The Toyota Prado is regarded as the light-duty version of the flagship Land Cruiser. Does this mean that Prado is just an entry-level SUV to the LC brand name? We have reviewed the 2023 Prado powered by a diesel engine to find out why this SUV exists.
The Prado reviewed here is listed for sale on DubiCars by Miki Cars. Although the Prado is not officially available in its diesel guise in the UAE, some of the dealers have imported in this spec and is a real bargain considering the advantages. Here is everything you need to know about the Toyota Prado, its history and its generations.
Exterior Design
The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado maintains its reputation for a bold and imposing presence on the road. It achieves this through a combination of Sweptback headlights, a chunky grille, and prominent lines throughout the body all contribute to a sense of strength and capability.
Blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and mirrors add a touch of aggression and complement the overall rugged aesthetic. Chunky door handles and side steps hint at the Prado’s off-road prowess. Smoked taillights offer a modern touch without compromising the overall rugged feel.
Interior Design
The Prado does not have the most luxurious interiors. However, it is spacious and functional and there is modernity too. Toyota has still maintained the leather upholstery on the top-spec trim that provides a premium feel. Seats are comfortable for all journeys.
Our review unit featured an all-black interior. Some might like its sporty appeal. We feel the tan colour scheme on the inside uplifts the cabin better than an all-black interior.
Technology
- MID Instrument Cluster
- 9-inch Infotainment
- Android Auto & Apple Car Play
- Wireless Charger
- Three-Zone Climate Control
- Rear AC Vents
- Powered Tailgate
- 14-speaker JBL Audio
- ADAS Safety
Read this linked article to know the complete price, trim and variant details of the Toyota Prado.
Engine & Performance
The Prado is available in a selection of diesel and petrol engine options. Our review unit was powered by a 2.8-litre turbo engine paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Here are the performance figures of the powertrain:
- Max Power: 201hp
- Peak Torque: 500Nm
- 0 to 100km/h: 12.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 180km/h
Driving Impressions
The Toyota Prado is at its best with the 2.8-litre diesel engine as compared to the 4L NA petrol. This engine provides a good balance between performance and efficiency. It allows you to play in the dunes for longer without having to worry about topping up the fuel.
To help with the dune-bashing ability, it also gets a full-fledged 4WD drivetrain along with a low-ratio transfer case. What could be a limiting factor to this SUV is the 6-speed automatic transmission. It is smooth in its shifts, but the tech is a bit last decade and could do with the 8-speed AT seen on the new LC 250 a.k.a. The new Prado.
The Prado features a body-on-frame construction. The suspension supports the overall dynamics and controls the body roll of this large SUV. But, spirited driving around the bends is not recommended.
Review Verdict
At the start of this review, we wanted to find out if the Prado was just a budget Land Cruiser. In some ways, yes. Because the SUV very well lives up to the Land Cruiser badge. However, the free-spirited fun and exceptional reliability are offered on a dime as compared to the flagship LC. It is a baby LC and a whole lot more. Find this Prado listed for sale on DubiCars by Miki Cars.
Toyota Prado Price – Diesel Model
According to DubiCars data, the 2023 Toyota Prado prices range between AED 40,000 to AED 70,000 for the top-spec VXL variant.
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