Does it deserve its reputation? (Toyota Prado 2022 review)

We test the updated 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Kakadu to see what this 4WD is really like.

Note: the Prado's towing capacity was misstated as 3500kg. It is 3000kg.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the smaller of the two Land Cruiser products sold in most markets, sitting alongside its newer, bigger, quicker sibling - the 2022 Land Cruiser 300 Series. The Prado is diesel-only here in Australia, using a 2.8-litre engine making 150kW of power (201 hp). It is mechanically related to the Hilux ute and it competes mainly with the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and other ute-based wagons.

In today’s episode of Chasing Cars, journalist John Law conducts an in-depth independent road test of the 2022 Toyota Prado Kakadu 4WD.

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[gixxr]

Prado is just simply the best family all rounder, simple and comfortable, older now but tried and tested and you know will last the test of time, can't exactly say that about the Everest

[placestosea]

the things that most reviewers don't seem to comment on are the large fuel capacity ( dual tank option) and constant 4wd. features that no doubt are important to those who tow, and set it apart from other vehicles in the market. eg: if you tow a caravan you understand driving into a service station is not always easy. also having a reach adjustable steering wheel is good

[robwilson]

I chuckle at the comments about the power. I had a 90 series Prado with the KZ motor (95kW) and since no-one told me that 'wasn't enough power' I spent 18 blissful years with the old girl doing 320, 000km towing boats, caravans and bike trailers with tents on the roof, including a 18, 000km round trip up through Africa, sometimes on virtually NO road at all. Part of the robustness is this vehicle (although it does not always look like it) is that it is not over stressed anywhere. It just does everything pretty well, and has an endurance range second to none with the 150l tank.

[benparsons]

They hit the sweet spot being most things to most people. For an active family, not much can touch a Prado, even though they aren't the most exciting thing out there. Comfortable, robust, roomy and efficient for the size. Eats up long trips so well. I reckon it’s better than a 200/300 off-road too with less weight and width for tracks.

[anaesthete]

Loved the Prado forever, but moved to Canada just over a year ago and got the 4.0 V6 4Runner Limited. Closest thing to a Prado; basically the same size and purpose, and built at the same Japanese factory. Permanent 4WD in the Limited edition and actually drives more or less the same too. Lacks very few of the extra luxuries the Land Cruisers have, and so, all in all, not a bad alternative. The only local alternative (from Toyota) is the Lexus GX. For the price premium, I’ll take the 4Runner in pref. For a mix of on and off road, all three cars (4R, Prado, GX) are awesome.

[bluecent]

I’m a VFII redline Ute and GTI owner. I wanted a touring vehicle for retirement in a couple of years. I looked at wide range of vehicles including dual cab utes etc. the 150kw and 500nm means that the Prado’s performance is now “adequate”.
Once you get use to the relatively ponderous steering, you begin to appreciate the vehicles bulletproof nature and build quality and you’re sold.
However other than the KDSS there was nothing to convince me that the VX level was the specification for couples.

[jackmagee]

I love my 2018 VX Prado. It feels as you drive it, rock solid. The floaty steering is not really a thing, compared to a small run about hatch or sedan, the steering is a bit looser, but this is a full size 4wd. The moment you take it off road, the steering makes so much sense. I bought mine because the LC200 did not have a diff lock. Also the safety specs are excellent, a child ran out in the parking lot in front of the Prado, the dash and screens lit up light a Christmas tree, the car stopped dead. No one was hurt etc. the all wheel drive and the 150L of fuel tank make it a beast.

[DrAhmedRaouf]

It is a long wait to get your hand on one of these cars, I’ve placed my order for the Kakadu on October last year 2021 and I was told last week that I would expect delivery end of may this year . 6 months of waiting!

[danwhite]

Definitely a great tourer. Fit all terrain tyres and moderate off-roading can be achieved. I would prefer the tyre to be on the back and have extra fuel. It would be worth the wait for the next generation.

[sf]

I really love mine, it's a VX. I installed a throttle controller for when I tow or go offroad, it makes my life a lot easier for me when I can control how sensitive the throttle is. I like the simple buttons for the AC, and the way it works. The head unit doesn't upset me so much - I wouldn't have bought it without the factory Apple Carplay connection though. I am excited to see what engine the next Prado comes with, hopefully it has just a bit more power for suburban driving that will mitigate the constant hunting for gears.

[Dave-wwtl]

Looking forward to my new Prado VX in April . Yes baby.

[mmcin]

I have a 2009 Kakadu with 160000k. It still drives like a new car and all I have had to do is service it. No rattles, no issues and on the open road it is excellent, comfy seats, good driving position and great vision. The 150 litre fuel tank is great for long distance driving.

[somesharks]

The tail light has maintained its beauty since 2010

[andrewd]

When reviewing the so called Toyota “towing capacity”, you guys should go more into specifics regarding GVM, tow ball weight etc. At the end of the day, due consideration of the people on board, carrying capacity, being everything loaded into the vehicle & caravan must be duly considered. Just because manufacturers state the towing capacity, does not equate in the real world of what vehicles can actually pull safely!

[robstone]

I have a Kakadu with the new 19 inch rims, I don't like them, the ones on the VX look much better. 19 inch are useless off road, I have bought another set of 17 inch rims and decent off road tyres that I swap out when I need to. Prado is a bit of a pain driving in traffic and parking at the mall, which is why I have a small hatchback for the daily commute and save the Prado for the weekends.

[glennh]

Traded my diabolically bad MB GL320 on a 2021 Prado GLX, then my wife and I were both made 'Covid retirees' by downsizing companies. Almost accidentally bought a Jayco all-terrain tandem axle caravan and ran away July 2021 from Melbourne's lockdowns into NT and FNQ for the next 5 months. The Prado was bog standard, tyres and all. We towed the 2500kg van 17, 000ks including about 600k of dirt and corries on the Savannah way up by the gulf between NT and QLD. Without the van we 'off-roaded' around the Centre, Kakadu and Lichfield. The Prado did it all totally effortlessly, the 150 litre tank meant no range concerns ever! The only upgrade we made was getting airbags fitted in the rear springs to level the ride while towing at TJM in Alice Springs, all for $650. Just due to bad luck we broke 2 windscreens during the trip, the great thing about having a Prado is parts are always on hand, no waiting. Being total novices at all this the Prados reliability, huge tank, capability and comfort made the trip easy.

[stuartferguson]

Check your towing weight - last time I checked it was 3000kg not 3500kg as stated by the reviewer; and colours are subjective, Ive got a Dusty Bronze Prado and love it

[loving_dad_explorer]

Neighbour has a Prado… I used to love them… but now think of them equivalent to tractors

[rebeccaw]

Does the Kakadu model no longer have the 2nd row entertainment system for the kids? Yes iPads are a thing, but for touring purposes, you want the kids looking up and not down. Did the 2nd row have 2 usb or c outlets to charge two devices?

[peterstaggs]

We have a 2021VX which is a fine vehicle to tow our 20 foot van. Why does nobody mention the appalling quality of the cameras? It is like Vaseline has been smeared on every lens. The rear camera mount also needs to be modified to see the tow ball in the screen on dash. These are small things but when you pay over 75k for a vehicle it should be better. Also a 12 volt power outlet in boot should be standard along with the 100watt 240 AC outlet which my auto sparky has advised not to use on extended trips as it will over heat.