2017 Toyota Prado Altitude new car review

Why we're driving it

Toyota is trying to keep the best-selling Prado at the top of SUV shopping lists with this special-edition Altitude model that adds a host of conveniences at a discounted rate.

The Japanese car maker says the extra features – such as unique alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather-accented trim, power front seats, a higher-grade audio system and a rear entertainment screen – are worth more than $10,000, but the Altitude costs just $5k more than the GXL variant on which it is based.

What we like

The Prado is a genuine four-wheel drive, rather than a soft-roader, meaning it still retains the go-anywhere ability that it is renowned for thanks to a proper transfer case with low-range gears, a diff lock and special electronic systems suited for off-road driving.

It feels like a tough truck too, one that is well suited to cross-country adventures and, in the rare circumstance where something might go wrong, is backed by Toyota's extensive dealer network for extra peace of mind.

But that doesn't mean it feels completely out of place or agricultural in urban areas, as the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine has plenty of torque and is relatively smooth and quiet for its type, the six-speed automatic is intuitive and the steering is far from truck-like.

The seven-seat cabin is also spacious enough for modern families and trinkets like the rear entertainment system will be hugely appealing to kids, and potentially a godsend for parents on long journeys.

The other unique element of the Altitude is that Toyota has moved the spare wheel, taking it off the side-opening rear door and placing it underneath the car. While this may be a little less convenient if you get a puncture out in the desert, it is much better in the urban jungle as it improves rearward vision for the driver and makes the door lighter and easier to open in carparks.

What we dislike

Being a 'real' four-wheel drive brings its own set of negatives for the Prado. While its traditional body-on-frame construction makes it great in the rough stuff, it also makes it heavy around town and with a high centre of gravity which results in it not only using plenty of fuel but it also leans heavily through the corners and generally feels less car-like than other SUVs.

The repositioned spare tyre has come at the expense of the Prado's second fuel tank. That reduces fuel capacity from 150-litres to 87L, which dents its long-range off-roading credentials.

While the Altitude's additional features are nice to have, it misses out on a lot more than it gets for a $70k SUV, from conveniences like Apple CarPlay and a digital speedo to modern safety systems like automated emergency braking and collision and blind spot warnings.

The cabin, too, is starting to show its age in terms of design and packaging, with not a lot of useable small item storage spaces in the centre console for a car of its size.

Would I buy one?

Yes, if I lived on a rural property and get out in the paddocks every now and then, or was planning a round-the-country family adventure, or tow a boat to the coast regularly enough.  For those, the Prado has a strong reputation as a family car that's also a part-time workhorse, and the Altitude's extras add to its appeal.

But, as a suburban-only seven-seater SUV, there are better, safer, more efficient and more refined options out there, including Toyota's own Kluger.

2017 Toyota Prado Altitude price and specifications

Price: From $68,230 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 130kW at 3400rpm

Torque: 450Nm at 1600rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 8.0L/100km

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