2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Review

Detailed Review

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado’s first generation, designated J70, was manufactured from 1990 to 1996. Unlike its predecessor from 1984, this model had a revised front grille, front fenders, engine hood, and headlamps. To improve handling, the front suspension was altered to a “shock absorber through spring” arrangement. You could switch between absorber stages by pressing a button.

The second generation Toyota Land Cruiser, dubbed J90, began production in 1996 and lasted until 2002. In Japan, the 3-door series began with an R series and progressed through RZ, RX, RS, and RJ, whereas the 5-door lineup began with a T series and progressed through TZ, TX, TS, and TJ. All variants incorporated front double wishbone and four-link suspension, as well as full-time 4WD.

All models included an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a Field Monitor with an altimeter, thermometer, and pressure gauge. The J90 was also available in a premium variant known as the Challenger. The Challenger featured standard leather seats and wood on the dashboard. The third generation of Toyota Land Cruiser V8 debuted in 2002 and was manufactured until 2009. To improve reliability, the front suspension was altered. This vehicle underwent several equipment and safety modifications in 2007.

The Japanese Prado was available in six trim levels; RX, RZ, TX, TX Limited, TZ, and TZ ‘G Selection’. The highest specification model, known as the TZ ‘G Selection,’ included equipment such as heated front driver and passenger seats, heated exterior mirrors, adjustable air suspension, hill start assist control, downhill assist control, central differential lock, and engine auto heating.

The fourth generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado designated J150, began production in 2009 and lasted until 2022. There are two basic configurations; five-door and three-door. In the general market, the five-door variant is available in TXL and VXL grades, which have many more options. This version of Prado has sophisticated 4WD as well as a slew of modern gadgets. The J120’s removable third-row three-seaters were replaced by fold-into-floor seats that seat just two people, resulting in a loss of cargo space, a drop in dual fuel capacity, and a reduction in cargo compartment useful height.

Toyota updated the petrol engine in 2015 with dual VVT-I, improving power output and torque. The diesel engine was replaced by the 1GD-FTV. Both engines now have a 6-speed automated transmission.

The fifth-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, designated J250, began manufacturing in 2023 and is still in production. In comparison to the previous generation, the design and technical direction have evolved, with a greater emphasis on practicality, durability, and dependability. The vehicle is built on the same GA-F platform as the larger J300 series Land Cruiser.

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado comes with two engine options; a 2.8 L (Petrol), and a 2.8 L (Diesel) paired with a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. Click here to purchase a copy of the 2017 Toyota Prado Buyer’s Guide.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Grades

1. GX- This entry grade comes with a trailer sway control, a reverse camera, cruise control, a 220-volt rear socket, hill start assist (for automatic), downhill assist control (for automatic), and 17-inch alloy wheels.
2. GXL- This grade is fitted with 9 speakers, climate control, rear parking sensors, alarm, side steps, tinted windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control.
3. VX- This grade has a kinetic dynamic suspension system, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, leather-accent seats, heated front seats, front parking sensors, 17 speakers, and digital radio.
4. KAKUDU– This grade boasts a rear cross-traffic alert, a blind spot monitor, a pre-crash safety system, adaptive cruise control, crawl control, a multi-terrain monitor, a moonroof, and a memory position for a driver’s seat.
5. VXL- This grade has automatic climate control, an anti-lock braking system, Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive cruise control, and heated front seats.
6. TX- This grade is fitted with an engine immobilizer, adaptive damping control, power steering, AUX/USB input socket, a hill holder, and Bluetooth connectivity.
7. TXL- This grade has a hill descent control, brake assist, traction control system, illuminated glovebox compartment, a trip computer, power windows, and a digital clock.
8. Altitude- This grade is fully equipped with cruise control, rear spoiler, 12-volt power output, MP3 player, dusk-sensing headlights, power front seats, surround camera system, and roof rails.
9. TZG- This grade boasts a parking distance control rear, climate control, digital audio broadcast window, 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient temperature display, multi-function steering wheel, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers a lovely cabin with high-quality furnishings and final touches that impress.

The first row features lots of legroom and headroom, as well as seats that can recline to a comfortable posture. The second row is equally impressive, with plenty of knee and headroom. Because of the limited headroom and legroom, models with a third row of seats are only suitable for children.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado features many storage compartments that improve passenger comfort by keeping or holding goods such as keys, documents, beverages, soft drinks, and other stuff.

Two cupholders, a glovebox compartment, a center console, and door pockets are available in the first row. The second row includes two cupholders mounted on the armrest, door pockets, and jacket pockets.

Boot Space

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a boot size of 4.2 cubic feet when all seven seats are in use, 16.9 cubic feet when the third row of seats is folded, and 64.7 cubic feet when the second and third row of seats are folded. The rear tailgate is opened by pulling to the side.

Exterior

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado depicts a muscular look. The front-end features a bolder grille with the Toyota logo affixed on it which gives it a commanding presence wherever it goes. LED headlights on either side of the grille and fog lights mounted on the lower fascia give it a modern look.

The side profile encompasses running boards that assist passengers in boarding or when alighting this car. The back end incorporates LED tail lamps and turn signals. A trailer hitch can easily be spotted at the bottom of the bumper.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Safety Features

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Fuel Consumption

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 L petrol engine consumption- 10.5 km/l on average

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 L diesel engine consumption- 12.4 km/l on average

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Acceleration

2017 Toyota Prado 2.8 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.3 secs

2017 Toyota Prado 2.8 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.6 secs

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Fuel Tank Capacity: 150 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Spare parts for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado are much more affordable compared to the Mercedes GLB or Land Rover Discovery. In the long term, it’s the cheaper car to own. On average, body parts and sensors are expensive and some are not readily available in the market. Service parts are well-priced and available in all major towns across the country.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a silky ride. Its engine and transmission work together to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration. The braking system is up to the challenge, as it can bring this SUV to a stop in seconds regardless of speed. The steering wheel is not only power-assisted but also telescopic which makes it adapt very well to road curvature hence making the driver enjoy his or her ride.

When navigating rough terrain, its suspension system comes in aid to protect passengers in the cabin from unstable motions caused by uneven road conditions. Its approach and departure angles allow it to be driven in difficult terrains with no worry of damaging its body components as its ground clearance is above the required standard on Kenyan roads.

Other technologies that make this car stand out include an anti-lock braking system, adaptive cruise control, and traction control, among others.

Reliability

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is regarded as a dependable vehicle. Because of its high ground clearance, it is capable of traversing off-road terrain without hassle. Several owners have reported that Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging is particularly common in diesel models. Regular maintenance and service are required to avoid such problems. Click here to purchase a copy of the 2017 Toyota Prado Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Competitors:

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi Pajero, Mercedes Benz GLB, and Ford Everest.

What we like about the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Off-road capability

Good towing capacity

What we don’t

Cramped third row

Conclusion

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a tried-and-true vehicle with excellent dependability, above-average towing capacity, and exceptional off-road skills. It is perfect for people with large families and a good daily carrier for commuters. However, folks on a tight budget may not be in a position to buy this car as its purchase price is very high. Click here to download the 2017 Toyota Prado owner’s manual.