Toyota Prado Review | 4x4 SUV | Towing Capacity | Price in Australia

Few vehicles in Australia enjoy the level of trust and reputation that the Toyota Prado commands. For decades, it has been a staple of Australian families, tradies, and adventurers who need a large, capable 4x4 SUV that can handle both city commutes and bush tracks.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into everything Australians want to know about the Prado: its design, interior comfort, towing capabilities, engine performance, off-road credentials, pricing, ownership costs, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, and Land Rover Defender.

Toyota Prado at a Glance

• Segment: Large SUV / 4x4
• Engine Options: Diesel (2.8L turbo-diesel commonly offered in Australia)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic (typical in recent models)
• Drive Type: 4x4 full-time
• Seating Capacity: 7 seats (flexible for family and adventure use)
• Towing Capacity: Up to 3,000kg (depending on model year/trim)
• Price in Australia: Around $62,000 to $87,000+ drive-away, depending on trim

The Prado offers a unique balance: rugged strength for off-road and towing, combined with family-friendly practicality.

Exterior Design and Road Presence

The Prado’s exterior has evolved to look tougher and more modern, while still retaining its distinct SUV shape.

• Front Fascia: A bold grille, high bonnet line, and sharp LED headlights give it a muscular look.
• Side Profile: Squared-off wheel arches, roof rails, and large alloy wheels create a strong SUV stance.
• Rear Design: Functional tailgate (side-hinged in most models), with a spare wheel mounted either underneath or on the rear door, depending on trim.

Compared to rivals, the Prado doesn’t go for futuristic styling but instead embraces a timeless, purposeful design. That’s exactly what its audience wants—a no-nonsense SUV that looks ready for the outback.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

The Toyota Prado is more than just an off-road rig; it doubles as a comfortable family hauler.

• Seating: Spacious 7-seater layout, with supportive front seats and a practical second row. The third row is best suited for kids or short trips.
• Materials: Soft-touch plastics, leather-appointed trims in higher grades, and durable finishes designed to withstand Aussie conditions.
• Infotainment: Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard in newer models), satellite navigation, and multiple USB points.
• Cargo Space: Large boot space with fold-flat rear seats. Even with all seven seats in use, it manages usable luggage space.

Families love the Prado for its blend of comfort, practicality, and Toyota’s legendary durability.

Technology and Features

Modern Prados are packed with features to keep up with customer expectations.

• Multi-zone climate control
• Smart key with push-button start
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
• Rear-view camera with parking sensors
• Advanced 4x4 modes and terrain management systems

While not as tech-heavy as premium SUVs, the Prado’s features focus on practicality, reliability, and safety.

Off-Road Capability: Built for Australia

One of the biggest reasons Aussies buy the Prado is for its off-road credentials.

• 4x4 System: Full-time four-wheel drive with selectable drive modes.
• Ground Clearance: Around 220mm, making it ideal for rough terrain.
• Suspension: Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) available in higher trims, enhancing stability off-road.
• Approach & Departure Angles: Designed to clear steep inclines and descents.
• Low-Range Gearbox: Essential for crawling through mud, rocks, or sand.

The Prado is engineered for long outback trips, camping expeditions, and towing boats or caravans. It can handle corrugated dirt tracks just as easily as it does highways.

Towing Capacity and Practical Use

The Toyota Prado is one of the most trusted SUVs in Australia for towing.

• Capacity: Up to 3,000kg braked towing.
• Stability: Trailer sway control is standard, giving drivers confidence.
• Everyday Utility: Ideal for towing caravans, boats, horse floats, or heavy trailers.

This makes it a top choice for Australians who want a “do-it-all” SUV that doubles as a workhorse and a family tourer.

Engine and Performance

Most Prados in Australia run on Toyota’s reliable 2.8L turbo-diesel engine.

• Power Output: Around 150kW and 500Nm of torque.
• Transmission: Smooth 6-speed automatic, tuned for torque delivery.
• Fuel Efficiency: Approx. 7.9–8.5L/100km combined, respectable for a large SUV.
• Driving Feel: Confident, stable, and well-insulated from bumps, though not the fastest on-road.

The Prado’s focus is less on sporty driving and more on dependable performance under heavy loads or challenging terrain.

Safety and ANCAP Rating

Safety is a key consideration for Australian buyers, and the Prado delivers.

• ANCAP Rating: 5-star rating on most recent models.
• Safety Features:
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Lane Departure Alert
  • Blind Spot Monitoring (on higher trims)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Multiple airbags, including curtain airbags for all three rows

Families can trust the Prado for peace of mind, whether in the city or on rural roads.

Pricing in Australia

The Toyota Prado is priced competitively for its size and capability. Approximate drive-away pricing:

• GX: From $62,000
• GXL: Around $70,000
• VX: Around $80,000
• Kakadu (flagship): $87,000+

While not the cheapest SUV, buyers see value in Toyota’s resale strength, reliability, and nationwide dealer network.

Toyota Prado vs Competitors

The Prado competes with some strong rivals:

• Ford Everest: More modern tech, slightly more towing (up to 3,500kg), but less proven long-term reliability.
• Isuzu MU-X: Affordable, great towing, but lacks the Prado’s premium comfort.
• Land Rover Defender: Incredible off-road luxury, but far more expensive and costly to maintain.
• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: Budget-friendly, decent off-road, but smaller and less refined.

The Prado sits in the sweet spot: not the cheapest, not the fanciest, but the most balanced choice.

Ownership Costs and Reliability

One of the Prado’s strongest selling points is Toyota’s ownership experience.

• Servicing: Capped-price servicing available across Australia.
• Reliability: Toyota’s reputation for bulletproof engines and longevity is unmatched. Many Prados easily exceed 300,000km with proper care.
• Resale Value: Among the strongest in the SUV market. Used Prados hold value exceptionally well.
• Warranty: Toyota offers a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, with extended coverage available.

For long-term ownership, few SUVs come close to Prado’s reliability and low-risk ownership.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

While not the most fuel-efficient SUV, the Prado balances its size and power with decent numbers.

• Real-World Figures: 8–10L/100km, depending on driving and load.
• Tank Size: Large fuel tank (up to 150L on some models with twin tanks), perfect for long-distance touring.
• Running Costs: Moderate, with Toyota’s service network making parts widely available.

Who Should Buy the Toyota Prado?

The Prado is not for everyone. It shines in certain buyer categories:

• Families who need a safe, spacious 7-seater.
• Outdoor enthusiasts and off-road adventurers.
• Caravanners and boat owners needing reliable towing.
• Rural Australians who value durability and Toyota’s dealer support network.

Urban buyers seeking luxury or sporty handling might lean towards European SUVs, but for all-round dependability, the Prado is a winner.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Proven reliability and strong resale value
• Excellent off-road performance
• Strong towing capacity
• Spacious and practical for families
• Wide Toyota dealer support network

Cons:

• Pricier than some rivals
• Not the most modern interior tech
• Moderate fuel economy compared to smaller SUVs
• Third-row seats less roomy for adults

Final Verdict

The Toyota Prado continues to be a benchmark in Australia’s large 4x4 SUV market. It isn’t flashy or groundbreaking, but it delivers where it counts: reliability, off-road performance, towing, safety, and family practicality. For Australians who want one vehicle to handle school runs, family road trips, and weekend bush adventures, the Prado remains one of the most trustworthy choices.

If you’re weighing up a Prado against its competitors, the decision often comes down to one thing—peace of mind. And in that respect, Toyota Prado has few equals.