Finally... A Land Cruiser I ACTUALLY LIKE!! (2023 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Review)
I'm lovingly dubbed the 'Toyota hater' (which is just not true...), but today we take a look at the #1 Toyota Landcruiser I can actually recommend - and no, it isn't the $150,000 Land Cruiser 300 Series.
I really, really like this thing. It ticks all the boxes - looks great, drives well (enough), has a decent interior with 7 seats, and can actually go anywhere thanks to its SUV offroad credentials. So is there anything I really don't like? Well - of course - but let's talk about that in today's review!
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⚠️ Watch me next ⚠️
- The Prado's biggest competitor, the 2023 Ford Everest
• Is THIS the BEST? (NO ...
- The original Toyota 300 Series Land Cruiser review that triggered the world
• 2022 Toyota Landcruise...
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I drive a LC Prado 2018 Kakadu. It works like a beast and it’s comfortable. I did a GVM and GCM upgrade to tow 3.5T caravan. It’s gone places and tows great. The trick is that you are not racing with anyone on the road. If you have some free money to throw around LC300 is great but the prado can do the job as well. Don’t listen to the over hyping of the 300. It’s great but check your pockets first and never stop that trip you’ve been dreaming of because you don’t have lc300. Thanks for the video.
I think we can all be thankful for the 300 series for making you cherish the more economical Prado !
here in the USA 🇺🇸 we get the Lexus GX460 with the V8. Phenomenal offroad SUV! 😃
I have owned 4 Prados before my latest one, the top of the range model you reviewed. I agree it is a much better choice and value for money than the LC 300. Simply the best. Trouble free, enough power and comfort. Can't wait for the version Prado.
Are we not going to talk about the HDMI port cover being jettisoned @10:23? 🤣
I feel you've missed out some key information: to properly review the Prado including a segment off-road featuring it's capability (not just the buttons) would ensure prospective buyers have a more rounded view. And it's likely to be more informative than a 0-100 standing start segment, if you're pushed for time. Prado's off-road capability is significant, traction control simplifies challenges, and knowing more about the off-road capability could open up new recreational opportunities for prospective buyers.
I agree with your choice of the prado over the 300 series. i think the 300 series designers missed the point. the previous generation looks way better than it
it was a funny review thank you and your friend :D
Good to hear that this modern classic is doing so well. It looks comfy. I'm going out on a limb here - new Toyota's have really uncomfortable seats, with a wretched head forward position for the head rests. Was in a new Kluger the other day, and it's a deal breaker. The seats were also rock hard. Those cars are not cheap either. Can you guys do a little digging on this issue if you can, as I believe it's become endemic of the industry, particularly cheaper mainstream brands.
Had 4 prado’s, at first the seats feel firm but can assure you over long distances the seats are great. I’ve had a lot of vehicles and for long distance the Prado seats are fine. My wife’s Mazda my back would ache after around 3 hours, my commodore was ok but nothing great, Brisbane in one bit from Sydney and no problems with back ache or the like from the prado’s seats
I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates this. Toyota (in fact, all brands) should make their headrests 4 way adjustable.
For sure, my Hilux driver seat is fully adjustable and thus can be set really comfy, but the passenger seat is horrendous!! My lady just cannot travel longer distances in that seat and one can only adjust the back rest... And I see they use the same seats in the Prado in South Africa... Methinks I would import a Volvo seat or something... 😁
Head rests seem to be getting worse and worse on many makes of vehicles, On some loan/rental cars I have resorted to turning the head rest around to face backwards just to be drivable without getting a sore neck.
Bought my Prado Kakadu a year ago and I am very happy with it. I prefer the flat pack, so much easier in small parking lots. Not the most Hi tech, but solid and honest. I don't tow anything so that was not a concern, the power is more than enough for daily driving. I bought a second second set of 17 inch rims and fitted good off road tyres so I swap them out when I need to. The modes don't only adjust throttle response, they adjust the suspension damping. There is a little motor on top of each shock absorber that winds the damping up and down, you can definately feel it.
I have the same Prado (2021yr) full spec for EU market. The things that I hate: bad cam , just average approach/breake over/departure angle, poor wading depth, poor clearance, plastic side steps, average LED lights (not comparable to MB), NAVi sucks, just one USB. Here in EU its not allowed to put on bull bar (pedestrian protection), Old Man Emu 51 costs +3000e ( approx 2900 US $) , you get your full spec with 19" rims, stupid as hell. I changed for a 265/70/17 , I barely could find approved rims for it.
