Family Value Toyota Prado 3.0 D VX-L

Want an off-roadcapable SUV that can do it all, but need more space than a Fortuner offers? The top Prado diesel hits the sweet spot.

- Angus Boswell

I jumped at the chance to take the newest Prado for a jaunt to Arniston and surrounds on the Cape east coast. I’d driven up there in a Ford Ranger and 200 Series GX Land Cruiser in the past year, and it’s a great destination for exploring fishermen’s rock- and sand tracks along the coast, driving gravel, and cruising on some excellent hilly tarmac – notably the R316 to Bredasdorp via Napier. The sort of varied terrain one expects owners will want to tackle in their new fourth-gen J150 Prado.

The press launch had included a drive up Sani Pass from KZN and into Lesotho, which this familiar body-on-frame SUV had despatched with ease. This latest exercise was more about taking a longer look at the daily operation of the vehicle and to become more familiar with its various assistance systems. And there was the chance to pack it full of camping gear and hit a few more off-road trails.

Skin deep

Strangely, there is a lot to like about the new Prado’s sheet metal. It is now 60mm longer, with a new grille, bonnet, wings and front bumper. It looks compact compared to a 200 Series, and the detailing is tidy, though not hugely distinctive. What’s great (compared to the previous generation) is that it has lost the bulbous insect eyes on the headlights, and the garish protrusions on the rear, in favour of tucked-back, LED-shod units.

This one has cleaner lines defining the wheel arches, and generally looks purposeful and neat. Unlike the earlier models, the arches are all stamped metal and not replaceable plastic mouldings – some might see this as a step back for anyone doing serious off-roading, but it certainly means less external clutter. What is also appealing to the eye is the distinctive hexagonal grille and dished bonnet centre section. Both echo the big-brother 200, and the latter feature improves over-bonnet visibility.

Driver tech