The Toyota Prado is one of the most popular offerings within the segment but despite its updated looks, the Prado still features the old D4-D 3.0-litre engine despite the 2.8GD-6 being available in the Hilux and Fortuner for quite some time. With the updated Hilux and its impressive power boost Toyota decided that it was time to add it to the Prado and here are the details.
At the heart of the revised range is an additional 20kW of power and 50Nm of torque derived from the switch to the new-generation 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo diesel engine, that is now mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Prado’s overlanding and towing credentials benefit from the higher-performance engine that now delivers a maximum of 150kW@3400rpm and 500Nm over a wider 1600-2800rpm band. The latest generation 2.8 GD-6 engine (as debuted in the updated Hilux) has received a raft of upgrades including a new ball-bearing turbocharger with a larger turbine and impeller, and improved engine rigidity and cooling. Better fuel economy is realised through optimised pistons and piston rings, changes to the cylinder block and head, higher fuel-injection flow rate and the adoption of high-performance materials for the exhaust manifold.
Despite the substantially stronger outputs, fuel consumption improves to 7.9 litres/100km and CO2 emissions are down to 209 g/km. Fuel capacity is 150 litres with an 87-litre main tank and 63-litre sub tank. Maximum braked towing capacity is increased to 3,000kg on 2.8 models.
A new-generation multimedia system is fitted across the range, which now incorporates a larger 9-inch touchscreen display (previous 8-inch), enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Customers are able to utilise mobile-phone-services such as Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, SoundCloud etc. to enhance their driving experience – while providing enhanced telephony and messaging interfaces ‘on-the-fly’.
Model Line-Up & Pricing
Prado 2.8L Diesel TX – R 939,900
Prado 4.0L Petrol VX – R 1,029,000
Prado 2.8L Diesel VX – R 1,060,600
Prado 4.0L Petrol VX-L – R 1,072,600
Prado 2.8L Diesel VX-L – R 1,105,800
The model line-up and 4.0 V6 engine remains unchanged.
Warranty & Maintenance
All Prado models are sold with a 9-services/90 000 km service plan – with 10 000 km service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty extensions from their local Toyota dealer – and benefit from the biggest dealer network in the country (over 220).
