Toyota Land Cruiser Prado [2004-2011]

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is also popularly known as Toyota Prado, is a mid-size 4X4 vehicle. The Prado model was first introduced in the world market in year 1990, as a new version of popular Land Cruiser series. The car has been sold in a number of world markets and has been appreciated for its power-packed performance and superb styling.

The Toyota Prado was first introduced in the Indian market in year 2004 and since then it has been a big hit among politicians, elite class SUV lovers and film stars. Carrying a body-on-frame construction, the Prado has everything one would want in an off-roader vehicle. The car was available in a 4.0L petrol version earlier, but now the company has also launched a massive 3.0-litre D4 diesel engine, which is capable of generating a peak power of 173PS.

Carrying a powerful engine at its heart, the Prado model leave its competitors far behind in performance. Moreover, the features like electronic controlled air suspension and 5-speed auto box with all time four-wheel drive ensure the superior safety and handling of the vehicle.

At present, the car is available with a price tag of about 53 lacs (ex-showroom Chennai). The major competitors of the car in the Indian market include BMW X5, Audi Q5, etc.

Engine & Specifications of the Toyota Prado

As mentioned above, the Toyota Prado model is available in both petrol and diesel versions. The Petrol version of the car comes equipped with a 3,956cc (4-litre) V6, 24-valve, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine that is capable of delivering a peak power of 232 bhp @ 5,200 rpm  along with a massive peak torque of 36.9kgm @ 3,800 rpm. On the other hand, the diesel version of the car carries a 3.0-litre D4 diesel engine that is capable of generating a peak power of 173PS at 5200rpm along with a massive torque of 410Nm at 3800rpm. The powerful engines of the vehicle comes coupled with a five speed automatic transmission with all time four-wheel drive (with transfer modes).

Performance of the Toyota Prado

Being a full fledged off-roader, the Prado model carries superior performance characteristics. The features such as Electronic Modulated Suspension and all time four-wheel drive ensure a superb performance of the car no matter what the road conditions are. Due to its wide turning circle, the car feels cumbersome through traffic and it is a bit tough to park.

While the diesel version of the Toyota Prado delivers a mileage of 7 to 11 kmpl, the petrol version of the car delivers a mileage of 5 to 9 kmpl.

Exterior, Interior & Safety Features of the Toyota Prado

The Prado carries an aggressive muscular look, thanks to its big toothy grille and evident body armour. The interior of the car is blessed with a dual Zone dual-zone climate control, heated & powered seats, 60:40 split second row, power windows and mirrors, auto headlights off and a single in-dash CD player. The major safety features of the Prado include two-stage driver's SRS airbag, electronic air suspension and many more.