The highest-spec model of the Toyota Prado is the Kakadu, which is the mannequin grade we’re testing right here.
It’s a practical-looking massive off-road SUV and in addition seems to be good on paper – diesel, four-wheel drive, seven seats, and a great deal of tools.
However given the value tag it could need to be overflowing with customary tools, so on this evaluation we’ll let you know if it appears like a becoming flagship or not.
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado value?
Costs lately went up for the Prado vary, and the Japanese model added a brand new five-seat model of the GXL, too.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX | $73,200 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL five-seat | $79,690 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL seven-seat | $80,690 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX | $88,100 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude | $93,400 |
| 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu | $100,690 |
On prime of those costs you will have so as to add about $8000 or extra for the extra prices of registration, stamp responsibility and vendor supply. Possibly even somewhat little bit of Toyota Tax.
However the newest J250-series Prado lineup has heaps extra customary tech and spec than the mannequin it replaces. Scroll all the way down to see the breakdown of normal tools throughout all grades, and to see when you suppose it’s price spending about $110k to place a Kakadu in your driveway…
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s the Toyota LandCruiser Prado like on the within?
The flagship variant within the Prado vary doesn’t essentially really feel luxurious.
At the least not in comparison with a few of its new rivals from China, which actually do up the ante in relation to the opulence issue. And if that’s what you’re on the lookout for then possibly try a type of.
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There is a starker feeling design right here, with black-on-black trimming in every single place that possibly doesn’t give it as a lot wow issue as others.
Admittedly, it’s all put collectively effectively and it seems to be good, however the Kakadu simply doesn’t have any brightwork, woodwork or something to make it really feel like you might be driving one thing that’s a bit extra, effectively, costly. As a result of this can be a six-figure automotive.
The know-how is respectable, although. There’s a 12.3-inch digital display screen for the motive force with an array of various show choices and configurability, and it’s simple to learn when you desire to look down at that display screen. In any other case there’s a color head-up show, which is great too.
For media you’ve acquired one other 12.3-inch display screen with the anticipated wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, in addition to sat-nav and quite a few car info shows – however it does require somewhat little bit of studying in relation to the menus and controls.
It’s definitely not as irritating as another touchscreen infotainment programs, and will likely be simple sufficient to get your head round when you’re new to the digital revolution.
However you don’t must do all the pieces on the display screen.
There’s an array of buttons and dials beneath to can help you configure all the pieces out of your seat heating and air flow to your local weather management, steering wheel heating, and extra.
Additional beneath is a quantity dial (bizarre spot for it!), a digital camera view button, and quite a few connection ports for charging units, plus a wi-fi cellphone charging pad.
To the facet you’ll discover a mode selector to your day-to-day driving modes, and there’s a multi-terrain choose system when you enterprise off the crushed path. There’s additionally downhill help management and crawl management, which work as an off-road cruise management system that can make your adventures somewhat safer than they may in any other case have been when you simply used the pedals.
It does have the low-range switch case that you just is perhaps hoping for, and a centre diff lock as effectively, however there isn’t any rear locker and no entrance locker both, if that issues to you.
The gear selector is a good-sized factor, and good to hold onto if you’re on a street journey as effectively, and close by are the electrical parking brake and auto maintain switches, too.
Different buttons across the cabin embrace the engine begin/cease button, a tow/haul mode controller, and a devoted button if you wish to flip off the engine idle-stop perform, which might negate the truth that you acquire a car with 48V mild-hybrid tech.
On the steering wheel there’s an array of simple-to-learn controls, with heaps of buttons and a few triggers for quantity and totally different show modes as effectively.
You’ve acquired standard stalks and much more buttons down close to the motive force’s knee, so don’t go considering this can be a touchscreen-dependent expertise.
The motive force has an auto-dimming rear-view mirror or a digital digital camera mirror in the event that they want to use it that manner as a substitute – supreme when you have 5 faces wanting ahead at you from these rear seats – plus overhead you’ll discover illuminated self-importance mirrors. The fabric on the sunvisors (which aren’t extendable) is sort of cheap-feeling.
