Toyota sells its Land Cruiser in more than 190 countries and its unmatched off-road abilities have earned it a rock-solid reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable 4x4s.
Now the carmaker has introduced its latest Land Cruiser Prado in South Africa with more modern and robust exterior styling, a more sophisticated, comfortable and higher quality interior, and improvements to its user-friendliness, both on and off-road.
The Prado range has traditionally consisted of two grades, the mid-level TX and high-grade VX. Now a third grade, VX-L has been added to the model line-up.
The VX-L model combines all the features of the VX while adding a power-operated tilt-and-slide moonroof and comprehensive active safety assistance package to the mix.
Toyota has tweaked the Prado’s overall styling to give it a more modern appearance The overall length has been increased by 60mm to 4 840mm. Design changes have been made to the bonnet, grille, bumper and headlights.
On the inside there are changes too including a new eight-inch, full-colour multimedia screen and a redesigned instrument binnacle too. The combination leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel is new too.
The Land Cruiser Prado retains the proven 3,0 D-4D engine, offering 120 kW and 400 Nm available between 1 600-2 800 r/min. This is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with gear ratios optimized for low-speed tractability and off-road use.
The 4.0-litre petrol engine uses a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum power is 202 kW at 5 600 r/min, with peak torque of 381Nm delivered at 4 400 r/min.
Prices start at R821 700.