OCTOBER 17, 2017
Continuing the legacy of the powerful four-wheel drive performance and unrivaled off-road capabilities, the new 2018 Land Cruiser Prado has been officially launched by Al-Futtaim Motors, leader in sustainable mobility since 2008 and exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE. The new Prado comes with a more robust exterior, sophisticated and intuitive interior design in addition to improved driving abilities and user-friendliness, both on- and off-road, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable SUVs.
Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors said: “Land Cruiser Prado has maintained its leadership of the Midsize SUV category with 25% market share of the segment, making it by far one of our best performing vehicles. The new Prado’s advanced robustness, expressed through its modern styling and cutting-edge technology, and reliable performance make it not only a prime choice for families and off-roaders, but also a favorite model among many fleet operators, thanks to its high quality, durability and reliability and low total cost of ownership”.
More Dynamic, Modern and Robust Styling
The exterior design of successive Prado generations has always combined stylish aesthetics with the robust image of durability and power expected from a genuine four-wheel drive machine.
The new Prado builds on this proven and trusted formula with a unique design which is visually more agile and dynamic, yet maintains three core strengths essential to the vehicle’s renowned go-anywhere credentials, namely, ‘Total Practicality’ ‘Total Durability’ and ‘Total Capability’ .
With the newly designed bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps, front bumper and fenders, the front of the Prado draws on several structural elements from its unique design heritage.
Organized into a powerful, single graphic form, the radiator grille and headlamps have been placed high for greater off-road functionality. The grille openings are as large as possible to allow for optimum engine cooling performance, while the headlamp main beams are positioned inboard to avoid damage from obstacles during off-road driving.
In keeping with the Prado heritage, the grille features broad vertical bars with slit-shaped cooling openings finished in chrome. Integrating high and low beams, a front turn signal lamp and Daytime Running Lights (DRL) within a distinctive casing, the headlamp clusters may be equipped with either halogen or LED/halogen headlamps, the latter incorporating LED DRL.
In profile, the front bumper peak has been raised, and the bonnet, fender line, front bumper and rear bumper are now aligned on the same horizontal axis, giving the new Prado a more athletic and dynamic posture. The vehicle profile is further enhanced by a choice of six-spoke 17’’ alloys, or a high gloss painted 18’’ alloy wheel.
Looking at the Prado from the back, new rear elements now include a redesigned lamp cluster featuring an LED stop light, a smaller rear garnish plate incorporated within the number plate surround and a restyled bumper with a kicked-up base to the protruding corners.
Sophisticated and Intuitive Interior
Combining improved operability with refined finish, the interior of the new Prado features revised dashboard styling that incorporates new designs for the driver’s instrument panel and center console.
The top of the new center console tower has been lowered for a sleeker appearance and improved front visibility when driving off-road.
In the redesigned, four-gauge driver’s instrument binnacle, the precision ‘Optitron’ meters feature a metallic base panel and spin-polished dials with raised scale markings. They flank a 4.2’’ TFT color Multi-Information Display* which provides drivers with a comprehensive vehicle and infotainment data. Controlled via steering wheel mounted switchgear, the display features on-screen content including driving, vehicle, navigation, audio, driver assistance and warning message information.
The heightened luxury and sophistication of the new interior design have been further enhanced by new, white illumination for the instrument panel, center console and door switchgear. A new interior lighting scheme incorporates LED front footwell, glove box lamps, and door panel illumination for high-quality cabin ambiance.
A high-definition 9-inch full-color multimedia screen enables centralized control of navigation and audiovisual systems which complements the rearview monitor to guide the driver while backing up the car. In addition to AM/FM radio and a DVD player, the JBL system* optimally positions 14 speakers through the cabin, creating a quality sound space. The amplifier is compatible with Clari-Fi™, a compressed audio restoration technology that helps play the music as close to its original audio quality by recreating the high-range and low-range sounds, as well as sounds of the natural vocal and stereo feelings that are usually suppressed when saving files in the MP3 format.
The system also features Bluetooth support and has USB and mini-jack inputs offering external audio input, enabling the driver and passengers to easily connect playback devices to enjoy their favorite music. Rear seat passengers can also enjoy video from DVDs, Blu-ray discs and other sources on the large, retractable 9-inch LCD monitor.