Myself and partner just ordered a new Kakadu 😁 hoping to get one of the last of this shape 🤞🏻great review Does anyone know if you can somehow convert the rear entertainment system to a smart tv of some sort??
I have a 2022 Prado VX and just love it. It has plenty of power for my needs and it is sooooo comfortable and great to drive. The VX certainly has all the features I need including the fridge in the centre consul, Illuminated side steps and even a form of interior mood lighting. I think the VX at around 10 grand cheaper than the Kakadu is the sweet spot in the Prado model range. Yes it’s getting on in years in regards to its styling etc compared to newer SUVs but it’s still a very good vehicle and should very much feature on the list if shopping for a new SUV. I never use the seven seat option so the lack of space when those seats are raised is not a problem for me but if you need the seven seats on a regular basis then maybe this isn’t the SUV for you. The only annoyances I have is the lack of USB ports, no wireless Apple CarPlay and no phone charging pad. Also the 6 month service intervals which may get expensive when the Toyota subsidised service costs cease. These are only minor annoyances which fade away once you get in and see how good the Prado is.
What is the form of interior mood lighting?
@@oggyoggy1299 The VX has some internal lighting on the doors and under the dash in the front footwells. The side steps also have some illumination when you approach the car with keys in hand. Nothing really spectacular but a nice touch.
Unfortunatly we here in North America don't get the current LC Prado but we get it in Lexus drag. I am amazed at how close the Prado and Lexus GX 460 really are especially this version with its lack of rear wheel and split hatch. I do like our V8 gas guzzler option . I have had a LC200 and I really like my GX more. I am with you I cannot really see going to our LX 600 for twice as much. If I had LX money I would be in a V8 Defender or Range Rover...reliability be damned.
Well look no further. There are news that we may actually get one of these as 2024 model year in the States
Matt you seriously crack me up 🤣 and naughty Jacob for teasing Matt, you’re grounded! Lol 😂 😈Prados are getting old but I am looking forward to seeing the new one!
I love the Prado. A bit underpowered, but still a really capable vehicle and amazing to drive for long distances.
Maybe a tad underpowered… but I enjoyed the drivetrain honestly!
@@CarSauce can you do a car review on the LCI BMW M340i? I really enjoyed your review on the X3M, but keen to get your thoughts on the new M340i.
@@CarSaucecan you olease review the 200 series
I love my prado 2022 vx... i also loved my gxl prado 2012 with 3.0 engine
only problem ive had with the prado is the rear vents if u are too violent with them or have kids they will break out of their socket but u can move them back into place easily and after 8 years the handles started getting loose so u have to tighten it up thats it
I think Toyota need to up their game on this model, in the UK the top range 7 seater starts at £64k when you can have a far more luxurious and advanced LR Discovery for £57k. Prado is like a time warp. They’ve not modernised it since the mid 2000s in any meaningful way.
Excellent review. Nice color on that LC, but I'd go for the Grenadier diesel. Still unproven, but a very interesting and versatile off roader imo.
Thank you! And I agree, really dig this colour!
It will be interesting to see the finished product of the Grenadier.
You need to cover the fortuner crusade to complete Toyota's wagon body on frame series.
GXL is where its at. 3000kg towing is practical max in the real world. Anything more needs a US pick up or light truck.
This is like a comfort video for those who can’t afford the 300series and opt for a Prado 🥲
Getting one soon.
10:23 Bruh did you just snap that HDMI cover? xD
I like your voice like the way I like your episodes my Man 😊
After hearing that we may be getting one of these in the States, I had to come take a look at this truck
So that electronic system for the 3rd is useless for a touring vehicle if you want a draw system and Engel
I thought KDSS was a hydraulic system, isn't it a bit different to a disconnecting sway bar? I have a Prado, but it's a GXL, no KDSS. Mines always beeping at me too, can be annoying. Love everything else about it though...
Yea it is a hydraulic system and no sway bar disconnect. Super simple and impressive system.
I have the same bloody prado from 2012 a uk version of the Kakkadu. Why people should buy it; 1. it has better leg room than a short wheel Range Rover 2. Its reliable easy to fix when u got tons of OEM and Duplicate parts for it 3. Does good on fuel long distance, i mean really good. 4. I have facelifted it to the current one and you wont be disappointed the LED lighting is great. 5. I got electrical side steps as well.
