When it comes to dependable and reliable SUVs, Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado has always been a top contender. This iconic vehicle has been a mainstay in Toyota’s lineup, and it continues to offer reliability, versatility, and off-road capability. In this review, we’ll delve into the top-of-the-line Prado Kakadu, exploring its features, design, performance, and off-road prowess.
Exterior Elegance
Color Options
The LandCruiser Prado Kakadu offers a variety of exterior colors to choose from, with all but black and white requiring an additional $600. One standout choice is the metallic blue, which features a pearlescent effect that adds a touch of elegance to the SUV.
Striking Design
The Prado Kakadu boasts a bold and impressive front grille, resembling the look of a predator ready to conquer any terrain. The Toyota logo takes center stage, and you’ll notice the discreetly placed 360-degree cameras, which aid in parking and off-road navigation.
Moving to the headlights, the Prado Kakadu features LED headlights with a distinctive 3D element, similar to what you’d find on the Hilux. Headlight washers are also integrated, and the lower section houses fog lights. The overall design exudes classiness, with chrome highlights adding to its presence.
On the side, you’ll find 18-inch alloy wheels equipped with all-terrain tires, providing a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. The side mirrors include integrated indicators, and there are sturdy side steps for easy access. Roof rails, privacy glass, and an option for a flat back with a spare tire complete the side profile.
At the rear, the Prado Kakadu offers versatility by allowing you to choose between a spare tire mounted on the back or tucked away underneath. The rear also features traditional incandescent taillights, Kakadu badging, chrome accents, and an impressive 3000-kilogram braked towing capacity.
Interior Luxury
Inside the Prado Kakadu, you’ll find an interior that exudes elegance and comfort.
Stylish Cabin
The interior is adorned with a wood-grain trim that adds a touch of sophistication, especially when paired with the beige color scheme. Although the beige may not be the most practical choice for families with children, it lends a classy ambiance to the cabin, especially for couples embarking on scenic journeys.
The top section of the dashboard features a darker gray shade, complementing the wood grain trim. Leather-clad sections on the doors and comfortable seating enhance the overall look and feel of the cabin.
The materials used throughout the interior are soft to the touch, providing a premium experience. Touchpoints on the center console and doors are exceptionally soft, ensuring comfort during long journeys.
Infotainment Excellence
The Prado Kakadu comes equipped with a 9-inch color touchscreen for infotainment purposes. Key features include AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, smartphone mirroring for both Apple and Android devices (via cable connection), voice recognition, and integrated navigation. A 14-speaker sound system ensures a premium audio experience.
Safety First
Safety technology is a priority in the Prado Kakadu, offering features such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, radar cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. Despite the comprehensive safety suite, the quality of the 360-degree camera leaves room for improvement.
Practicality and Comfort
Ample Storage
Practicality is a strong suit of Prado Kakadu. The center console offers a slot for storing your phone, and there’s even a wireless phone charger. Cup holders in the front and back, along with spacious door pockets, provide plenty of room for stashing items. Additionally, a handy cool box can keep drinks chilled on long journeys.
Comfortable Seating
The Prado Kakadu’s seats are both comfortable and well-designed. The perforated design allows for efficient cooling, making hot days more bearable. The front seats offer heating and cooling options, ensuring that occupants stay comfortable in various weather conditions. The driving position is excellent, with electrically adjustable seats and a steering wheel that fits comfortably in hand.
Spacious Second Row
The second row of the Prado Kakadu offers surprising legroom, providing ample space for passengers. The seats slide and recline, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. Rear passengers have their own climate control settings, and heated seats make winter journeys more enjoyable.
Third-Row Access
Accessing the third row is straightforward, and while it may not be the most comfortable place for adults, it’s surprisingly accommodating for a vehicle of this size. The room is sufficient, and the inclusion of cup holders and air vents enhances the comfort of third-row passengers.
Cargo Space and Off-Road Capability
Flexible Cargo Space
Cargo space in the Prado Kakadu can be expanded to a generous 1800 liters by folding down the rear seats. The flat load floor and spacious rear area make it convenient for carrying luggage and gear. The inclusion of a cool box is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to keep drinks cold on long trips.
Off-Road Mastery
The Prado Kakadu shines when it comes to off-road capability. With 219 millimeters of ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and a 700-millimeter wading depth, it’s well-prepared for rugged adventures. The permanent all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in various off-road conditions.
Key off-road features include a crawl control system, multi-terrain select, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). KDSS automatically adjusts the suspension to increase travel when navigating rough terrain, ensuring all wheels maintain contact with the ground.
Engine, Power, and Performance
On the road, the Prado Kakadu delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The updated 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine now produces 150 kilowatts of power and 500 newton-meters of torque. This enhanced power provides improved acceleration and smoother performance, making highway driving and overtaking more effortless.
The six-speed automatic transmission, coupled with paddle shifters, offers precise gear changes, and the Prado Kakadu’s permanent all-wheel-drive system ensures stability and control on paved roads.
The Prado Kakadu offers various drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus, allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. The Adaptive Dampers provide a comfortable ride, and the SUV’s responsive steering makes maneuvering in tight spots surprisingly easy.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its size and off-road prowess, the Prado Kakadu impresses with its fuel efficiency. The 2.8-liter diesel engine consumes an average of 8.0 liters per 100 kilometers, making it relatively economical for a vehicle in this category. The addition of a large 150-liter fuel tank ensures that you can cover long distances without frequent stops at the pump.
Prado Kakadu Price
The starting price for the Prado Kakadu is $86,998 before factoring in on-road costs, regardless of whether you choose the ‘flat’ tailgate or the one with the spare tire mounted on it.
This places it just a little over $10,000 more expensive than the next level down, the Prado VX, as well as the flagship Ford Everest Platinum, which starts at $77,690 before on-road costs. However, it comes in at $2183 less than the larger Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series in its base GX configuration and $992 less than a mid-range Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited.
Conclusion
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to building reliable and capable SUVs. With its elegant design, luxurious interior, practical features, and exceptional off-road capabilities, it offers a well-rounded package for adventurers and families alike. While its premium features come at a higher price point, the Prado Kakadu justifies the cost with its quality and performance. Whether you’re exploring the urban jungle or venturing into the wild, this SUV is ready to take you on an unforgettable journey, making it a worthy investment for those seeking the best of both worlds in a single vehicle.