You’ve acquired seize handles that can assist you get out and in, and there are A-pillar handles as effectively.
Between the seats is a cool field, and that may very well be a really helpful inclusion on longer street journeys with your loved ones.
Entrance seat consolation is sweet, although it felt like there was a bar on the base of the backrest that simply wasn’t comfy for me. There’s adjustable lumbar assist however that wasn’t it. There’s electrical adjustment for each entrance seats, and the motive force will get extendable leg assist as effectively.
Within the second row with the motive force’s seat set for me (at 182cm/6’0”), I had sufficient area to suit comfortably – however not with an extreme quantity of area.
Anybody taller would possibly discover it to really feel somewhat cramped for legroom, and bear in mind that the Prado doesn’t give you the choice of sliding the middle-row seats due to the third-row packaging, and meaning you would possibly discover it somewhat uncomfortable when you’re attempting to haul quite a few massive our bodies with you.
There are good facilities within the again seat together with bottle holders within the doorways, map pockets on the seatbacks, overhead directional vents, and a local weather management system for managing all the pieces within the again – together with heating and air flow for the window seats. Good!
In between the rear seats within the center row you will discover a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and naturally you’ve acquired ISOFIX youngster seat anchors within the window seats and top-tethers for all three middle-row positions.
In terms of moving into the third row, the entry is respectable, however you need to choose which facet you’ll match a baby seat in if you’re planning to make use of the third row on a regular basis and also you even have a youthful one as a part of your clan.
That’s as a result of the middle-row seat is a 60:40-split, with the small portion on the kerbside, which could make it simpler for third-row entry to be a everlasting fixture on that facet of the automotive.
That place permits the seat to fold and tumble ahead, however the third row isn’t essentially essentially the most accommodating expertise for adults.
As a result of these middle-row seats don’t transfer ahead, and the toeroom is sort of tight, as is kneeroom and headroom.
However at the very least the third row has an honest quantity of shoulder room, and there are good armrests on the wheel-arches, in addition to cupholders for either side and USB ports to maintain units charged – even proper on the again.
Overhead there are seize handles and directional vents, and the view from the again seat is sweet too because of a stadium-style association and fairly massive facet glass.
Nevertheless, it have to be stated that the usability of the seats is not so good as it may very well be if you end up attempting to fold them from the again row. It may very well be tough to permit your self to get out when you’re within the again.
Whenever you’re attempting to fold the seats from the boot, the mechanism shouldn’t be the best – it takes a couple of actions to regulate issues. Some rivals have electrical seat folding for much less cash, others have a pull-tab mechanism that can drop the top restraints and the seat, however this one requires you to have the ability to attain the lever when you’re lifting the seats up (this will likely be a problem for shorties!) and you need to alter the top restraints individually.
Our take a look at automotive additionally included the storage field behind the third-row seats, which feels flimsy and appears like an afterthought. But it surely does enable you a flat load ground space if you wish to put issues on prime of these third-row seats. I wouldn’t go piling actually heavy issues on the storage field, although.
Past that there’s additionally a pair of procuring bag hooks and a 220V (100W) energy outlet.
An enormous bonus is the opening glass window on the tailgate, which implies you’ve acquired simpler entry to the cargo area when you can’t simply open the hatch all the way in which.
And naturally, below the boot space you will discover a full-size spare wheel.
| Dimensions | Toyota Prado Kakadu |
|---|---|
| Size | 4990mm |
| Width | 1980mm |
| Peak | 1925mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Cargo capability | 182L (all seats up) 906L (third row folded) 1829L (third and second rows folded) |
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
In Australia, all Prado autos use the identical diesel engine – a carryover four-pot with 48V mild-hybrid tech and a brand new transmission.