But you don't have V6 in uk
@@mohammeds5458 eerr it's the 1kd diesel I'm talking about
@@l-n-s356 The diesel engine of prado isn't powerful so it is a negative point. Most of your point's I agree with it.
Test drove a 2006 TD Prado last night. Yeah, they are good.
The 150 series prado came out in 2009. I just wish they still had the 1kd motor. The 2.8 they have now is crap.
I love mine! Best car ever!!
10:23 did that hdmi port just pop
so no change from 2009?
Coming from owning a few sports cars. I also chose the VX over the 300GX for obvious reasons. After watching 4WD2-47, kinda wish i bought the 300.
Prado will do the same as the 300 just doesn’t have as much grunt, and the Prado with its sliding centre seat gives you more leg room. 300 is just an oversized Prado
not gonna lie. this is the first time this entire year I have said that's cheap ( for a new car price considering its $80k for golf r's ) Im also surprised that the 2GR engine is not a option in this truck ( unless it is also for the highlander only )
Hey mate can you please review the Toyota Fortuner
Another benefit that you get in lc300 is the 10speed gearbox which is really good for long distance driving and fuel economy, you dont get that in prado
he said that the 10 speed changes too often, its annoying. a proper 10 speed would skip gears depending on acceleration.. to make everyday driving smoother
MIne is 6 months old now. It doesn't charge the battery fully. It's called "smart alternator" and it sucks. Wouldn't start one morning this week.
If I was venturing into the outback and I wanted to be sure I'd get back, I wouldn't be taking a Land Rover over this. Ever.
Love the Prado. The the LC is crazy expensive.
We have a version of that in the us called lexus gx and 4runner
The new lc150 is around the corner it seems. Toyota might base several vehicles on the new one, 4Runner, Lexus GX, new HiLux too?
Definitely keen to see the new updates for the upcoming Prado. Will be interesting to see what Toyota does with this car, especially the engine.
@@aliibn-muhammadal-sharif8568 My guess (or hope) is that Toyota will keep the 4 cylinder diesel unchanged but add a 10 speed automatic? Should make the Prado faster and lower the fuel consumption.
I agree with the review in many respects. I am an owner of one. Initially I was impressed and I was also thinking its better than the my 2009 200. However the vehicle didnt grow on me, it is just getting worse. Fuel consumption in real life about 10. Good enough. The performance is very average. The interior a major frustration, 1 x USB port , infotainment system really poor ( sound quality and operating procedures)no space for your mobile phone. small door pockets. 20 year old speed control. Gearbox slow.
I wish new 2024 Lexus GX will have the same flat floor after folded seats.
Cau u pls make a review comparing the fortuner and the prado
Fortuner very small comparably. Inerior of Fortuner probably better the old and poor interior of Prado. But my view…..
As someone who has owned both, prado is WAY better than the fortuner in every sense. (2018 crusade vs 2021 VX Prado... I know the 2018 had the old engine, but test drove the new one and bought the Prado instead)
Can you answer me: I was planning to buy Toyota Prado but there was one who told me that it turns over when it has a flat tire,is that true?.
Could be due to its high centre of gravity. Better to buy the top spec fully loaded beige interior kakadu which has kdss and then change the tire to some wider ones. Like 285/65/18 all terrain tyres. Then it will be okay. You will have limousine like ride quality.
@@oriondoublecrossed Thank you for this suggestion which has a new idea.
anbody noticed the HDMI port flying off at min 21:33?..
I have a Prado and love it, but would take the 300 anytime over it. It is too gutless for towing. If you don’t have to tow, sure, the perfect car that does it all. To be honest, if Toyota doesn’t hurry up and trump the Everest V6, that would be my next car, simply because I can’t afford the GR 300.
I don't understand why you guys don't get the 4.0 V6. I want to see reviews with that engine. I always enjoy your videos here in the Philippines. I'm waiting for my V6 to arrive.
1 it's not Turbo charged so not much power and consumes petrol like it's going out of business, not many people like that so it's just a poor seller and hence why they don't get it otherwise it would be a decent seller if it was turbo charged to produce more power for efficiency
got mine in 2019,and love evry bit of it, also opted for a petrol for its silence over the diesel version, it does 5 kilometers to a liter of gas....
@@mwat22the petrol is not as thirsty as people make out. Far better engine then diesel.
I did not enjoy the 4 cylinder diesel so I opted for the V6. I have a supercharged m3 that has horrible gas mileage so I think this V6 is fine for me for a little more power over the diesel. I am still waiting for my order from Japan and I am super excited.
