Here is my review and road test report on the 150 series Toyota LandCruiser Prado LC5. This part of the review is for the new Prado’s petrol V6 model – later parts will review the diesel and the comparison between the two engine types. I’ll also review the short wheel base (SWB) Prado.
The release of the 150 series LandCruiser Prado comes at a good time since one of us is getting a new car. He hasn’t decided yet so going through the selection process. we decided to work together to see if updating to the 150 series is worth it.
Start up and noise: The start-up noise is basically identical to the 120 series. You get the usual roar and overrun. Sound like its got an impressive engine. (Petrol) In some versions you get keyless start and entry. So only a press of a button to start the car. The seats feel exactly the same as the older model and if the version has electric seats and steering wheel control will go about its adjustments automatically dependent on the memory setting. If you’ve got manual seats and steering column – oh well.
Engaging Drive mode in the automatic gear lever has the familiar feel and noise to the action. The reality is on the 120 and 150 series is that the lever is only there for tradition. It’s electronic so there’s no mechanical action. Taking off is where you’ll notice the first change. Unlike the 120 series the 150 series has a very remote feel to the steering wheel. It is also overly light. The gear changes are very smooth, smoother than the 120 series. Even in low speed start stop traffic the automatic shifting is well damped or not noticeable by the driver or anyone else.The view out the front window is exactly the same as the superseded model. However the rear seems a but more crowded due to the larger rear headrests.
Since the car is still new the engine feels tight but you can tell that it will free up given more mileage. The 150 series feels just a powerful as the 120 series despite the extra claimed horse power and torque. Probably because weighs a little bit more – but it balances out so you probably will not notice it. Being a petrol engine you can hear the engine but it is a distant sound and less than the already relatively quiet older series. (Diesel engine impressions shortly)
Likewise the 150 series suspension is firm yet compliant – the car is still new after all. The version I drove had the KINETIC suspension option so the ride was firm or car like yet absorbent. I liked the suspension on the new version but I also liked the softer superseded 120 series. This will probably change over time of course.
The first noticeable thing about the new Prado was light power steering and has little or no feedback. It is definitely Lexus like. Sure the superseded Prado did not have that much feel but it still had some the 150 series is even less but may improve as speed increases. Personally I’d like more feedback. The upside is that there are no engine vibrations coming through the 150 series’ new steering wheel.
The second noticeable feature of the new 150 series V6 petrol Prado is the quietness. The interior is amazingly silent on all types of roads. The brand new tyres probably played a part in the quietness but I think it will remain that way regardless. There was also no wind noise to speak of. The only noise was from the engine. Engine is not very loud and quite distant. I think it may be deliberate because if Toyota can achieve this level of quietness everywhere else I’m sure they could have got rid of the minimal engine noise. This is probably exacerbated by the silence of the rest of the car.
The next stand out feature is the braking system. Toyota have done an excellent job. Brakes work really well. I’d say they’ve halved the travel and improved stopping power significantly. You must be gentle since they can be quite abrupt. Sure they lack braking feedback compared to the superseded model but wow they work. Very good. Again this may change as the brakes wear down.
In terms of body stiffness and vibration there is very little to speak of in the new V6 petrol 150 series Prado. In fact probably none at all. You can even feel that the structure is stiffer than the old. When I got back in my 120 series I noticed how Toyota has made the new one even more refined! My superseded model felt loose and had more vibration. Remember this is all relative the 120 series Prado is already very refined. Especially compared to its older competitors like the Pajero and any others that’s for sure.
Handling of the new 150 series is very similar to the old one so it is still not a sports but at city speeds just as good as a regular family car. However the lack of feedback from the steering wheel and brakes makes it difficult to take advantage of any improvements in handling. You will get familiar with them over time and probably appreciate the changes and improvements. Overall it is not too bad though. There is one benefit of the new steering system and that is the turning circle appears much tighter than the old one!
Conclusion so far: If you thought the superseded Prado was refined the new model is noticeable even better. How they do it? – who knows. So far the new 2010 150 series V6 petrol Toyota LandCruiser Prado is very nice indeed. In terms of the driving element the V6 is better the the 120 series except for the steering feel. As for prices be prepared for the initial premium for being the first to buy one cause they aren’t cheap at the moment.