Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Overview:

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a sophisticated SUV model, which is known for its extreme off-road performance. In Sri Lanka, it is currently available in four trim levels namely TX, TXL, VX and VXL. Each of these engines are equipped different petrol and diesel engines. Its petrol engines have been incorporated with electronic fuel injection system while the diesel mills are integrated with common rail injection technology. This vehicle has a compelling body structure that is elegantly decorated with modernistic cosmetics. It has a very attractive front facade owing to its large radiator grille that is garnished with extensive chrome treatment. It also has a spacious internal cabin with attractive color scheme that mesmerizes the occupants as soon as they enter. Its TX and TXL variants are blessed with 17-inch alloy wheels while the remaining variants have a set of stylish 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The automaker has incorporated several sophisticated safety features inside multi - terrain ABS, blind spot monitor and seven SRS airbags, which helps to safeguard the occupants. It is currently placed against the likes of Mitsubishi Montero and others in the SUV segment.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Its petrol engines are incorporated with an electronically controlled fuel injection technology. Both these mills have the ability to give away a maximum mileage in the range of 8 to 12 Kmpl. On the other hand, its diesel engines have been incorporated with a common rail fuel injection technology. These engines have the ability to deliver a maximum mileage of approximately 13 to 14 Kmpl.

Power:

Its 4-cylinder petrol engine has the ability to churn out 120kW of power along with a torque of 246Nm. While the 4-cylinder diesel engine can belt out 120kW of peak power in combination with a hammering torque of 400Nm. Its SOHC based diesel engine has the ability to churn out 70Kw of power that results in 197Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, its top end petrol mill can unleash a power of 202Kw and a pounding torque 381Nm.

Acceleration And Pickup:

Its VXL trim, which is equipped with a V6 petrol mill can break the 100 Kmph speed mark in 7.5 to 9 seconds. At the same time, it can reach a top speed of about 250 Kmph. While the variants with 4-cylinder petrol mill can breach a 100 Kmph speed mark in the range of 12 to 13 seconds and can go up to a top speed in the range of 190 Kmph. On the other hand, both the diesel trims have the ability to attain a top speed in the range of 200 Kmph. However, its DOHC based version can zoom towards 100 Kmph mark in 9 seconds, whereas its SOHC based mill can do it in just about 13 to 14 seconds.

Exteriors:

Coming to the external appearance, this Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV has a masculine body structure that is fitted with classy external cosmetics. It has an intimidating front facade, thanks to its large radiator grille featuring vertically positioned chrome slats. This grille is surrounding by a radiant headlight cluster that is powered by xenon headlamps along with turn indicators. The front bumper has an elegantly sculptured design that is embodied with a pair of dynamic fog lamps along with a protective cladding. This SUV has a lustrous side profile, wherein its wheel arches are well molded and are fitted with a set of sturdy alloy wheels. Its window frames are garnished in high gloss black while the door handles and ORVM caps are painted in body color. Coming to the rear, its wide windscreen is accompanied by a spoiler, which is further fitted with a high mount stop lamp. The back door has is quite large and is elegantly decorated with company's badge along with variants badge.

Exterior Measurements:

This vehicle measures 4950mm in length (including spare wheel), 1890mm in height (including roof rails) and 2790mm in total wheelbase. It also has a decent width of 1885mm along with a minimum ground clearance of 220mm.

Interior:

This Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV has an extremely spacious internal cabin that is done up with an attractive dual tone color scheme. This five door version comprises of three rows, which can host seating for at least seven individuals. Its cockpit section is furnished with electrically adjustable individual seats, while the remaining rows have split folding bench seats. Its top end VX and VXL variants have these seats with premium leather seat upholstery, while the entry level trims have fabric upholstery. Its front seats also have heating function, which further adds to the convenience. The cockpit has a massive dashboard with attractive center fascia, which houses equipments like an AC unit, music system along cup holders and stowage units. It is also fitted with an attractive four spoke multi-functiona

Interior Comfort:

All the variants in this model series are bestowed with important comfort features, which ensures a fatigue-free driving experience. The list includes sunroof, remote engine starter function, fully automatic air conditioning unit, a cruise control function, front and rear parking sensors, cooler box, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, smart key system with engine start/stop function and front seats with electrically adjustment and heating function. In addition to these, this model series also blessed with a multi-functional steering wheel, power windows with one touch operation, remote tailgate opening and rear windscreen defogger.

Interior Measurements:

The automaker has fitted two 87 litre fuel tanks, which is quite awe-inspiring. It has a massive cargo compartment, whose storage capacity can be increased further by folding the third row seats.

Engine and Performance:

At present, the automaker is offering this vehicle with two petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. Its entry level variant is equipped with a 2.7-litre VVT-i gasoline engine that has 4-cylinders and 16-valves. This 2694cc engine has the ability to generate 120kw at 5200rpm along with a peak torque output of 264Nm at 3800rpm. This motor is mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox. Its TXL trim is blessed with a SOHC based 3.0-litre diesel engine that displaces 2986cc. This engine can produce 70Kw of maximum power at 4000rpm that results in a hammering torque of 197Nm at just 2400rpm. This power plant is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. On the other hand, its VX trim is fitted with a 3.0-litre diesel mill that is based on DOHC valve configuration. This power plant can unleash a mammoth power of 120Kw at 3400rpm and generates a hammering torque output of 400Nm between 1600 to 2800rpm. On the other hand, its top end variant is fitted with 4.0-litre engine that has six cylinders. It can produce a commanding power of 202kW at 5600rpm and a superior torque output of 381Nm at just 4400rpm. The automaker has mated both these engines with a six speed manual transmission gearbox.

Stereo and Accessories:

The automaker has bestowed this model series with an EVM type premium surround system featuring 14-speakers 11-channel amplifier. Furthermore, it also has a CD player and ports for USB devices. Furthermore, customers can incorporate aspects like a touchscreen infotainment system including navigator and video playback.

Wheels:

Its entry level variants are blessed with a set of 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, which are covered with 265/65 R17 sized radial tubeless tyres. However, its VX and VXL trims are bestowed with a set of sturdy 18-inch rims, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 265/60 R18.

Braking and Handling:

This Toyota Land Cruiser Prado model series is blessed with a proficient ventilated disc braking mechanism, which delivers excellent stopping power. It is further incorporated a multi-terrain anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution. The automaker has fitted its front axle with an independent double wishbone suspension and the rear axle gets a 4-link type of mechanism. In addition to this, both the VX and VXL trims have KDDS stabilizers on its rear axle, which improves its off-road capabilities.

Safety and Security:

The automaker has bestowed all the variants in this model series with innovative safety features, which provides unmatched protection to the occupants. It has a list of features including vehicle stability control, multi-terrain ABS with EBD, seven SRS airbags, front fog lamps, crawl control with five speeds, blind spot mirror active height control, and a smart key system. In addition to these, it also has pedestrian protection system, active head restraints and adaptive front-lighting system.

Pros:

1. Acceleration and pickup is quite good.
2. Off-road capabilities are better than other contenders.
3. Interior design is quite good with comfortable seating arrangement.

Cons:

1. Boot storage space can be improved.
2. Mediocre infotainment system is a disadvantage.
3. Initial cost of ownership is slightly expensive.