2017 Toyota LandCruiser Prado range review

What is it?

Toyota has no shortage of SUVs and off-roaders - the new C-HR, RAV4, Kluger, Fortuner and the godfather, the LandCruiser. The Prado slots between the Fortuner and LandCruiser in the hardcore off-road part of the range.

But just because it is a serious off-roader doesn't mean it is a niche vehicle - quite the opposite actually. In 2016 it was the most popular in the large SUV segment - outselling the likes of the Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9.

This latest generation vehicle was launched back in 2009 but a major upgrade in 2013 brought fresh looks and a new turbo diesel engine and transmission.

How many models can I choose from?

There are plenty of Prado variants to choose from, with two engine choices (4.0-litre V6 petrol and 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel), two transmissions (six-speed manual or automatic), five or seven seater options and four trim levels (GX, GXL, VX and Kakadu).

The base GX, which is only available with the diesel, will get you 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, keyless entry and ignition, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and Bluetooth to name the highlights.

Stepping up to the GXL, which can be had with either the petrol or diesel engines, adds privacy glass, roof rails, tri-zone air-conditioning, navigation, premium steering wheel with audio and phone controls, rear parking sensors and heated side mirrors.

The VX gains 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and daytime running lights, front parking sensors, leather accented seats and a 14-speaker JBL surround sound system.

At the top of the range, the Kakadu, which is diesel only, gets a moonroof, premium woodgrain-effect steering wheel, rear seat entertainment, active cruise control, pre-collision warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. It also gets crawl control, an off-road system that allows you to set your speed off-road and let the car's computer and mechanical hardware do the hard work.

What do they cost?

Diesel

GX (five-seater) - $55,990 (man)/$58,690 (auto)

GX (seven-seater) - $58,490 (man)/$61,190 (auto)

GXL - $61,490 (man)/$64,190 (auto)

VX - $78,990

Kakadu - $92,590

Petrol

GXL - $63,190

VX - $77,990

Kakadu - $91,590

Any options that I need to know about?

While only black and white are standard colours the metallic options are only $580 extra, which is quite cheap by modern car standards.

Is it expensive to own?

The weak spot of most Toyotas is not the price of servicing, but the frequency. While it is covered by a capped price servicing scheme and the services themselves are quite affordable, especially compared to premium brands, the intervals are only every six months (or 10,000km) - half what most rivals offer.

Any issues I need to know about?

The Prado lives up to Toyota's reputation for dependability. We haven't heard of any major long-term ownership issues with the big off-roader and it has been around long enough for Toyota to have ironed out most kinks. There's a reason why you see mostly Prados and LandCruisers when you trek across the outback.

Which is the most economical model?

Obviously for such a large SUV, the diesel is the one to go for. The 2.8-litre four pot may sound small but it does a more than adequate job of hauling the big vehicle along thanks to its 450Nm of torque.

Fuel consumption is rated at 8.0-litres per 100km on the combined cycle and we've seen examples of it hitting pretty close to than when driven carefully.

By contrast, the 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine only musters 381Nm of torque but drinks an average of 11.6L/100km.

Speaking of fuel, one of the Prado's biggest strengths and its appeal for off-road adventures is its huge fuel tank. It has an 87-litre main tank and a 63-litre reserve tank for a combined total of 150-litres.

Which is the safest model?

All models in the range get a reversing camera as standard along with seven airbags and stability control, traction control, hill start assist and hill descent control.

However, as explained earlier, it isn't until the VX grade that front and rear parking sensors are standard, which come in handy with such a large vehicle that is often used for family duties.

However, only the Kakadu gets the active safety features mentioned above, so that makes it the pick if safety is your priority.

Photo: Mark Bean

Which the best model to drive?

There isn't much to pick between the various model grades as they are all extremely capable off-roaders that have respectable manners on-road. The Prado can feel big and ponderous at times in the urban environment but it is predictable once you get accustomed to it.

The Kakadu's crawl control system gives it a slight edge off the beaten track but it only makes life easier, it doesn't make it any more capable than the rest of the range.

Should I buy one now?

The Prado's consistent popularity means it is difficult to drive a hard bargain but as it is now eight years old (and four since its upgrade) it has lost its freshness.

There are newer rivals from Ford (Everest), Holden (Trailblazer), Mitsubishi (Pajero Sport) and even Toyota (Fortuner) so there is certainly plenty of competition to keep Toyota and the Prado honest.

Where's the sweet spot?

While the Kakadu is the best equipped, at $92,590 for the diesel model it is a lot of money for what is primarily a heavy-duty off-roader.

So the GXL is our pick. Priced from $64,190 for the diesel-engined, automatic-equipped model it comes standard with seven-seats and all the key features - roof rails, tri-zone air-con, navigation and rear parking sensors (if not front).

• For more information, visit our Toyota showroom.