2012 Toyota Prado Review

Detailed Review

The Prado is a large SUV that is powered by both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine is prevalent in Kenya because most Prados are shipped from the Japanese Domestic Market where petrol is preferred.

There are 3 engines offered with the 2012 Toyota Prado. These are;

1. The 2.7 Litre petrol 2TR-FE Engine
2. The 4.0 Litre Petrol 1GR-FE Engine
3. The 3.0 Litre Diesel 1KD -FTV D4D Engine

2012 Toyota Prado Grades

The Toyota Prado is a diverse car with grades ranging from the rudimentary GX to the highly advanced VX-L and TZ-G. If you are looking to buy the Prado 150, it is important to understand these grades.

For more details on these grades and the right engine to buy refer to the Toyota Prado Buyer’s Guide

2012 Toyota Prado Interior

2012 Toyota Prado Cabin Storage

2012 Toyota Prado Fuel Consumption
The 2012 Toyota Prado TX Consumes an average of 8.5 km/L
The 2012 Toyota Prado VX Consumes an average of 10.0km/L
The 2012 Toyota Prado TZ Consumes an average of 6.5 km/L

2012 Toyota Prado Acceleration
The 2.7L Petrol Toyota Prado TX accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.7 secs.
The 3.0L Diesel Toyota Prado VX accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 secs.
The 4.0L Petrol Toyota Prado TZ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.6 secs.

Fuel Tank Capacity: 150L

2012 Toyota Prado Stability and Handling
The Toyota Prado J150 has a ground clearance of 220mm(8.67 Inches). It is a tall vehicle by all standards and it has a high center of gravity. Aggressive driving especially around corners is not advisable(This is a general rule for all 4x4s). Some grades benefit from a raft of stability control sensors and a hydro-pneumatic suspension- KDSS – that lowers the vehicle at speed. These grades are much more stable and have better handling. For more details on this grades refer to the Toyota Prado Buyer’s Guide 

Service Intervals
Minor Service: Done at 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: Done at 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel/Diesel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

2012 Toyota Prado Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
The Toyota Prado 150 is not a particularly cheap car to maintain but when compared to its closest rival, the Land Rover Discovery, it is significantly cheaper. In our research, we found that most spare parts for the Toyota Prado 150 are available in Nairobi. We found that body parts and sensors can get very expensive(such as headlamps and height sensors). Service parts, mechanical parts and suspension parts are generally well priced.

2012 Toyota Prado Reliability
For this review, we interviewed Toyota mechanics and specialists to get insights on the Toyota Prado J150. Please refer to the Toyota Prado Buyer’s Guide for a more detailed Reliability report.

Resale Value: Very Good

Toyota Prado Competitors: Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Everest

Cost of Ownership: See Latest Toyota Prado Prices

Petrol or Diesel? Which Prado Should You Buy
The Toyota Prado 150 is offered in both petrol and diesel engines. Many buyers struggle with the choice of which one to buy. In Kenya, diesel engines are preferred by 4×4 owners due to a number of reasons. Firstly, diesel fuel is significantly cheaper than petrol. Therefore, with a diesel engine, drivers greatly save on fuel costs. Secondly, diesel engines generally handle the rough work better than their petrol counterparts. This is due to the extra torque at low range, ideal for off road driving and carrying load.

But diesel engines have not been without fault. They have traditionally been expensive to maintain and less forgiving when poorly maintained. Modern diesel engines have changed greatly with the arrival of new technologies such as the common rail fuel injection system. Diesel engines are now clean, silent, powerful and cheaper to maintain while still retaining their traditionally desirable features.

The petrol engines are loved for being refined, smooth, clean, and silent. They are best suited for people with an urban lifestyle who occasionally go off-road. The petrol engines are easier to maintain and last longer than diesel engines.

The choice of engine greatly depends on your lifestyle. If you are an urban dweller with minimal requirement for towing and off-road ventures, then petrol will work just fine. But if you are the adventurous with regular towing and off road activities, then diesel is the most ideal.

What we like about the 2012 Toyota Prado
1. A great family car that can take you to the end of the world and back
2. Off road capability
3. 7 Seater Capacity
4.  Proven reliability

What we don’t
Slow acceleration on the 2.7L Petrol

Conclusion
The Toyota Prado competes closely with the Land Rover Discovery which has been haunted by a history of unreliability. The Toyota Prado is a proven vehicle with stellar reliability which makes it the preferred option by many buyers.

We recommend that you thoroughly read the Owner’s Manual before operating the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Download the 2012 Toyota Prado Owner’s Manual in English here.