The Toyota Landcruiser Prado is a medium to large sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation and sold since 1985.
Among the Land Cruiser series, it is a cross-country vehicle positioned for light duty use, and was initially positioned as a low-priced Land Cruiser outside Japan, but after the second generation, it has become significantly more sophisticated, larger, equipped with four or all-wheel-drive capabilities, and often now a popular choice for middle class management, family vehicle and those who reside in areas where paved roads are scarce and off-road handling is a necessity.
Originally it was a lightweight light-duty model of Land Cruiser equipped with a straight-four engine, but the situation has changed completely since the addition of a passenger wagon model in 1985.
Toyota Japan re-introduced the diesel engine Prado in 2015 after stopping the production on the merits of contributing to a safer environment.
So today we shall pay attention to exposing the different trim versions which comes at the TX, TX-L and TZ-G.
The Toyota Landcruiser Prado comes in a stylish, with robust exterior and powerful yet versatile four-wheel-drive layout.
It is designed to be highly competent both on-road and off.
Its interior is roomy and comfortable, with adaptable seating that can be folded down for additional cargo space. Owing to limited space to write all the Prado trim’s features I am just going to pay attention to finer details on the highest grade.
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The TZ-G Trim
The TZ-G is the highest grade that comes with premium features compared to the TX-L including the airmatic suspension, providing an even smoother driving experience.
The airmatic suspension allows you to lift and lower the vehicle suspension level in accordance with the road situation.
It comes with a new-generation 1GD-FTV 2800cc diesel engine that guarantees more power and better fuel economy.
It can push 12-13km per litre, ensuring you can go further with less.
Not to mention, it can produce 200hp and 420Nm of torque. It delivers power to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Regarding fuel capacity, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has an 87-litre fuel capacity on models that come with a single fuel tank.
Models with two fuel tanks have a 150-litre fuel capacity: 87 litres in the main tank and 63 litres in the sub-tank.
- Leather interior
- 7 seater
- Sunroof
- Body absorbing structure
- Clearance sonar & back sonar
- Down hill assist control (DAC)
- Drive start control
- Dual front airbags
- Dual front airbags with Side/ •Curtain/drivers knee airbags
- Dual stage driver SRS airbag
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Hill start assist control (HAC)
- Lane departure warning system
- Millimeter wave radar
Monocular Camera System
Multi-terrain anti-lock braking dystem (ABS)
- Multi-Terrain Monitor with 4 Cameras
- Pre-Collision Safety System with Pedestrian Detection
- Safety support cars (Sappoka)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Toyota Safety Sense
- Traction Control (TRC)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- LED headlights with auto leveling;
- Daytime running lights;
- Chrome side steps 17-inch steel rims on the TX and 18-inch alloy rims on the TX L and TZ-G.
- Roof rails; Optional power-adjustable and folding side mirrors.
Toyota Prado suspension
The suspension system on the Prado car is designed to tackle diverse terrain while giving passengers a comfortable ride.
It has an independent front wheel suspension that enhances the steering response and vehicle stability.
In addition, it employs a rear solid axle suspension, which is crucial for ensuring reliable off-road performance.
There are also anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles and adaptive damping, further enhancing the Prado’s performance and versatility while driving in different road conditions.
In addition to these systems, Prado has a full-time 4×4 system to provide continuous power to the four wheels in all road conditions.
You don’t need to engage or disengage 4-wheel drive on your Prado.
Whether you are driving on sand or water, the Prado will distribute torque automatically to the rear and front axle to maximise traction and stability.
Toyota Prado exterior
The first thing you will notice about the Prado is its signature chrome front grille. It commands attention more with its body-on-frame design.
This means the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has its body mounted on a robust and rigid chassis carrying its power train.
The wheels, suspension steering, and brakes are also mounted on the chassis because the Toyota Prado is a relatively heavy SUV, weighing 2140kg for the kerb weight and a gross weight of 2990 kg.
The body-on-frame design further enhances its capabilities of handling challenging terrain.
In addition, it gives its occupants a smooth and safer ride when traversing obstacles. Whether driving on a rough road, through mud, water, or rough weather, you will be safe inside your Prado.
Other exterior features you will like on the Toyota Prado include a sunroof, available in the TXL and TZ-G as standard features.
Some Prado TX also have a sunroof, so when you want to import a TX Prado, remember to request one with a sunroof if that’s a feature you want in your Toyota Prado Land Cruiser.
But customers do not sometimes understand these differences and in many times someone may see a price for a TX and use it to bargain when buying a TX-L or TZ-G.
Toyota Prado interior
Toyota Prado has a spacious interior with a thoughtful layout of all its features. In the Prado TX, you can opt for fabric or leather seats.
However, in the Prado TXL and TZ-G, leather seats are a standard feature. There are various seat configurations, so you can choose a 5-seater or a 7-seater Prado.
The spacious first and second-row seats give you ample room in a five-seater, and you can fold down the second row in a 5-seater or the third-row in a seven-seater for more cargo space.
The front row is plush and comfortable, with an old-school hand brake and power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger.
You will enjoy features like multiple adjustments for the seat height, back support, and seat back angle.
The TZ-G has thigh support, excellent for long journeys, and heated and ventilated seats.
The Prado has dual or tri-zone air conditioning.
You can adjust the temperature from the front, second, or third row. It can also adjust the steering wheel to the level you want for the best driving position.
Another interior feature you will like is the advanced infotainment system. The Prado has a 9.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. It supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto, so you can access entertainment whenever you want.
The Land Cruiser Prado is not just a capable off-roader. It comes with an impressive set of safety features. Of the three Prados, the TZ-G has the most safety features.
If you travel long distances frequently then the 2800cc diesel engine is the recommended option because it is fuel efficient and it drives smoothly at high speeds.
However, the diesel engine requires careful maintenance in which you have to service it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations religiously.
The Toyota Prados from South Africa are equally good because it is still the same vehicle from the same manufacturer.
However, the main difference is on the finishes which were done by materials manufactured in South Africa as compared to those assembled in Japan by the Japanese with better quality materials.
If you are interested in importing any of these Prado trims from Japan the prices from Japan up to the port of Dar es Salaam or Durban is between US$25 000 and US$28 000 depending on the grade and mileage.
*Stanley Makombe has 25 years’ experience in the motor industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, UK and South Africa into African countries. He writes in his own capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: stanley@stanleymakombe.com, www.stanleymakombe.com