As for the front seats, the driver seat is equipped with 8-way power seat along with power lumbar support, and the front passenger seat is available with 4-way power seat. The 2nd-row seat there has a 40:20:40 split-folding, sliding and reclining configuration. The 3rd-row 50:50 split seats are powered and can be easily operated either from inside the car or from the back door.
Storage points are provided all around the cabin. Front seat storage includes a capacious glove box, overhead sunglasses holder (with built-in conversation mirror), two cup holders, and large front door pockets with built-in bottle holders. There is also a large storage box, available with cooling function, under the center console armrest and is big enough to hold four half-liter bottles and fitted with an upper-level tray. Second-row passengers are served by seatback pockets, center armrest twin cup holders and door pockets with bottle holders. Cup holders are provided for third-row occupants, too. Twelve-volt power outlets are provided in the front and second rows, with a 220V AC power outlet in the load space.
But that’s not all when we talk about storage, as the powered third-row seats have under-floor storage function giving the Prado extra load capacity. A toolbox is stowed in a purpose-designed compartment in the tailgate.
The air conditioning for the Prado is designed to maintain peak performance even when the vehicle is being driven in extreme climates. The fully-automatic system provides triple-zone, independent temperature control.
Powerful Engine and Superior Driving Dynamics
The new Prado is available in two engine options including a 4-cylinder 2.7-liter in-line 16-valve DOHC format with VVT-i producing 164 hp and up to 25.1 kg-m and a V6 engine 4.0-liter 24-valve DOHC with dual VVT-I producing 271 hp and up to 38.9 kg-m.
Both petrol engines are mated with a 6-speed ‘Super-Intelligent Electronically’-controlled automatic transmission with multi-mode sequential shift mode that allows the driver to select gears manually, making it ideal for added control in challenging weather conditions.
In addition to a solid engine profile, the new Prado comes with a series of advanced dynamic and handling features that highlight its reputation as one of the most technically-advanced four-wheel drive vehicles, including the newly-developed full-time four-wheel drive with TORSEN® limited slip differential (LSD), which allocates optimal driver power distribution to the left and right wheels in response to various driving scenarios, including straight-line driving and cornering. The system helps achieve outstanding straight-line stability and cornering performance. An additional central differential lock is also available, thereby increasing stability especially in extreme off-road conditions and terrains.
The new Prado comes with Drive Mode Select*, allowing the driver to tailor powertrain and suspension responses by selecting drive modes suitable for the situation, or to match their preferred driving style, thus heightening driving pleasure. Modes include NORMAL, which realizes an excellent balance between driving performance and fuel economy that suits a wide variety of driving scenes; ECO mode adjusts powertrain responses and air conditioning to prioritize fuel-efficient driving; while in the SPORT mode, the Variable Flow Control (VFC) and powertrain components, such as the engine and transmission, are controlled. This provides enhanced accelerator response and a more dynamic and powerful feel of acceleration.
The Crawl Control System* helps maintain a low uniform vehicle speed by automatically controlling the engine output and hydraulic brake pressure to reduce driver burden during off-road driving. This system works on rough off-road terrains and slippery surfaces by moderating the accelerator and brake operations, leaving the driver with complete focus on steering the vehicle. The smooth control minimizes wheel spin and wheel lock-up, ensuring vehicle stability even on slippery surfaces. The Crawl Control System has five adjustable speed levels that can be selected to match the terrain.
Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)* automatically modifies vehicle acceleration, braking, and traction control to suit off-road conditions, providing the driver with optimum traction and vehicle control on five terrain modes: ‘Rock,’ ‘Rock & Dirt,’ ‘Mogul,’ ‘Loose Rock,’ and ‘Mud & Sand.’ There is also an Auto mode to optimize car-control according to the preset vehicle speed set on the ‘Crawl Control.’ The selected mode is displayed on the multimedia screen, along with an additional prompt for the driver to engage the appropriate H4 or L4 four-wheel drive transfer range.
