2009 Toyota Prado - Photo by Brian Carless
Toyota's Prado is a solid vehicle with a great consumer following. It complements power with comfort, and has all the right doodads to make it a true luxury SUV.
It is big - roomier than the Fortuner - yet, there are models in the Prado line-up that sell for only $100K more than 'the other' seven-seater in the Toyota range.
Prado comes with a comprehensive off-road package - limited slip rear, 265/75/17 all-purpose tyres on alloy wheels, low range capable transfer case and full-time four-wheel drive. It comes with a five-link live rear end, a 180-litre tank system, compass and altimeter. It will seat eight, if your family's average height is around that of Gary Coleman. The cabin is textured for those who like the finer things in life.
Grab handles
The radio was a little weak but is properly placed in the dash, within arm's reach of the driver and front passenger. There is a preponderance of grab handles throughout the cabin, and entry and egress for larger people is second to none, with the standard side steps. The third row of seats is mounted in the same way as the Fortuner, in that they fold up against the 'C' pillar when not in use. However, our mount was sufficiently new enough (1,500 km) so they did not bang and clank like the Fortuner's did.
The 3.0-litre, 125 hp 1KZ-TE turbo diesel engine is a strong performer despite the numbers. The rather statuesque SUV takes a lot of torque to get it moving, but the four banger develops twist in spades - its 250 lb ft of torque is available from 2,000 rpm!
All that twist makes this three-tonner hard not to like. It is sprightly off the line and the power is seamless all the way to the 4,500 rpm red line. It does feel top heavy at turn in though - the chassis built for comfort, not speed. But it does go, poke seems unending at speeds the young 'uns like to jump and scream about - but the amount of body roll is a bit disconcerting.
Slip differential
We took Prado over to Palisadoes sandy beach where we took its other cousins, the Fortuner and the Hilux. While we waxed poetic about the virtues of those two off-road, Prado got stuck in the sand - just feet from the highway. But the why of it is perplexing. The vehicle's weight, at 2170 kg (4,774 lb), is not excessive, though it does help with the ride. What boggles is that Prado comes standard with a rear limited slip differential. We feel that the stock tyres were not wide enough to distribute the load.
Prado is a good-looking, good-riding vehicle. It deserves its street cred in terms of power and comfort. It is practical and efficient for the soccer moms and dads of Jamaica. It has the power to get out of most situations.
If you like to go beachcombing, upgrade your tyres before. You'll be glad you did!