On test was the Landcruiser Prado Kakadu with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel motor mated to a five-speed automatic with sequential-style shifting transmission and a host of electronic gizmos.
Inside the new Prado there is an upmarket feel and the dash in the Kakadu has a multi-information display in the centre of the instrument cluster, controlled by switches on the steering wheel and you can tailor functions at the touch of a button.
Kakadu has a premium electronic height and reach adjustable four-spoke steering wheel with wood-look accents, audio and telephone controls and multi-information and camera controls. Combined with the multi adjustable heated leather driver’s seat you can get very comfortable.
The overall layout of instruments, centre display and controls are easy and intuitive to use. You can even enjoy a cold drink from the centre chill box.
Entertainment is provided by a 14-speaker premium Pioneer audio system with seven-inch LED backlit touch screen, DVD-based satellite navigation and CD/DVD changer and linked to the nine-inch LED rear-seat entertainment system.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) which houses the touch-screen satellite navigation utilises a breakthrough four-camera system for checking blind spots and for revealing terrain hazards and apexes that are normally hidden from view.
The ability to see over a sharp crest, confirm the vehicle’s positioning and clearance and determine steering angle thus wheel placement is superb.
Rear passengers are well catered for with their own air conditioning controls, rear seat entertainment system, more head, leg and shoulder room and reasonably comfortable seats. The legroom in the third row seats is still cramped.
As you would expect The Prado Kakadu is packed full of every conceivable safety feature including seven airbags, All-Terrain ABS, EBD, BA, VSC and A-TRC, HAC and DAC and radar-based Pre-Crash safety System (PCS).
Toyota Prado’s 3.0-litre produces 127Kw and 410Nm and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential-style shifting. This motor is seriously underpowered especially towing, however, the fact that maximum torque comes in at 1600 rpm means that the Prado is easy to drive when on the move.
The Prado is a good handling 4WD on road and has enviable wheel articulation off road. On dirt roads and corrugations the Prado was reasonably composed and the self-levelling suspension helps with towing and carrying loads. The level of electronically enhanced off road capability is mind blowing.
The Prado Kakadu has a comprehensive package of Driver Assist Technology (DAT), electronic rear differential lock, CRAWL Control and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM). All this means that the Prado Kakadu will pretty much go wherever you point it. In reality it makes 4wdriving easy and if it can’t take you where you want to go then you really shouldn’t be going.
The Prado will tow 2500Kg with self-levelling rear suspension, towing aids and camera for hitching.
The Prado Kakadu is fantastic and absolutely chock full of features and exceptionally capable off road. The key thing is that unfortunately these vehicles rarely see anything like the amount of off road driving they should.
What is good:
• Drivers Comfort
• Sophisticated Terrain Technology
• Fold flat rear seats finally
What is not so good:
• Engine underpowered
• Leg room for third row seats
• Price
Model Toyota Prado Kakadu DiD
Model Price $98,841 RDAP
Drivetrain 4WD 3.0L DiD 5-speed auto
Power 127 Kw @ 3,400 rpm
Torque 410 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Safety 5 Star
CO2 Emissions 232 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 2½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 8.8 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 2500 kg
Tow Ball Rating 250 kg
Servicing capped $ 3yrs/60,000km
Warranty 3yr/100,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 90/100
Behind the Wheel 10
Comfort 9
Equipment 10
Performance 7
Ride & Handling 9
Practicality 10
Fit for Purpose 10
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 10
Value for Money 8