Other features include a Multi-Terrain Monitor* is used in conjunction with MTS to help the driver confirm their surroundings when driving off-road. The driver can select a view from the front, side, and rear cameras to conveniently check the vehicle’s blind spots and immediate surroundings. The MTS includes Underfloor View and Panoramic View to help the driver visually confirm the area under, in the front, and on the sides of the vehicle.
Adding to the versatility of the Prado is the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) system which prevents vehicle roll-back when stopping and then starting again on a steep incline or slippery surface. In addition, the Downhill Assist Control (DAC) feature improves directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces.
Prado’s front independent double wishbone and rear four-link rigid suspension offer greater ride comfort and better steering feel. Further enhancing the ride experience, the electrically-controlled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)*, that is available on Limited, optimizes the effect of the front and rear anti-roll bars for better on- and off-road performance. When driving on the road, the system works to suppress body roll, improve steering response and absorb the effects of driving over poor road surfaces. During off-road conditions, all tires are kept firmly in contact with the ground even when crossing over rocks and other rough surfaces so that drivers can enjoy a stable ride with excellent traction for superior rough-terrain driveability and control.
The new Prado’s Tire Pressure Warning System detects low tire pressure and displays a warning on the Multi-Information Display in real time. Hence, insufficient tire pressure can be determined at a glance, and pressure refill or tire replacement can be performed with accurate and timely information.
Upgraded Safety Technologies
The Prado is as reliable as it looks with a body structure that is crafted with high-tensile steel with the latest safety technologies and innovative systems offer exceptional levels of safety and security. For instance, a multi-terrain Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) automatically adapts braking performance to suit the surface on which the vehicle is traveling, while the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) feature balances braking forces between the front and rear brakes in accordance with driving conditions and vehicle load. This is further supported by Brake Assist (BA) that provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking. The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system ensures stability by automatically adjusting engine output and the braking force of each wheel when the vehicle experiences oversteer or understeer during cornering or driving on slippery road surfaces.
To ensure the safety of pedestrians and make roads a safe space for all, the Prado has a Pedestrian Protection through Impact Alleviation Structure, an impact-absorbing structure of the hood, fenders, and other components, which helps enhance pedestrian protection performance. Furthermore, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force-limiters are adopted for the driver and front passenger seats, while Three-point Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) seatbelts and Three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts are adopted for the second and third-row seats respectively.
The Prado is equipped with a total of seven airbags: driver’s dual-stage front airbag, driver’s knee airbag, passenger’s front airbag, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags, giving head protection to outer seat occupants in all three rows.
A Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) * are also there to alert the driver of nearby vehicles traveling in the Prado’s blind spot by lighting up an indicator on the surface of the door mirror. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) feature uses the same radar to warn the driver of any vehicles approaching from either side that may not be visible through the rear screen or door mirrors. If a vehicle is detected, the system flashes warning lights in the door mirrors and sounds a warning buzzer.
While all Prado grades come with a rear-view camera that helps the driver secure his way while reversing, the Prado Limited comes fitted with a Rear-View Monitor System displaying 360 degrees video images of objects behind the vehicle to enhance the visibility of the driver when backing up. There is also a Front and Back Clearance Sonar that displays a warning message and sets off a buzzer on the 4.2-inch color TFT Multi-Information Display, further assisting the driver in detecting the presence of obstacles when maneuvering the vehicle in tight areas and when parking it.
In order to make it more appealing and suitable for all those who desire joining the Prado family, the 2018 model is now available in 4 grades/ 8 derivatives to choose from.
3-door 2.7 L GXR starting at AED 129,900
5-door 2.7L engine, coming in EXR for AED 129,900, GXR for AED 144,900 and VXR for AED 159,900
5-door 4.0L engine available in EXR for 159,900, GXR for AED 179,900, VXR for AED 194,900 and now an even more exclusive grade the Limited priced at AED 204,900 which comes fitted with leather beige interior
The new Land Cruiser Prado comes in ten exterior colors, including two new colors: Blackish Ageha Glass Flake and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic and 2 interior colors including ‘Neutral Beige’ and ‘Saddle Tan’ and is available across all Toyota showrooms in the UAE.
*Available only on the “Limited” model