10
MR AND MRS POPULAR
THE PRADO IS AUSTRALIA’S BEST-SELLING 4X4 WAGON FOR GOOD
REASON. MANY GOOD REASONS IN FACT.O
THER than a short period back in
2014 when Jeep Grand Cherokee sales
were peaking, the Prado has long been
Australia’s best-selling 4x4 wagon.
Before the rise in popularity of 4x4
utes it was Australia’s best-selling 4x4 overall.
The Prado is now the default Land Cruiser,
given the 200’s ritzy pricing (and possibly
larger size) is not to everyone’s liking. In
many ways, not least in size, the Prado is
today’s 80 or 100 Series – in their day the
most popular 4x4s.
The Prado is a proper Land Cruiser, a 150
Series to be precise. That’s something often
not acknowledged and even denied – just
because it’s smaller than a 200 doesn’t mean
it’s a lesser vehicle.
The big question is: What Prado from the
nine-model range is the pick? Discounting
the three petrol models, there are two ways
to go with the diesel. If you’re planning on
building a bush tourer then the five-seat
GX, probably in manual, is the only way to
go. However, if you want more of a general-
duties, day-to-day family 4x4, then we think
it’s worth bypassing the popular GXL auto
and going for a VX.
Trouble is the VX is an additional $12K
over and above the $61,990 GXL auto,
which seems like a lot until you drive thetwo back-to-back. The VX offers far sportier
and flatter on-road handing and better off-
road performance, thanks to longer and
more supple wheel travel. The difference
is the VX’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension
System (KDSS), a brilliantly simple hydro-
mechanical system that automatically
adjusts the tension on the suspension’s
sway bars. KDSS is standard on the VX but
unfortunately unavailable on the GXL, even
as an option.
The VX also ups the ante with leather,
heated front- and second-row seats, electric
seat and steering wheel adjustment, power-
fold third-row seating, auto headlights and
wipers, a 17-speaker premium audio system
and front parking sensors. You also get 18s
instead of 17s, but the tyre spec is still very
bush-friendly.
Compared to the previous 3.0-litre
diesel, the new 2.8-litre diesel is noticeably
quieter, smoother and more flexible, but
it doesn’t offer a significant jump in
outright performance.
As ever, the Prado cabin is comfortable,
roomy and nicely detailed, especially at
the VX spec. Practical features, such as the
150-litre fuel tank, are all supported by an
extensive dealer network. Plus there’s a vast
array of aftermarket enhancements available.PRICE $73,990 ENGINE 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel
TOYOTA PRADO VX
ENGINE: 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel
POWER: 130kW
TORQUE: 450Nm
GEARBOX: six-speed automatic
4X4 SYSTEM: dual-range part-time
FRONT SUSPENSION: independent/coil
springs
REAR SUSPENSION: live axle/coil springs
KERB WEIGHT: 2400kg (approx.)
GVM: 2900kg
TOWING CAPACITY: 2500kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 150 litres
ADR FUEL CLAIM: 8.4L/100km
60 http://www.4X4australia.com.auDRIVEN BEST BUYS