Toyota Prado 2021 review: GXL off-road test

Toyota’s 4WDs have a sterling reputation as off-road touring vehicles. But while the brand’s top-sellers like the 200 Series LandCruiser and the HiLux get all the adulation, the mid-size Prado simply goes about its business of being a decent all-rounder with little fuss or fanfare.

However, it’s been looking and feeling a little bit aged in recent years … but Toyota is hoping that a bit of a range refresh has sorted that out.

The new Prado has more power and torque than the previous version, but the price has gone up across the range – almost $3000 extra for this mid-spec GXL, as an example.

But it does now have a bigger multimedia screen, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so it’s up to speed there at least.

So, is the new Prado worth your consideration? Let's find out.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[jasenanderson]

Loved my GXL for 20 years. It's still going with a new owner mate of mine, can't kill em. Got the Hilux now due to price and practicality, but the Prado is the bomb if you can afford one.

[robkingdon]

Great video, cheers mate. Just bought a 2022 GXL, the comfort I've long distances is just awesome and being able to jump on those gravels roads around the Pilbara is hardly noticeable.

[abcman]

prado is actually now more reliable and a better choice than land cruiser. its light, strong, capable and less thirsty.

[RalphieMuskinyaar]

My dream is to own a prado. Am gonna work hard and hopefully enjoy driving one soon.

[ausgooner]

Just ordered a new one (6months wait) and can't wait to drive it. Great video and a big thanks to all the comments, they helped us choose this car.

[hugomachado]

4:31 Impressive how the car go up without any stress

[damienryan]

Got one new GXL in 2010 delivering years of reliable and robust motoring; very reasonable maintenance costs and still holding its value. My wife has been through 3 European cars since some all with high maintenance costs and rapid depreciation.

[PHYSIOHACKSMALLUS]

I been using Prado for 14 yrs. trade in and ordered a new Kakadu 2021. Excitedly waiting for the new toy. Said 4 months of wait. Hopefully sometime soon☺️☺️☺️

[limpunsing]

I like the Prado much better than the Fortuner A-1 review

[mchapman]

Thanks for the video, great review of the vehicle. Owned the 120 series for 10 years without a hitch, now have the 2018 150 series, great vehicles.

[manujakaluarachi]

in srilanka we get the jdm spec prado but due to our high taxes these are easily over 200k usd but everyone buys them because they are just such an amazing all rounder!

[getkedar]

Just signed up for one. 2021 GX with 7 seat. I can't wait to drive. Due to COVID, dealer's asked for a 3 month delivery. Promised date is end of April 2021. I hope they have one soon.

[mrmaaical]

What’s the name of the gentleman reviewing. He deserves a prize for such nice review. Love it...

[greiglyas]

Have loved my 150 series Prado for about 6 years now. Have been to Cape York including the Old Telle Track and the Kimberley in it. Never had so much as a flat tyre. Just wish I could afford a new one.

[shizenjapan]

Just last week ordered a brand new Prado same as this one but in metallic white. Six month wait though and most probably will be the newer version of this. Can't wait for autumn to arrive so I can pick up my new toy

[Imranz-tyey]

Yours way of explaining is really good

[thevideo]

Did they sort the dpf issues in this year? Im looking at this model. If anyone has any info

[vindieter]

Reliability is the only thing the Prado has got going for it. Yes it’s a big thing but surely for the price they could give their customers something better (coming from a Prado and 70 Series owner)

[barneyhearnden]

What upgrades would you recommend to improve off road capability? I am thinking a 2” lift and some bigger AT tyres like Toyo open country.

[Jay-hrci]

Surprised you didn;t engaged the center diff lock at least.