2018 Toyota Prado Kakadu Review

The Toyota Prado Kakadu 4WD 7 seat wagon we are testing here, is the top of the range with a complete range of standard features. It has all the bling.

Updated in both 2016 and again in 2017, the Prado has managed to keep at the forefront of the segment

Exterior

Externally the LandCruiser Prado‘s robust exterior features a revised grille with broad vertical bars and slit-shaped cooling openings, flanked by restyled Bi-LED headlamps with the main beams positioned inboard to avoid damage from obstacles when off-road driving.

At the rear, there are new lamp clusters and a smaller garnish incorporated within the number-plate surround.

There are front and rear fog, roof rails and t runs on 265/60R18 tyres on alloy rims. Recent upgrades has seen he bonnet acquire similar bonnet sculpturing to the LC200 series. This actually assists visibility.

There are some muscular wheel arch bulges and the whole lines actually look pretty good. The lower corners of the front and rear bumpers now kick upwards, to enhance off-road maneuverability.

Interior

Inside, LandCruiser Prado has a redesigned dashboard, instrument binnacle and switchgear.

The revised centre console incorporates a flush-surface air-conditioning control panel and has a low profile at the top for a sleeker appearance and improved forward visibility.

The front seats are excellent, having both heating and cooling and are electronically multi adjustable.  The steering wheel is thick with a wood section but not woodgrain. It has all the controls you would expect.

The dash is clearly visible through the steering wheel with has two large and two small dials with a feature packed MFD in-between.

It tells you everything you need to know and more than you want. At this price range I would have liked a heads up display.

The central console is replaced with a chiller box. That is both good and bad, great for keeping drinks cold for the kids, not so much for mixed storage.

The centre stack houses the controls for the Adaptive Variable Suspension, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and crawl control.

The centre stack houses the 8 inch screen and audio system.  The display also features the panoramic surround camera view, satellite navigation and the reversing camera.

Again Toyota refuses to integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Both front and reap passengers have plenty of head and shoulder room. There is enough front seat slide for front occupants.

Rear passengers have a little restricted knee room but overall it is great for four and even five occupants. The almost flat footwell also provides more comfort for the middle passenger.

Rear seats are heated as well.

The rear seats will fold flat on a split arrangement to give a flexible boot area. The third row seats will fold electrically.

Rear passengers also have the benefit of separate controls for the air conditioning as well as the Blu-Ray rear seat entertainment system with three wireless headsets.

Features

Even though the Kakadu is packed with features some to be appreciated include:

• 3 zone climate controlled air conditioning,
• panoramic moon roof,
• illuminated vanity mirrors for both front occupants,
• rear AC vents,
• mart entry (which moves the steering wheel up out of the way while you get in) and
• smart start,
• 220-volt rear accessory socket,
• USB auxiliary input and iPod control,
• side mirror-mounted indicators,
• conversation mirror,
• power windows front and
• rear and UV-cut glass etc.

Drive and Engine

The Prado Kakadu is now offered a 2.8L, four cylinder diesel that produces 130kW and 450Nm. This runs through a six speed automatic transmission. The Prado has constant four-wheel drive.

In real world use, the Prado is certainly economical, especially on the freeway. This will see you getting upwards of 1200km out of a tank of fuel.

The Kakadu will tow 3000kg with a 300kg towball rating. Prado makes a pretty good tow vehicle both on and off road and the trailer sway control greatly assists the driver.

Kakadu features the Adaptive Variable Suspension, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Multi-Terrain Select (MTS).

Off-road the Prado is a more than capable performer. We have driven them on sand, fire trails, in the desert, on the farm, along tight4WD tracks, just about everywhere.

Safety

Safety is still a strong feature with the Kakdu Prado with:

• Seven airbags
• Reverse camera
• Trailer sway control
• Emergency brake signal
• Whiplash injury lessening front seats
• Vehicle stability control
• Active traction control (A-TRC)
• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA)

Other features include:

• Toyota Safety Sense+ (automatic only) including pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection,
• lane departure alert,
• automatic high beam and
• active cruise control (but easy to disable)
• rear cross traffic alert
• hill-start assist control (HAC)
• downhill assist control (DAC)
• Blind spot monitoring etc.

Good Bits

• Value for money
• Standard features
• Towing & 4WD ability

Not So Good Bits

• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• No Head Up Display
• Would like more power

Summary

So there it is. The Toyota Prado Kakadu 7 seat 4WD wagon. It combines all the bling for the family and the 4WD capability for the enthusiasts.

Even though it is some $91,000 it actually is pretty good value.

It is relatively affordable, has genuine 4WD capability, can tow 3000kg, is economical, has an abundance of aftermarket accessories for it and has Toyota’s legendary reliability.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Toyota LC Prado Kakadu 4WD

• Engine: 2.8L D4D  130kW/450Nm
• Transmission: Six-speed auto 4WD
• Safety: Five stars
• Origin: Japan
• Warranty: 3 yrs/100,000km
• Price: From $91,682 RDAP