Comfort is the Prado byword
The Toyota Prado may well be getting on in years, be oddly styled, and distinctly old fashioned, but there is one thing it does supremely well; better even than a lot of more expensive vehicles. And that is comfort, says Damien O’carroll.
The Toyota Prado is an amazingly comfortable, cosseting vehicle that cocoons you in soft, almost impenetrable barrier to the outside world. Once you are inside it, it really doesn’t matter that it looks weirdly tall and narrow and has WAY too much chrome on the exterior. Neither does it matter that it corners like something that has just recently died and is still warm. And it almost doesn’t matter that the centre console now resembles a Soviet-style apartment building after Toyota has spent years adding new levels to keep up with demands in technology. Nope, all that matters when you are inside the Prado is the Boeing 747 Business Class-levels of comfort and serenity. And the 747 is an accurate comparison for the Prado – both are big, roomy, comfortable (there’s that word again) and, well, largely outdated. But while the 747 is being replaced by more modern replacements, the Prado soldiers on. While the diesel model has an all-new diesel engine shared with the equally new Hilux, the petrol version continues with the same 207kw/381nm four-litre V6, albeit now hooked up to the new 6-speed automatic transmission. While previously the petrol had been the pick of the Prado range, the new diesel engine changes that by being smooth, powerful and refined, just like the petrol V6, but also by have a far lighter thirst. That said, the petrol Prado still brings an extra edge of refinement and serenity over its diesel counterpart. The V6 Prado is only available in VX spec, so brings with it such goodies as 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated leather power seats, tri-zone climate control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, a 14-speaker JBL audio system and LED headlights and DRLS. As should be expected, the Prado is also fully loaded with off-road tech as well, including Toyota’s excellent multi-terrain monitor camera system that provides various views around the vehicle for slipping through those tight spots in off road situations. Which, given the Prado’s sheer size, is actually quite a bit more useful than you would imagine, even on sealed roads. While we are talking about that size, it must be noted that the Prado is one very big unit, making it somewhat challenging in tight urban situations, particularly parking, where its supertanker-like turning circle really works against it. Toyota claims an average fuel consumption of 11.6L/100km for the petrol Prado, which is certainly not bad for such a large beast, but we never saw anything close to that figure. While we would personally go for the diesel Prado - particularly if you plan on doing any towing - the petrol version has an undeniable charm. And that serenity. Feel the serenity.