban settings.

Producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, the 1GD engine drives all four wheels via a new Direct Shift-8AT eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the existing six-speed unit.

Interior

Inside, the Prado employs a clean, stylish and functional interior design with dual digital screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system, and an intuitive layout for the switches that group basic functions together.

The Prado will be available with either five- or seven-seat layouts depending on variant and will be offered with a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies².

Further details on the all-new LandCruiser Prado including local specification will be made available closer to the vehicle’s Australian launch in 2024.

1 Vehicle specifications and features are based on overseas model. Australian specifications and features may differ
2 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.

The post Toyota Prado – new generation details released. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Toyota Prado Kakadu Horizon is the ultimate Prado costing around $89,590 which could be a touch problematic because it will nearly get you into a GXL Landcruiser 200 Series.

However, not everyone wants or needs a vehicle the size of a ‘Cruiser so this top of the line Prado could be tempting especially if you don’t necessarily want to tow a small town.

The Horizon driven had the lower output 130kW/450Nm 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and would benefit from having the newer 150kW/500Nm power plant especially when towing.

However, as a go anywhere, ridgey didge, fourbie touring wagon, you can’t look past the Prado.

It has adequate performance and good fuel economy and makes an ideal back blocks touring vehicle which is precisely what we did in the test vehicle.

Covid restrictions

Covid restricted us to NSW so we did a 3000km road trip to “The Corner”, back through Lightening Ridge then down through Armidale, South West Rocks and back to Sydney.

We weren’t towing which gave us access to plenty of remote scenic places along dirt tracks and roads which the Prado traversed without any trouble at all.

Comfy too as the supple adaptive air suspension soaked up potholes and ripples as if they weren’t there.

The test car had an under mounted spare which cuts tank capacity to about 90 litres. Personally, I would go for the tailgate mounted spare with a 150 litre tank.

The latest Prado scores a raft of advanced driver assist tech’ some of which is too intrusive but can be switched off.

We didn’t need the third row, cream leather or the middle row DVD players but they are in the Horizon package.

That package adds about six grand to Kakadu’s price and consists of mainly dress-up parts I and a few bits and pieces. It makes this model arguably the best looking Prado ever…in my opinion.

Quick Prado Horizon recap

Toyota has dressed up its top-of-the-range Prado with the launch of a Prado Kakadu Horizon special edition featuring more external bling. Priced from $89,590 plus the usual costs, the Horizon adds a front bumper spoiler and bling for the rear bumper, chrome side moulding and mirror covers, metallic/pearl paint finish, clear rear combination lights and an exclusive Horizon badge…

https://www.anyauto.com.au/toyota-prado-kakadu-horizon-2020-radio-review/

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Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

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