With over 60 years of off-road heritage, the Toyota Land Cruiser has become an icon in the 4WD market. Its unrivalled off-road performance and durability have earned it a rock-solid reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable 4x4s. In 1980, its line-up was joined by a smaller, sportier and rugged SUV that was initially called the Land Cruiser ‘light’. In 1990, the SUV was renamed the Prado, a name it bears till today. Toyota recently introduced a 2014 model that improves on every aspect of the model it replaces.
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| Toyota Prado |
Design
The face of the 2014 Land Cruiser Prado features a newly designed radiator grille and rectilinear headlamp clusters, which have been integrated into a single, more powerful-looking structure. The classic Land Cruiser Prado grille, with a thick metallic plated structure, now features five powerfully projecting vertical bars which sink directly into the front bumper. Integrating high and low beams, a front turn signal lamp and Daytime Running Lights (DRL) within a distinctive new casing, the headlamp clusters may be equipped with either halogen or LED headlamps. The sharply trimmed lower section increases the SUV’s off-road driving approach angle. To the rear, new lamp clusters feature solid, clear lens blocks inset within a red-accented, powerfully three-dimensional design. A new, more three-dimensional license plate garnish has been widened to overlap the license plate panel. The SUV profile is enhanced by newly designed 17-inch 6-spoke and 18-inch 12-spoke wheels.
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| Cockpit |
Performance
The 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is available with a choice of two engines: a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine or a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel. The petrol power unit is a lightweight, 4.0-litre, V6 with Dual VVT-i. It develops 207 kW / 282 hp and 385 Nm of torque, offering 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. The V6 returns 10.8-litres/100 km in the combined cycle.
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| True off-road companion |
The 3.0-litre, DOHC four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel develops 140 kW/190 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, it will accelerate the 2014 Land Cruiser Prado will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 11.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 175 km/h. The turbo diesel has a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1 l/100 km. The petrol V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, whilst the diesel unit may be equipped with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
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| Interior layout |
Interior
The 2014 Land Cruiser Prado features a comprehensive interior design upgrade. It includes a new centre console upper panel, a new off- and on-road driving control switch panel, a new Optitron meter design incorporating a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display, enhanced dashboard and door trim and ornamentation, improved second and third row seat designs with new fabrics, and new interior colour schemes. The forward folding angle of the second row seats has been increased from 33.8 degrees to 46 degrees, improving ease of entry and exit for third row seat users. Seat heating is now available for the outside second row seats, offering independent operation with two temperature levels. The appearance of both the second and third row seats has been enhanced by the addition of double outer stitching in models equipped with Premium fabric and leather upholstery. Leather upholstery features contrast colour stitching for a more luxurious appearance.
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| Rear design |
Verdict
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has grown in size and become more focused on broad consumer appeal and sporty design. Toyota has increasingly added upscale accommodations and luxury features to the 2014 Land Cruiser Prado, giving it an upmarket appeal.