2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Review

Detailed Review

Toyota built the first generation Land Cruiser Prado, designated J70, from 1990 to 1996. Unlike its 1984 predecessor, this model had a revised front grille, front fenders, engine hood, and headlamps. To improve handling, the front suspension was upgraded to a “shock absorber through spring” system. You might change the absorber levels by pressing a button.

From 1996 through 2002, Toyota produced the J90, or second-generation Land Cruiser. The three-door lineup in Japan began with an R series and progressed through RZ, RX, RS, and RJ, whereas the five-door lineup began with a T series and progressed through TZ, TX, TS, and TJ. All variants included a front double wishbone and four-link suspension as well as full-time 4WD as standard.

All models included an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a Field Monitor with an altimeter, thermometer, and pressure gauge. The J90 also came in a higher-end form called the Challenger. Leather seats and a mahogany dashboard were standard on the Challenger. The third-generation Toyota Land Cruiser V8 debuted in 2002 and was manufactured until 2009. To improve reliability, the front suspension was updated. This vehicle received significant equipment and safety upgrades in 2007.

The Japanese Prado was available in RX, RZ, TX, TX Limited, TZ, and TZ ‘G Selection’ trim levels. The highest-specified model, the TZ ‘G Selection,’ had 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, marketed as the J150 debuted in 2009 and was produced in 2022. The two most common configurations are five-door and three-door. The five-door variant is available in the general market in TXL and VXL trim levels, which have many more options. This Prado model encompasses sophisticated 4WD as well as a slew of contemporary conveniences. The J120’s removable third-row three-seaters were replaced by fold-into-floor seats that only seat two people, resulting in less cargo area, less dual fuel capacity, and less cargo compartment usable height.

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

Toyota’s fifth-generation Land Cruiser Prado designated J250, entered manufacturing in 2023 and is still in production today. In comparison to the previous generation, the design and technical approach have altered, with a greater emphasis on usability, durability, and dependability. The GA-F platform is shared with the larger J300 series Land Cruiser.

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado comes with two engines: a 2.8 L (Petrol) and a 2.8 L (Diesel), both of which are coupled to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Click here to purchase the 2019 Toyota Prado Buyer’s Guide. 

2019 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 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a seven-seater with stylish and appealing leather details. The visibility is good, and the amount of accessible space is ideal for accommodating families.

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

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers several storage spaces for items such as keys, paperwork, beverages, soft drinks, and other stuff, which improves passenger comfort.

There are two cupholders, a glovebox compartment, a center console, and door pockets in the first row. The second row includes two cupholders, door pockets, and jacket pockets.

Boot Space

With all seven seats in place, the boot capacity of the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado measures 4.2 cubic feet, 16.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The rear tailgate is opened by pulling to the side.

Exterior

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a commanding vehicle. The front end features a bigger grille with the Toyota emblem, lending it an imposing appearance wherever it goes. It has an upscale look thanks to LED headlights on either side of the grille and fog lights on the bottom fascia.

Running boards on the side profile assist passengers in boarding and exiting the vehicle. The rear is fitted with LED tail lamps and turn signals.  At the bottom of the bumper, the trailer hitch is visible. The presence of a sunroof and roof rails adds a sumptuous feel to the Prado.

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Safety Features

The 2019 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.

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Fuel Consumption

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 L petrol engine consumption- 10.1 km/l on average

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 L diesel engine consumption- 11.8 km/l on average

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Acceleration

2019 Toyota Prado 2.8 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.8 secs

2019 Toyota Prado 2.8 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 secs

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Fuel Tank Capacity: 150 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2019 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 its competitors. 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

Regardless of the road surface, the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers great driving dynamics and solid handling. Its steering wheel is simple to use since it reacts quickly to road curvature, especially in tight bends.

This vehicle’s suspension system allows it to readily tackle off-road terrains by absorbing all road imperfections and offering passengers a comfortable ride. Its braking system is capable of stopping this vehicle in a couple of seconds regardless of its speed.

This SUV includes modern features such as hill descent control, adaptive cruise control, an anti-lock braking system, and blind spot monitoring.

Reliability

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a sturdy vehicle. Because of its high ground clearance, it can easily traverse off-road terrain. Several owners have claimed that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is especially prone to blockage in diesel vehicles. Regular maintenance and service are required to avoid such problems.

Click here to purchase the 2019 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 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Increased towing capacity

Spacious and comfortable cabin

Off-road capability

What we don’t

Some variants are costly

Conclusion

The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a formidable SUV with a high towing capacity and off-road prowess. Its unique features cater to everybody’s needs whether in the upcountry or metropolis. It was assumed that because it was a lighter version of the famed Land Cruiser, it would be less expensive, but this is not the case. Some variations are very pricey for people on a tight budget.