Toyota Prado Diesel SUV

Off-road reliability has to be earned and proven, so when you find out that most serious off-roading nuts opt for a Toyota or Nissan 4×4 when tackling the Outback then you sit up and take notice.  Toyota reliability is legendary and with the addition of some new Prado Diesel SUVs on offer, the world of SUV rivalry has just become a little tougher.

The new Toyota Prado Diesel SUV runs with the brand new 2.8-litre Turbo-diesel unit that you’ll also find in the Hilux and new Hiace vans.  In search of newer technology, power and efficiency, Toyota has coaxed 130kW of direct-injected power to get the job done.  Perhaps, the more real-world stat the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel will crow about is the engine’s ability to produce 420 Nm of torque on a flat low-down torque curve.  Torque is what will get you through the mud, climb steep slopes and get you out of the ruts.  Plenty of torque is also what gives you the pulling power you need to carry or tow heavier loads.  Fully laden with occupants and luggage, the new Toyota Prado Diesel SUV has all the grunt you’ll need for everyday travel.  The new turbo-diesel unit always feels responsive and flexible.  If towing is part of your world, then the Prado Diesel can manage 2500 kg braked towing capacity, so you’ve all the grunt you need to tow just about anything anywhere.

Toyota Prado Diesel SUV Rear

Being a tough 4×4 in every sense of the word, the new Prado Diesel looks rather flash and will be at home in the glitz of the inner city as much as out in the rough.  It’s nice to know that after a day in the bush, the Toyota Prado Diesel SUV scrubs up really nicely for a night on the town.  The prominent chrome grille and boomerang shaped headlights are eye-catching, and these features add to the Prado’s striking looks and commanding stance.

Toyota Prado Diesel SUV Interior

Four levels of trim are available for the new Toyota Prado Diesel SUV, the Kakadu being the luxury king.  Starting the Prado range off is the Prado GX 2.8 Diesel which runs with an ever-reliable, and smooth, six-speed automatic transmission option.  Manual is also available.  The GX is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, comes standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).  Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is available only with automatic models.  Big on safety, the Prado GX also comes with seven airbags.  Halogen headlamps, a reversing Camera, Smart Entry and Start, and a 7-inch LCD Touchscreen Display Audio with iPod, AUX, and USB inputs kit the GX out with some good solid modern technology.  And, to top it all off, the base model also boasts Bluetooth Connectivity.  For a starting model, the new Toyota Prado 2.8 Diesel GX SUV is very nicely set up and is a model I would be very happy with.

If the base model isn’t enough, the Prado GXL has a few more goodies to throw into the mix.  Privacy glass, roof rails, three-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, a premium steering wheel with audio and telephone controls, rear parking sensors and heated and retractable side view mirrors come as standard.

The next model up from the GXL is the VX.  This model is sumptuous, adding leather accented seats and an awesome JBL premium surround sound system with 14 speakers.  LED headlamps and Daylight Running Lamps (DRLs) come as standard safety features, along with the handy auto headlamp levelling system.  Sitting on bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, the paw print is enlarged and I think adds to the comfortable ride quality.  Front and rear parking sensors are also standard in the VX models.

As mentioned above, the Toyota Prado Kakadu Diesel SUV is at the top of the luxury ladder.  Exquisite workmanship inside the Kakadu makes you feel like you’re inside a vehicle fit for royalty.  This is a lovely 4×4, and feels very-well equipped the moment you climb aboard.  Along with the GX, GXL and VX features, the Kakadu also adds items like a moon roof, CRAWL control, a Multi-Terrain Select system and a premium woodgrain interior finish.  You also get a steering wheel with audio, MID and telephone controls.  A pre-collision safety system, radar cruise control and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert gets a big tick from me.  For those of you who like to entertain the rear seat occupants on the long haul, the Kakadu comes with a comprehensive rear seat entertainment system – really cool!

Some of the features that make the new Toyota Prado Diesel SUV even more practical and attractive are items like an alloy nudge bar or alloy bull bar, a cargo barrier for the 7 seater model, a roof bar set, an alloy roof tray, a bicycle carrier and a bonnet protector.

When you’re riding inside a new Toyota Prado Diesel SUV, the engine and road noise is well muted.  The higher ride is excellent for viewing the road ahead, and you always feel safe inside the solidly built Prado.  This is a favourite large 4×4 SUV; and I don’t think I’m the only one to share this fondness.

Toyota Prado Diesel SUV models include the:

• Prado GX
• Prado GXL
• Prado VX
• Prado Kakadu

For any more information on the Toyota Prado Diesel SUV or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!