Refined Off-Roading

It’s been a while since we have seen an all-new Prado, so when we were called to the launch of the new 2010 model, to be perfectly honest, we weren’t expecting as much of a change in the model as we witnessed on that day. Malcolm Xavier Crasta gives a full test-drive report

The new Prado has had a complete makeover in almost every area, from the chassis and body up through the V6 petrol engine. The changes included everything from a restyled exterior and interior to a whole bevy of technological innovations and mechanical improvements to make the new model a more prominent competitor in its segment. There was only one way to find out if these changes actually lived up to their claims – take it for a drive in the mountains near Qantab.

Stepping Inside
The changes to the exterior of the Prado are subtle and for the most part it still looks a lot like the existing Prado. But now it feels more muscular, larger and definitely has better road presence. On the inside the changes are much more apparent. While there doesn’t seem to be anything particularly eye-catching about it, it is a very pleasant place to be seated. There are no hard, ugly or drab plastics anywhere in sight. All buttons are big, chunky and exactly where you would expect them to be. The dash is easy to read and the ambient lighting around the cabin is also a nice touch that is rare to find in vehicles of this class. If there was anything to complain about, it would have to be the navigation screen, which in bright daylight and at certain angles can be hard to see clearly.

For those of you willing to splurge on higher-end models, toys are not in short supply, with Toyota’s Multi Terrain Select, Multi terrain ABS, Crawl Control, Satellite Navigation, 14-speaker Navigation, cameras all around the vehicle and a lot more available at your disposal.

The Drive
On one hand we were slightly disappointed to not get the full-option off-road version of the Prado since we were quite eager to try out the new off-road technology available on it. On the other, we were pleased to be handed the keys for a nearly new full-option 4.0l on-road version. As such our review pertains to this engine only, since there are two other engine variations available to you.
On the road, the new Prado is everything you expect, and more. The power unit is a 4.0l V6 producing 271hp and 38.9kg-m of torque which is more than enough for daily city drives. Its acceleration on road is not really brisk but it isn’t slow and sluggish either, it can best be described as leisurely. The drive itself is smooth and refinement is also at its best with barely a hint of engine and wind noise at cruising speeds.

But despite its on-road performance, it is off the beaten path that it truly shines. Even without all the off-road wizardry available in the alternative model, the new Prado easily overshadows its predecessor. We took it over gravel, rocks, steep climbs with soft mud and much more, and the vehicle just ate it up without even breaking a sweat. About the only things we couldn’t try out were its water wading ability and sand. But we see no reason why it shouldn’t excel in these two mediums as well. We can only imagine how good it could truly be with the aid of the missing tech in our vehicle.

As a whole, the vehicle is a clear improvement over its predecessor in every way but it has come with an increase in the price. But when you consider what you are getting, it is definitely worth it and is highly recommended.

Specifications for All-New PRADO
> Engine - 4.0 DOHC V6 Dual VVT-i
> Power – 271hp
> Torque 38.9kg - m
> Transmission - 5 speed automatic
> Dimensions (l x w x h) - 4990mm x 1885mm x 1890mm
> Drive train – Full time 4WD with centre differential LSD