The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been
given an update in Australia, which sees the addition of more power and a
revised list of equipment for the large SUV. For model year 2021, the variant
line-up remains the same as before, starting with the GX, followed by the GXL,
VX and the range-topping Kakadu. All four variants are powered by an upgraded
1GD-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that now makes 204 PS at
3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm.
A six-speed automatic transmission is the only pairing for
the 1GD-FTV, as the previous six-speed manual option has been dropped for
MY2020. Despite the increased outputs, combined fuel economy has been
marginally improved to 7.9 l/100 km compared to the previous 8.0 l/100 km,
while CO2 emissions is down to 209 g/km. You’ll still get 4WD as standard on all
variants, along with Variable Flow Control (VFC) hydraulic steering and a
diesel particulate filter. The fuel capacity remains unchanged too at 150
litres, split between an 87-litre main tank and 63-litre sub tank, plus a towing
capacity of 3,000 kg. In terms of equipment updates, Toyota Safety Sense has
been made available on all variants – previously limited to automatic variants
– with the pre-collision system now able to detect cyclists and pedestrians
during the day – the latter also works at night.
Meanwhile, the lane departure system
offers steering assistance by applying the brakes to one side of the vehicle to
help prevent the vehicle from drifting unintentionally into another lane. A new
road sign assist feature also works with the vehicle’s active cruise control
function to advise on speed limit changes. The rest of the safety suite
includes seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, ABS,
EBD, brake assist, a reverse camera and Trailer Sway Control (TSC). On all
variants, rain-sensing wipers and a larger nine-inch touchscreen head unit have
been added, the latter is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and
myToyota. Standard features on the GX includes 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite
navigation, keyless entry and engine start, manual air-conditioning and
optional third-row seating.
The GXL gets the third row as standard,
along with side steps, roof rails, a three-zone climate control system, bi-LED
headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED daytime running lights and rear parking sensors.
With an option pack, further items can be added like leather-trimmed, powered
front seats with ventilation and heating functions, along with second-row
heated seats. Moving up to the VX, you get all the items that come with the
optioned GXL, plus 18-inch alloys, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, DAB digital
radio, automatic headlamps, an around-view monitor, while the safety kit gains
a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
At the very top is the Kakadu, which adds
on paddle shifters, adaptive variable suspension, a sunroof, rear air
suspension, a rear-seat entertainment system, crawl control and multi-terrain
off-road aids. The Kakadu and VX come with carpet mats, while the GX and GXL
make do with rubber mats instead. Pricing-wise, the GX starts at AUD 59,840, with the optional third row costing an additional AUD 2,550. The GXL goes for AUD 66,540 but the fancier seats are an
AUD 3,470 option. A huge price jump lands you the VX at AUD 76,380, while the Kakadu is even more costly at AUD 87,030.
Should you want certain colours from the 10 options available, it will be
another AUD 600, but if you want the spare tyre placed where the sub
tank is located, it’ll come at no monetary cost, but you do lose the 63 litres
of fuel capacity that it offers.
