The Toyota LandCruiser Prado is hugely popular. It’s been around for donkey’s years but it’s still one of Australia’s top-selling large 4WD wagons.
It has a great reputation as an off-road touring platform, because it is so capable, so roomy (great for fitting all of your camping gear) and it is so robust, but it’s feeling more than a little old.
If you’re looking to buy a large 4WD wagon, is the Prado your best bet?
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL is the mid-spec Prado. It has a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range permanent 4WD system.
Standard GXL features include smart key (keyless entry), active cruise control, LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control, and rear parking sensors.
Price is $63,690, plus on-road costs, but our Prado had premium paint ($600), and the premium interior pack ($3463), which includes leather trim, heated/vented and electric front row, and heated second-row seats. Total price: $67,753.
This Prado also has the no-cost flat tailgate pack option, which moves the full-size spare from it’s usual rear-mounted position to the underbody.
That frees up your back door so access to the rear space is even more touring-friendly, but relocation of that spare reduces your total fuel capacity from 150 litres to 87 litres because you lose the 63-litre sub tank.
The Prado has a rock-solid and well-deserved reputation as a touring platform. It's roomy, offering real, functional space, it’s comfortable to drive on-road, and very capable off-road.
With refined-enough on-road ride and handling, impressive off-road performance, and plenty of practicality, the Prado is a close to perfect all-around touring package.
