Toyota releases updated LandCruiser Prado
Promising more safety, improved styling, a greater list of features and reduced pricing, the MY18 Toyota LandCruiser Prado range has arrived.
A key change for 2018 is the deletion of the V6 petrol engine, as more than 98.8 per cent of Prado buyers in Australi have chosen the 2.8 turbo diesel, according to Toyota.
The model tiers remain the same, with the GX manual opening the batting, followed by the GXL manual, VX auto and Kakadu auto. While starting prices have been reduced across the board, the auto upgrade for the GX and GXL remains a $3,000 extra and the seven-seat option for the GXL is unchanged at $2,500.
The GX and GXL get more standard safety tech, but only in auto trans form. This includes the pre-collision safety system (PCS) with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, active cruise control (ACC), lane departure alert and auto high beam. PCS and ACC were previously exclusive to the Kakadu.
GX manuals now get sat nav and Toyota Link connected mobility as standard, with added features on the GXL including Bi-LED head lamps, LED DRLs and fog lamps, and a sun-visor lamp.
Towing capacity on the GX auto has been increased by 500kg to 3000kg (all auto models now have a 3000kg towing capacity), with a rear diff lock now standard on the GXL auto and VX auto. The GXL auto also gets Optitron instruments and a colour multi-information display, while the VX adds a panoramic view monitor, multi-terrain monitor, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard on the VX are ventilated front seats, a cool box and LED fog lamps.
The Kakadu now has drive mode select and a panoramic view monitor.
Styling changes across the board include a new grille design and a reprofiled front bumper to improve front-end clearance and provide easier identification of the corners of the vehicle, while the scallop in the bonnet is said to enhance forward visibility.
Pricing for the MY18 LandCruiser Prado starts at $53,490 for the GX manual (reduced $600), $59,990 for the GXL manual (reduced $1200), $73,990 for the VX auto (reduced $911) and $84,490 for the Kakadu auto (reduced $1121). All prices are MSRP only and exclude ORCs.