| Specs | Toyota Prado Kakadu |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel with 48V MHEV |
| Battery | 4.3Ah li-ion |
| Motor generator energy | 8.4kW |
| Motor generator torque | 65Nm |
| Whole system energy | 150kW @ 3000-3400rpm |
| Whole system torque | 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive sort | Full-time 4WD |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 7.6L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 10.2L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 200g/km |
| Gasoline tank | 80L foremost tank 30L sub tank 17.4L AdBlue |
The 48V system means the engine makes use of a sensible alternator and intelligent idle-stop system supported by a 48-volt battery, however it could possibly’t increase energy or use the battery to drive. Nevertheless, it’ll take away the pressure of working ancillary capabilities, to a level. On take a look at, it nonetheless kicked the engine to life with the air-con set to chill the automotive down on a 30-degree day.
And listed here are the small print on the Kakadu particularly in relation to weights and capacities:
| Specs | Toyota Prado Kakadu |
|---|---|
| Kerb weight | 2535kg |
| Payload | 615kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross car mass (GVM) | 3150kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6600kg |
Do the maths and ensure you don’t go over your payload when you plan to tow. We didn’t get an opportunity to tow this time round, however try our earlier Prado Altitude evaluation to learn our verdict on that.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado drive?
There’s so much to love concerning the drive expertise within the Prado Kakadu.
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However one of many issues I don’t like is the quantity of engine noise at decrease speeds – particularly when the engine is chilly.
This diesel engine has been round for a very long time now, and whereas the mild-hybrid know-how helps out somewhat bit to quieten issues down at occasions, it’s in any other case fairly tough and vocal if you end up motoring at decrease speeds.
At larger speeds it’s extra hushed as a result of there are different noises to cope with – equivalent to wind noise across the mirrors and windscreen.
However the engine is as much as the duty – don’t get me unsuitable. It simply makes a variety of noise when it’s doing its factor.
Fortunately the transmission does a reasonably good job of managing proceedings as effectively, with eight gears to select from – which is possibly too many, at occasions! – however it’s a smooth-shifting operator for essentially the most half.
At occasions you would possibly discover if you’re happening a hill, driving the brakes, that it’s going to downshift to try to arrest a few of your momentum, by utilizing engine braking to sluggish you down. It really works fairly effectively. However, once more, it may be very noisy when it does that.
I would sound like a well-beaten drum right here, however in a mannequin at this worth – despite the fact that it has a load of options – the Prado doesn’t fairly really feel as refined because it might when it comes to noise.
However in any other case the drive expertise is usually very agreeable.
The steering is predictable and correct with good weighting, and it’s simple to park too. The surround-view digital camera helps out in that regard, and it has parking sensors entrance and rear that can set off the digital camera if it thinks that you just’re getting too near one thing.
The journey consolation isn’t dangerous both, because the Prado coasts over lumps and bumps within the floor comparatively easily. It rides effectively at high and low speeds too, however can really feel a bit wallowy when you don’t have any weight over the rear axle. And it could possibly choose up on a few of the sharper edges at city speeds due to the wheel sizes on this grade.
The protection know-how is basically very agreeable. At occasions you would possibly get a warning or two for not being attentive to the motive force monitoring digital camera, however fortunately it’s largely very simple to get together with.
And that kind of sums it up. The Prado is simple to get together with, it’s simply that it’s a bit loud if you end up getting on with day-to-day jobs.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
Right here’s a rundown of the vary and what you get as customary as you climb your manner up the ladder. Which rung would you end up stopping at?
