On the sales chart of large SUV’s, Toyota Prado positions itself at the top and so it has become an object of envy for many rivals like Ford Ranger. This bestseller SUV benefits from engine upgrades, which means more frugal diesel engines and petrol also. Even the drivability of this new vehicle has been improved considerably as Toyota has exerted much-needed effort on it.
An all-new 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is what driving this new Prado to the limits of insanity. This engine is more efficient and powerful than the 3.0-litre, used in the previous versions. More than that, on the roads, this Toyota Prado engine has been proven significantly quieter.
A new six-speed automatic gearbox is used across the range to channelize the 130kW of power and 450Nm of torque produced by this frugal engine. The cheaper variants are using a six-speed manual gearbox though.
There is a petrol version also. A 4.0-litre V6 producing 207kW of power and generating 381Nm of torque. But bear in mind, more than 98 percent of Prado customers choose diesel engines to power their vehicle.
Toyota hasn’t forgotten a single thing about the cabin, it is as marvellous as the engine itself. The leather seats are heated and features electric memory adjustment, an impressive JBL stereo with 15 state-of-the-art speakers, three-zone climate control, a sunroof and much, much more.
And when it comes to driver aids, Toyota has installed some of the best it can lay its hands on, which includes blind spot warnings, hill descent and climbing control, active cruise control with auto emergency braking, and a sophisticated stability control system.
Thanks to Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) with variable anti-roll bars, this big bad boy offers steady and pleasing driving experience on both, tarmac and off-road.
The height-adjustable rear air suspension and rear differential lock are not available on the cheaper models, well that’s a pity.
The noise, vibration and harshness have been kept to a minimum by using a balancing shaft, chain drive and large composite engine cover. It gives a petrol like feel now, that’s really pleasing in a surprising way. The new six-speed automatic gearbox is progressive and real smooth, when deciding which gear to select, it sometimes dithers though.