By Tom Oltoff
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According to Toyota, the LandCruiser Prado has been Australia’s most popular medium sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) over the last decade.
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In fact, Australians have bought more than 110,000 Prados since 1997. Over the last 12 months 50 per cent have been diesels. Sales of medium SUVs have skyrocketed, jumping from 30,671 in 2002 to 75,000 in 2006. 
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Toyota says that almost 30 per cent of new buyers in this segment were trading in large six-cylinder cars. 
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The Prado and the Toyota Kluger combined account for more than 30 per cent of the sales in the medium SUV market. For those who are Toyota owners, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise.
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The latest model Toyota Prado has gained a more powerful, and fuel-efficient, turbodiesel engine, as well as many upgrades across the range.
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Transmissions available with the new engine have each gained an extra ratio.
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There is now a six-speed manual and an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. This has played a large part in improving the fuel consumption by 19 per cent for the manual (26 per cent for the auto).
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PRADO’S ATTRIBUTES
The Prado range consists of the GX that starts at just over $46,000 for the manual petrol version GXL, VX, and the luxurious Grande at $75,290 with the turbodiesel engine. All models have driver and passenger airbags, eight seats, 180L fuel capacity, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and MP3-compatible CD with six speakers.
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With a host of standard features, the GX would please most discerning buyers. Some of the ‘goodies’ in addition to the ones mentioned above are 17in wheels; side steps; over-fender flares and mudguards; illuminated entry system; window integrated antenna; tinted sideglass and choice of transmission and engine.
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An option pack offers ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever.
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For another $8000, the GXL will provide, in addition to the above, manual air-conditioning (optional on the GX); front fog lamps; in-dash six-CD changer; alloy wheels as well as the items mentioned in the option pack. 
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At $67,000 for the VX which, like the Grande only comes as an auto, you’ll get dual-zone air-conditioning; Vehicle Stability Control; Traction Control; Hill Start and Downhill Assist; front seat side airbags; front and second row curtain airbags; driver’s seat adjustment and telescopic steering column.
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The top-of-the-range Grande has leather trim; trip computer, compass, barometer and altimeter; satellite navigation; refrigerated cooler box; moon-roof and electronically modulated suspension with rear air suspension and height control.
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Pricing has been simplified, with $3000 for the automatic transmission, $1000 for the new turbodiesel engine over the petrol V6 and the GX option pack at just $1250.
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ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Toyota Prado’s new 3L common-rail turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine produces 127kW of power at 3400rpm and 410Nm of torque between 1600-2800rpm.
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This is 31kW more power and 67Nm more torque than the equivalent capacity engine it replaces. This shows what can be achieved with modern technology.
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It has electronic engine management, an electronic drive-by-wire (meaning no linkages) throttle, variable vane turbocharger with water-cooled bearing housing and electronic high pressure fuel injection.
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The engine computer includes onboard diagnostics and a fail-safe (limp home) system in case of a major problem.
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The engine is also very clean, meeting the latest Euro IV emission limits for diesel engine vehicles that have been mandated as of the start of 2007. 
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A V6 4L petrol engine is also available. This produces 179kW of power at 5200rpm and 376Nm of torque at 3800rpm. Although the petrol engine is a very capable performer, it is necessary to keep the engine revs up when needing that bit extra.&nbsp; 
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The new transmissions that are now offered on all turbodiesel models – five-speed electronically-controlled auto and six-speed manual – have been designed to further improve economy.
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While the five-speed auto is new on the diesel model, it has already proven itself on the LandCruiser 100 Series and the Prado V6 petrol version. It can be driven in the conventional auto-mode by selecting ‘D’ or in manual-style using the gate-type shift.

