Finally... A Land Cruiser I ACTUALLY LIKE!! (2023 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Review)

I'm lovingly dubbed the 'Toyota hater' (which is just not true...), but today we take a look at the #1 Toyota Landcruiser I can *actually* recommend - and no, it isn't the $150,000 Land Cruiser 300 Series.

I really, really like this thing. It ticks all the boxes - looks great, drives well (enough), has a decent interior with 7 seats, and can actually go anywhere thanks to its SUV offroad credentials. So is there anything I really don't like? Well - of course - but let's talk about that in today's review!

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⚠️ Watch me next ⚠️
- The Prado's biggest competitor, the 2023 Ford Everest
- The original Toyota 300 Series Land Cruiser review that triggered the world

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CarSauce SOCIAL MEDIA:

[CarSauce]

🎉 SAVE $$$ and get a $150 Fuel Card for EVERY settled loan through Driva! 🎉

[dr.edsozfamilytravel]

I drive a LC Prado 2018 Kakadu. It works like a beast and it’s comfortable. I did a GVM and GCM upgrade to tow 3.5T caravan. It’s gone places and tows great. The trick is that you are not racing with anyone on the road. If you have some free money to throw around LC300 is great but the prado can do the job as well. Don’t listen to the over hyping of the 300. It’s great but check your pockets first and never stop that trip you’ve been dreaming of because you don’t have lc300.

Thanks for the video.

[veteafrancia]

I think we can all be thankful for the 300 series for making you cherish the more economical Prado !

[phizzle]

Are we not going to talk about the HDMI port cover being jettisoned @10:23? 🤣

[rogerlawrence]

I have owned 4 Prados before my latest one, the top of the range model you reviewed. I agree it is a much better choice and value for money than the LC 300. Simply the best. Trouble free, enough power and comfort. Can't wait for the version Prado.

[robstone]

Bought my Prado Kakadu a year ago and I am very happy with it. I prefer the flat pack, so much easier in small parking lots. Not the most Hi tech, but solid and honest. I don't tow anything so that was not a concern, the power is more than enough for daily driving.

I bought a second second set of 17 inch rims and fitted good off road tyres so I swap them out when I need to. The modes don't only adjust throttle response, they adjust the suspension damping. There is a little motor on top of each shock absorber that winds the damping up and down, you can definately feel it.

[LexusGX-OFF-ROAD]

here in the USA 🇺🇸 we get the Lexus GX460 with the V8. Phenomenal offroad SUV! 😃

[michaelkokai]

I agree with your choice of the prado over the 300 series. i think the 300 series designers missed the point. the previous generation looks way better than it

[stevezodiac]

I feel you've missed out some key information: to properly review the Prado including a segment off-road featuring it's capability (not just the buttons) would ensure prospective buyers have a more rounded view. And it's likely to be more informative than a 0-100 standing start segment, if you're pushed for time. Prado's off-road capability is significant, traction control simplifies challenges, and knowing more about the off-road capability could open up new recreational opportunities for prospective buyers.

[Camelonify]

it was a funny review thank you and your friend :D

[danialardalan]

only problem ive had with the prado is the rear vents if u are too violent with them or have kids they will break out of their socket but u can move them back into place easily and after 8 years the handles started getting loose so u have to tighten it up thats it

[campbellreither]

Good to hear that this modern classic is doing so well. It looks comfy. I'm going out on a limb here - new Toyota's have really uncomfortable seats, with a wretched head forward position for the head rests. Was in a new Kluger the other day, and it's a deal breaker. The seats were also rock hard. Those cars are not cheap either. Can you guys do a little digging on this issue if you can, as I believe it's become endemic of the industry, particularly cheaper mainstream brands.

[tysahall]

Myself and partner just ordered a new Kakadu 😁 hoping to get one of the last of this shape 🤞🏻great review
Does anyone know if you can somehow convert the rear entertainment system to a smart tv of some sort??

[slavstojnic]

Matt you seriously crack me up 🤣 and naughty Jacob for teasing Matt, you’re grounded! Lol 😂 😈Prados are getting old but I am looking forward to seeing the new one!

[KidJaeProductions]

After hearing that we may be getting one of these in the States, I had to come take a look at this truck

[yeahmate]

This is like a comfort video for those who can’t afford the 300series and opt for a Prado 🥲

[philross]

I have a 2022 Prado VX and just love it. It has plenty of power for my needs and it is comfortable and great to drive.
The VX certainly has all the features I need including the fridge in the centre consul, Illuminated side steps and even a form of interior mood lighting. I think the VX at around 10 grand cheaper than the Kakadu is the sweet spot in the Prado model range. Yes it’s getting on in years in regards to its styling etc compared to newer SUVs but it’s still a very good vehicle and should very much feature on the list if shopping for a new SUV.
I never use the seven seat option so the lack of space when those seats are raised is not a problem for me but if you need the seven seats on a regular basis then maybe this isn’t the SUV for you.
The only annoyances I have is the lack of USB ports, no wireless Apple CarPlay and no phone charging pad.
Also the 6 month service intervals which may get expensive when the Toyota subsidised service costs cease.
These are only minor annoyances which fade away once you get in and see how good the Prado is.

[alexbarquin]

You need to cover the fortuner crusade to complete Toyota's wagon body on frame series.

[WillDavies]

I think Toyota need to up their game on this model, in the UK the top range 7 seater starts at £64k when you can have a far more luxurious and advanced LR Discovery for £57k. Prado is like a time warp. They’ve not modernised it since the mid 2000s in any meaningful way.

[markodell]

Unfortunatly we here in North America don't get the current LC Prado but we get it in Lexus drag. I am amazed at how close the Prado and Lexus GX 460 really are especially this version with its lack of rear wheel and split hatch. I do like our V8 gas guzzler option . I have had a LC200 and I really like my GX more. I am with you I cannot really see going to our LX 600 for twice as much. If I had LX money I would be in a V8 Defender or Range Rover...reliability be damned.