@@Stevegrande1the petrol is bulletproof in its reliability no doubt but i really love the low end grunt and ample torque you get on the diesel. Not many horses less than the petrol and a pretty substantial 500 NM that peaks at just 1.6k revs .
HDMI port cover fell off ?
Everything about the L300😂😂 is just 😂😂
Next Prado should have over 400hp like the LC300… or the Supra’s B58. If so it will be a daily weapon.
A Good car but i love manual transmission cars & it would be awesome to hv this With a MT..
Hermoso color champaña
looks like a future GX series Lexus or maybe a 4 runner
I have a Toyota 4Runner in Canada. It shares a chassis and frame with the LC Prado and Lexus GX, is also built in Toyota's legendary Tahara plant where Land Cruiser is built and has won 2 award, 5 years in a row lol. One for longest lasting vehicle in Canada and the other is most reliable vehicle award, in the US. Here it uses Toyota's unbreakable 4.0 petrol. It is the 5th generation of 4Runner that launched back in 2009, seeing minor updates over the years. However, 2021 and 2022 Toyota sold more 4Runners per year, than any other year, ever, by a large amount lol. They are soaring in popularity, regardless of being a gen that is half my age lol. I'll never sell it!
Keep going
2023 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Review. Thank you.
For $62k I never expect an hdmi port cover going off. Haha
I personally think you'd be nuts if you bought one of these things without going camping offroad, owning a boat or owning a caravan.
Old review, I know. But I couldn't agree with you more. I really dislike the 300. The Prado is just the ride size with more space than the 300. Fact.
I've been triggered! Had to repalce my old Pajero and evaluated the Prado, LC300 and Patrol. Prado is just underpowered and feature poor. It had no real advantage over my $30,000 cheaper Pajero. I get that it's old school and comfortable but it will soon be updated and I think I would be waiting for the new one. Much prefer my LC300 but thank you for the emotional journey.
new Pajero coming in 2025, new Prado in 2024! but I need a car now! so Im just gonna get a pajero sport 2021-2 the interior is way better than prado
So, how taboo is the Range Rover in Australia?
On par with Jaguar
@@peterryan7340 Why though?
Australia is massive and very few service centres outside of the major cities
@@peterryan7340 hahah.. ok.. that is a legit and hilarious rationale.. I can now totally see why Land cruisers are popular..
95k for a sub par drivetrain. Drive a 4wd/Suv with a v6 and a 4 pot diesel feels like a poverty pack...🤑
Sub par drive train? Car weighs 2.3 tonne, gets 0-100 in 10 odd seconds, fact is the most capable in its class by a mile off road. How is that sub par? I mean cool, your v6 amarok or ranger is a couple seconds quicker in a straight line. When it starts raining and the going gets tough I know where id rather be
@@42cubaWhats rain got to do with engines and when the going gets tough ??
@Steve RM well, just look at the vehicles peppered on the highway during bad weather. Fords, Holden's, Jeeps, catch my drift
@@42cuba nope
9:43 🤣
for the money...its still a great car
Sorry bro you are wrong about the center lock and rear lock , you can find that in the basic gx lc300 it has the same but the gr lc300 you get center lock,rear lock,and front lock
That is very much not true haha
Well i have the gx lc300 and it has centre and rear lockers ,what is not true bro
I have the gcc specs gx
Either you’re a troll or you really don’t know, but your car has a centre locking diff and that’s it
Bro i have the car, i can send a video
…. Also uses crawl control up hill
the newest prado would be way better?
You guys need Lexus gx 460 to get missing leather
But the super select in the Paj sport/ Triton also has a centre and rear diff locks
Keeping my 92 and buying property with that kind of $$$$$
For the price and purpose of this car...faulting it in anyway would be injustice
I wish they’d update the prado already! So many people are buying alternatives
The all new model is due next year some time I believe.
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER ❤👍🏻
The front looks like a Jeep Cherokee.
If you were to choose, Prado Kakadu or New Everest
New Everest
If I wanted a slow Toyota to save on fuel I would get a Prius.
Why has Toyota become a bit of a joke? $95k for a car that was basically made in 2003!
Because Toyota fanboys pay it constantly
@@1989cranston Almost as bad as Elon Musk Fanbois.
Convert a Troopy
Верно, это есть настоящий Land Cruiser.
it is a good car, but definitely not 90k good
but is it really a "land cruiser" though? in asia, people call it just a prado. and people joke that you buy this because you can't afford the "real" land cruiser.