ON THE ROAD
As the Toyota Prado has always been a reliable and strong performer, we expected the new diesel model to continue in the same vein. And we weren’t disappointed: in fact we were pleasantly surprised with the additional power. 
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Around-town motoring doesn’t really show up the additional grunt. You have to climb a few hills, accelerate smartly when overtaking or tow a load, to fully appreciate the improvements over the previous model.
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The new Prado diesel is also quieter due to twin counter-rotating balance shafts and a larger engine cover. Additional sound absorption material keeps outside noises at bay, as does the acoustic windscreen glass.&nbsp; 
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There is little or anything that you’d wish the change with a Prado. It’s comfortable, easy to drive and compact enough to fit into most regular parking spaces. Instruments are easy to monitor and all switches, buttons and stalks within easy reach. The Prado can accommodate eight, although only children will be happy to share the third row seat. 
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Anyone into tackling the rough stuff will appreciate Toyota’s Driver Assist Technology. The Active Traction Control is designed to prevent the wheels from spinning when starting or accelerating on a slippery road surface. 
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Downhill Assist reduces the amount of driver input when descending a steep incline. With Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) it is easier to start on a slippery uphill surface, as it prevents the Prado rolling backward. HAC also protects the automatic transmission torque converter from excessive strain.
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ECONOMY
Often when an engine has a greater capacity, or produces more power, fuel economy suffers. Not so with the latest turbodiesel Prado. Based on ADR 81/01 tests, which are the yardstick for economy comparisons, the fuel usage for the diesel manual is 9.2L/100km while that of the auto is 9.3L/100km.
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These are combined city and highway cycle figures. For a vehicle that weighs 2000kg plus, this is extremely good news.&nbsp;
The 180L tank capacity gives a great range and allows you to bypass the more expensive bowsers. However, filling the tanks can be a bit painful for those used to buying 60L or 70L at the time.
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TOWING
With a towing capacity of 2500kg and a permissible ball load of 250kg, the Prado has lots of appeal for caravanners and anyone needing to tow a large trailer. 
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With the Lotus offroad caravan in tow (ATM 2020kg), we were never left wanting. The turbodiesel seemed to have a limitless supply of power without the need for constant gear changing.
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Another plus is the excellent economy which on average can be expected to be 10-15 per cent better than the previous model. Based on our all-too-short experience with the Lotus in tow, 13-14L/100km would be around the mark.
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With the Prado Grande that has rear air suspension, it is most important that you consult the owner’s manual prior to connecting or disconnecting a trailer. While the Grande is an excellent vehicle, my tip would be to go for one of the other models if you are considering serious towing. It makes life a bit simpler.
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THE BOTTOM LINE
Choosing a suitable towing vehicle can be difficult. But with vehicles such as the Toyota Prado to choose from, life becomes easier. The new diesel engine is a gem, both in regard to power and economy.
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Apart from having all the desirable towing attributes, it is a most capable offroad performer.
And with the latest technology such as traction, stability and hill descent control, even those not quite in the ‘expert’ category can safely venture off the beaten track.
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As an aside, the purpose-built Lotus Offroad is ideal for anyone wanting to venture beyond the bitumen. With its 2000kg single-axle suspension, it is ideally suited to negotiating deep gullies or dry steep-sided river beds. It is the sort of van that can be taken almost anywhere the Prado can go. 
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Caravan World thanks SA Lotus dealer, Mal Hancock at Beachside Caravans, for his assistance with the tow test. For more information call (08) 8384 6588.
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Toyota Prado

Engine 3L intercooled turbodiesel

Max power 127kW @ 3400rpm

Max torque 410Nm @ 1600-2800rpm

Transmission Five-speed automatic with manual shift (six-speed manual optional)

Length 4850mm

Width 1875mm

Height 1850-1905mm (depending on model)

Wheelbase 2790mm

Ground clearance 207mm

Kerb mass 1900-2170kg (depending on model)

Gross vehicle mass 2900kg

Fuel tank capacity 180L

Roof load 100kg

Towing capacity 2500kg (maximum towbar download 250kg) 
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Tow Test Toyota Prado

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