Abu Dhabi Week gets our hands on the surprisingly brilliant Toyota Prado
We’ve always been huge fans of Toyota SUVs here at Abu Dhabi Week. The combination of rugged reliability, value-for-money and off-road ability probably explains why we spent our own hard-earned cash on the Japanese company’s fantastic FJ Cruiser.
However, when we heard that we were getting a Land Cruiser Prado for the weekend we were admittedly a little disappointed – what we really wanted was its full-fat bigger brother. Nonetheless, we decided to reserve judgement … and boy are we glad we did!
The first thing that strikes us as we’re handed the keys to our shiny silver test model is how good the Prado actually looks in the metal. Although this is supposedly a baby Land Cruiser, that’s a bit of a misnomer as the VX-L variant we’ve been given is pretty huge – much larger than our own beloved FJ, which itself is a bit of a tank. This imposing beast is certainly one car you wouldn't be ashamed to park in your own driveway.
Sliding easily behind the soft leather and wood-clad steering wheel, we find the interior of the Prado is a revelation. The layout is clean and easy to navigate; replete with soft-touch surfaces, leather, wood and chrome metallic finishes. The quality of fit and finish is first class – the cabin just exudes luxury, so much so you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a Lexus rather than a Toyota. We particularly like the nifty touchscreen satnav and user-friendly Bluetooth system, while the surprisingly useful coolbox in the huge central armrest really is a nice touch.
Pressing the dash-mounted start button, the engine roars into life and the steering wheel, which is raised for easy access, electronically slides down over our knees. Engaging reverse, the central screen switches from navigation to display one of the many views from the cameras mounted at the front, rear and on the wing mirrors – all of which can be toggled from a button on the steering wheel. There are even helpful green lines superimposed over the on-screen image to show distances, suitable parking spaces and to make sure you don’t accidentally run over any unsuspecting pedestrians.
Heading downtown just before lunchtime on a Friday, it’s no surprise that traffic is at a virtual standstill with cars sitting bumper to bumper; but for once we don’t mind as it gives us a chance to really explore the airy cabin.
The biggest boon for us has to be the immensely comfortable and cosseting front seats – just imagine your favourite armchair, add in multi-directional power adjustment with personalised settings and you begin to get the idea. Things are just as good in the back with plenty of rear legroom although the optional third row of seats would be a little cramped for full-size adults on a journey of any length. However, at the push of a button, these seats fold completely flat with a pleasing electronic whoosh, resulting in an absolutely cavernous boot.
As we head out of the city centre and the traffic begins to clear, we finally get a chance to put our foot down a little, putting the 4-litre V6 through its paces. We are pleasantly surprised at how responsive and eager the engine seems.
However, it is the Prado’s supreme ride comfort that might just be its most impressive quality. It glides smoothly along Sheikh Zayed Road, eating up the miles, the suspension soaking up bumps as you go without getting flustered like some traditional SUVs can. It also corners confidently without too much of the body-lean normally associated with big four-wheel drives although if you really push it through the bends then the wheels do squeal a bit in protest and you can start to feel the weight. What would you expect though? It does tip the scales at nigh-on two tonnes.
Of course, Toyota is renowned for its off-road ability and in this respect the trusty Prado doesn’t disappoint either. It comes with a terrain-select system, which enables you to choose between various settings including Sand/Mud, Rock, Loose Rock and Mogul with a separate switch to engage low-range gearing and even a button-operated ‘lift-kit’ suspension set-up – this really is four-wheel driving made easy.
Then there’s the obligatory Sport mode and semi-manual gear change, although quite why you would need a Sport mode in a car like this is beyond us. Having said that, we have to admit that engaging Sport mode does tighten things up a little and, maybe it was just our imagination, but the acceleration did seem more aggressive when stepping on the fast pedal.
We didn’t really expect to like the Prado quite as much as we did and, by the end of the weekend, when it’s time to hand it back, we have to say we’re sad to see it go.
The Toyota Prado is much more than just a box on wheels, especially in its latest guise. It’s a great choice for buyers who want luxury and capability in moderation, but quality and reliability in massive doses. A super-smooth cruiser on the road that can go virtually anywhere off the beaten track, it has everything expected of a Toyota … and almost makes you wonder why you’d spend the extra on its bigger brother.
Jon Muller
Five-door midsize SUV
Four-wheel drive
Five-speed automatic transmission
4-litre 24-valve six-cylinder engine
271bhp
381Nm torque
0-100kph in 9 seconds
Top speed 200kph