Buy an Isuzu 4x4 truck with the difference if capacities are important.
A Land Cruiser without a spare wheel would be like going into a battle with a revolver without extra bullets.
what land cruiser doesnt have a spare wheel? The flat back has one underneath
@@MikeyyPham Not sure. It doesn't say in the review. But the one attached to the back is not there due to separate open tailgate.
@@swewunna I own a flat back one. The spare wheel is now hidden under the car, where the extra fuel tank was. Unfortunately no more spare tank of fuel then
@@MikeyyPham Good for you. My dream car but sadly will never be able to effort running cost or Insurance never mind road tax. I suppose Spare tank could be fitted in Jerry cans. Have a nice day.
I want one! Give me one!.... Please
I have no problems with the Prado as I have owned 2 of them, great vehicles for what they are, I have also owned three 200 series and a now, a ZX 300 series, (as well as many others, Including Range Rovers and X5's) so I feel I'm suitably informed and qualified to make a comment. Your statement in relation to the Prado being 95% of a Landcruiser 300 series is so ridiculous, it's laughable. The Prado is much, much slower, (with 0-100 figures of vehicles of the 1980's) has less power and torque, has only a small 3000kg towing capacity, has less room inside and the front dash design, seriously.., as well as the advanced safety features etc, and we won't even go into 4x4 ability... The vehicle isn't in the same league as the 300 series, Seriously, I think the only thing you hate , and keep repeating , over and over is the price difference. You seem so sour that you can't afford (Or Justify) a 300 series, you need to put everyone down that chooses one. Nothing wrong with the Prado, but for goodness sake, they are not even in the same ballpark as a 300 series, hence the price difference. Of course it's going to be more fuel efficient, and so is anything with a smaller motor which is much, much, much slower, less power and torque etc. And really, you say the 6 speed is a better gearbox then the Landcruiser's 10 speed. Oh, mate, try to stay credible.... Love to see a towing test on one between them.....I enjoy watching your reviews, but your anger on the price of the 300 series needs to be taken back a notch or two, because there are plenty of people who disagree with you as sales reflect...It's no different in comparing a Y62 with a Pathfinder, seriously, why don't you compare those two.....I do actually love the Prado and a lot of what you say, I agree with, but comparing it to the 300, is more of a click bait....
Agree! Not sure these guys know what they talking about. I have a 300 series VX and whilst the Prato is a great car, they are worlds apart!
He is talking the gr sports vs Kakadu. (Not all the LC 300)That’s 60k difference in price, of course they are totally different, I think he is jst want to justify is it worth to pay that much for the gr instead of the Kakadu. If you have money to burn I think everyone will buy the new gr, the point is not everyone had that much spare cash, I think you misunderstood the whole idea behind the review, the Kakadu in his 12th year in production, it still has plenty to offer and loads of families love it! It has its selling point compare to the new gr. Both lc and prado are no doubt great cars.
Jeezz.. relax its only a car and one mans opinion... the price difference is obvious..
I couldn’t fit in a 200 series due to my head hitting the roof. I had the seat as low as it could go and my legs touching the steering wheel. I easily fit in a a Prado, so extra space in the drivers area is wrong.
Triggered
Honestly I like the 4runner better
prado is the most used car in Bangladesh. they love so much of this car. but it is very expensive in Bangladesh but people buy it anyway
Not digging the grille.
You gonna have to explain your hate for the lc
He did
Basically price!
The interior is so outdated. Looking forward to the new Prado. Would buy a 300.over a Prado if I could afford it.
Stupidly expensive and slow in the UK. Not to mention there's no 5 seat option. I don't know anyone who needs 7 seats yet I'd be paying for it.
The Toyota have copied the Range Rover Discovery Mark 1 withe the big opening back door
twin turbo this car. 2.5 twin turbo
Only problem with the Prado, if you get it in white, good luck trying to find it in a carpark everyones got one!
Cover it in glitter and tassels. I find it helps.
I have white, no problem. Now if you have Graphite Grey you have a problem.
@@robstone4537 But there are more white ones.
Having those kinds of wheels on a Toyota LandCruiser is making a fool of the car
Wow. We just got a 2021 model as a rental. Just soooo overpriced n gutless.
So the only cruiser you like is the worse of them ? Hmmm... You definitely know a lot about them
There's only the 70 series LandCruiser, the rest are just pretenders.😄