{"id":5754,"date":"2017-11-24T22:55:57","date_gmt":"2017-11-24T11:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dixonarchive.com\/motorblog\/?p=5754"},"modified":"2018-03-20T22:49:42","modified_gmt":"2018-03-20T11:49:42","slug":"2017-toyota-land-cruiser-prado-vs-2018-toyota-land-cruiser-prado-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dixonarchive.com\/motorblog\/2017-toyota-land-cruiser-prado-vs-2018-toyota-land-cruiser-prado-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VS 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n
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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The updated Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has finally been released as a 2018 model and we checked it out ‘live!’ in Tokyo. The original 150 series was released back in 2008 with an update in 2015 assumed to be the last one before an all new Prado. Of course the all new model didn’t occur and the 2108 is a heavily revised model has now been released.<\/p>\n

In terms of exterior design not much has changed between the 2 Prado’s. The front end now has smaller lights with a horizontal arrangement that follows the newly \u00a0bumped up bonnet and redesigned\/colored tail lights. The updated model does look like a tidier design and more in line with Toyota’s current design philosophy. Overall the updates are probably make the Prado more conservative in appearance.<\/p>\n

In terms of interior design the updated Land Cruiser Prado is a step up from the 2017 which admitted was a setup down from the older 120 series. The refresh has given it 80’s style metal\/silver finish similar to the Lexus version of Prado. While the materials are better than the last model and certainly looks more upmarket it seems older in design. The number of grab handles reportedly 12 is an interesting technical statistic. We are assuming that this is ‘mid-life’ update but this should have been the interior in there first place when the 50 series was released.<\/p>\n

In terms of engines and technology the updated Land Cruiser Prado has a few changes. The most notable is the lack of the petrol V6 engine option in Australia, the addition of a 6 speed automatic gearbox, keyless entry, additional safety systems including auto brakes, active cruiser control and lane functions and more which keep it updated to the city focused SUVs and exceeds it’s competitors like the Ford Ranger.<\/p>\n

The stereo system has ben updated with up to 16 speakers dependent on model grade, sounded OK but the system still lacks direct Apple and Android connectivity. The only technical criticism is the lack of significant engine improvements as the diesel engine it shares with the Fortuner and the Hilux. Sure the engine is underpowered but that is nothing new for Toyota and a slack for such an expensive SUV.<\/p>\n

The Prado’s 4WD system has also been improved with updated programming for ‘real off road’ situations via a dial and engine and rear diff lock across the range, gearbox responsiveness has also been given selectable modes. There are more unseen technical enhancements like the higher 3000kg towing limit than visible ones which is a step forward given it’s high retail pricing. There is nothing in the class that can compare to this sort of off road technology.<\/p>\n

It is clear that the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a significant improvement compared to 2017 model. Toyota has improved the the model in terms of technology but still needs more interior design and a more powerful diesel engine. The best news about the new Prado is the price drop across the model range! With a lot more equipment on par with other SUVs and cars in the price range and enhanced off road ability there’s alot to recommend the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.<\/p>\n

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