2015 Toyota Prado Review | GX, GXL, VX And Kakadu – New Engine, New Appeal
The Skinny: While cosmetic improvements are thin on the ground in the updated 2016 Toyota Prado range, the all-new diesel engine is a solid winner; it's new-found refinement transforms this capable, hard-working 4X4 SUV.
There is a quietness and smoothness to the new engine that we're unused to in a Toyota diesel. And that refinement comes with the benefit of more power, more torque and more efficiency. It's also more frugal.
There is a downside to this good news: the 2016 Prado will cost you more for the privilege. The V6 petrol remains unchanged, except for a small price rise, but it's a minor player in the showroom.
Vehicle Style: Large SUV
Price: $52,990 (GX 5-seat manual diesel) to $84,490 (Kakadu 7-seat auto diesel)
Engine/trans:
- 130kW/450kW 2.8 litre turbo diesel 4cyl | 6sp manual or 6sp auto
- 207kW/381Nm 4.0 litre petrol 6cyl | 6sp auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 7.9 l/100km (manual diesel), 8.0 l/100km (auto diesel), 11.6 l/100km (auto petrol)| tested: 8.5 l/100km (auto diesel)
OVERVIEW
Is… is that the new LandCruiser Prado? It’s a bit hard to tell - after all, the box-fresh 2016 model we just spent the day driving is externally identical to the facelifted model that went on sale in late 2013.
But there’s one difference under the skin, and it’s major. While the outgoing model was propelled by a clattery, agricultural 3.0 litre turbodiesel, the 2016 Prado gets Toyota’s new 2.8 litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder with a refinement that’s worlds apart from its predecessor.
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