2026 Toyota Prado GX tools highlights:
- 5 seats
- 18-inch darkish gray alloy wheels
- Entrance grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering
- LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights
- Folding body-coloured mirrors
- Darkened entrance and rear bumpers, facet sills, wheel-arches
- Guide tailgate
- Material seat upholstery
- Rubber ground mats
- Six-way guide driver’s seat adjustment
- 7.0-inch multi-function driver’s instrument show
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10-speaker sound system
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 4 USB-C ports
- Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Toyota related providers
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Downhill help management
- Crawl management with 5 pace settings
Shifting as much as the GXL provides:
- 5- or seven-seat structure
- Roof rails
- Rear privateness glass
- Silver entrance and rear bumper trim
- Energy tailgate
- Artificial leather-based seat upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-based-accented steering wheel and equipment knob
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Wi-fi cellphone charging pad
- Rear local weather management
- Two further USB-C charging ports
On prime of the GXL, the VX provides:
- 20-inch darkish metallic alloy wheels
- Bi-LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling
- Adaptive high-beam help
- Physique-coloured entrance and rear bumpers
- Over-fender (wheel-arch) mouldings
- Rear guard trim
- Leather-based-accented seat trim
- Energy lumbar and reminiscence perform for driver’s seat
- 4-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat
- Energy-adjustable steering wheel
- Carpet ground mats
- Refrigerated centre console (Cool Field)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14-speaker JBL sound system
- Adaptive Variable Suspension
- 5 drive modes
- Multi-terrain choose
- Multi-terrain monitor
Over the VX, the Altitude provides:
- 5 seats as a substitute of seven
- 18-inch matte-grey alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
- Locking rear differential
- ‘Stabiliser disconnect mechanism’ (rather than Adaptive Variable Suspension)
- Black door handles and tailgate trim
- Black wheel-arch moulding
- Sunroof
- Two-tone colors accessible
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-up show
The flagship Kakadu consists of (over the VX):
- Reverts to seven-seat structure
- Panoramic sunroof
- Illuminated facet steps
- Heated and ventilated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Adjustable driver’s seat thigh assist
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Head-up show
- Torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado secure?
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado was awarded the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on 2024 testing.
| Class | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 84 per cent |
| Security help | 82 per cent |
It comes as customary with the next security options:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Junction detection
- Backover prevention
- Stability management with energetic traction management
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane hint help (lane-centering)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking assist brake (stops the automotive if a static object is detected)
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Pace signal recognition
- Driver consideration monitoring digital camera
- Trailer sway management
- Trailer pre-wiring harness
- 360-degree digital camera
The VX, Altitude, and Kakadu grades achieve tyre stress monitoring.
All Prado fashions have 9 airbags – twin entrance, driver’s knee, passenger’s knee, entrance centre, entrance facet, and full-length curtain protection with head safety for third-row occupants in fashions with seven seats.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado value to run?
The LandCruiser Prado is roofed by Toyota Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | $99 or $139 per 12 months, relying on chosen plan |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years, $395 every |
| Whole capped-price service value | $3950 |
Should you keep your Prado by the logbook, you possibly can lengthen the powertrain guarantee out to seven years – and it doesn’t should be serviced by Toyota, both. The electrified parts of the powertrain may also be coated for as much as 10 years when you do service with Toyota.
Nevertheless, the model has continued with shorter six-month/10,000km service intervals for the 250 Collection, in contrast to rivals which have 12-month/15,000km intervals – or longer.
You additionally must pay at the very least an additional $99 per 12 months for roadside help, and whereas the Prado has Related Companies, you’ll solely get one 12 months of free information included at buy, after which you’ll get roped into paying a further subscription charge.
The capped-price service plan covers 5 years or 100,000km attributable to these brief intervals, and the typical value per go to is $395 on the time of publication.
To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu
With new rivals from China knocking on its door and providing extra gear for much less cash, and extra superior new-generation electrified powertrains… the Prado is abruptly feeling rather less interesting than it did.
There’s little question the Prado goes to stay the go-to man for a lot of Australian households, particularly those that want diesel energy.
No, we did not enterprise off-road for this evaluation. However so many mums and dads who drive Prados don’t both. Simply go to your native faculty at pickup time, and also you’ll see the proof as clear as day.
That stated, we all know the Prado has the off-road chops to match the likes of, say, the Ford Everest. However throughout my time on this car, I couldn’t fairly come on the thought of it costing $110,000 to park in my driveway. And for that purpose, I’d purchase one thing else and avoid wasting change for gas…!
Enthusiastic about shopping for a Toyota LandCruiser Prado? Let CarExpert discover you the perfect deal right here
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