A sturdy off-roader: 2010 Prado

Waiting for the next generation model of a vehicle that has been around for quite some time is thrilling. There is curiosity to know just how much better it can get or what new features have been incorporated into it. This kind of feeling is aroused usually by brands that are mostly mass market and appeal to a lot of people. My guess is that an ultra high-end car owner wouldn't be as thrilled to see the next generation of his prized beauty in the market. It's perhaps something to do with the exclusivity factor, I suppose.

Speaking of mass market, the Prado has been a household name for many years now. Anyone considering buying a mid-segment 4x4 would definitely have the Prado as an option. That's the kind of image it has built for itself.

There is little to worry about in terms of quality, reliability and especially its resale value, which it still continues to hold well. The only thing that could be up for debate is its looks. But then, it's a small price to pay when all the other factors are way above average.

The 2010 Prado has somehow managed to stay true to the way it looks. There's no mistaking that the design is pure Toyota. I feel that it looks a lot like the earlier generations, this time with more bulges on the body panels and with a lot more gadgetry - something the Japanese take a while to integrate into mass market cars.

The interiors of the Prado are in a way a huge improvement over the previous models and offer a lot of settings and options to choose from. The layout is well thought out and functional in nature - all the right buttons in all the right places. The four cameras situated on all sides of the vehicle provide supplemental vision, especially when negotiating tight spots off-road or when trying to fit into parking spaces.

The 2010 Prado also has a new Multi-Terrain Select feature which makes it technically more advanced than the new Land Cruiser. This helps one select between terrain options like ‘Mud and Sand', ‘Loose Rock', ‘Rock' or ‘Mogul'. The Traction Control System and the Multi-Terrain Anti-Lock Brake system work in conjunction to provide the best possible traction solutions for the selected terrain. There is however a small drawback with this feature in that the Traction Control System cannot be completely turned off during a dune-bashing session.

Somehow, the electronics are not fast enough to understand the fast changing nature of a dune climb and the individual traction requirements for each of the wheels. The system feels like it was designed for a more consistent terrain. So the Mud and Sand option would work perfectly in more flat sand deserts, but is not necessarily the best option for a fast dune drive.

I tried turning off all the electronic interventions, including the Traction Control, but it felt like the computers still retained a certain level of control. Even when turned off, there was occasional traction-based braking on individual wheels when negotiating dunes. The availability of a Central and Rear Differential locking system is a welcome addition to this new generation Prado. This is something that I would say has been lacking in the previous generation, and something that 4x4s should feature as standard. Getting unstuck is a whole lot easier with this option.

The KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) is now available in the Prado; it aims to improve the stability of the vehicle, both on- and off-road. It also features a Crawl Control, which again has been added to enable the vehicle to crawl out of a situation where excessive acceleration is not required. However, this feature isn't useful when stuck in desert sand, where conventional methods of getting unstuck still prevail. This feature could be useful in rocky places and wadis where the acceleration needs to be controlled when driving over rocky terrain.

At a general level, driving the new Prado off-road is a lot like the previous generation in terms of feel and handling. The new and improved gadgetry does make it feel a lot more sophisticated and refined, but the core feeling is the same. However, the 4-litre gasoline engine moving the new Prados offers a slightly higher power output than the previous generation. It produces 271 hp @ 5,600 rpm and a torque of 389 Nm @ 4,400 rpm. The auto gearbox has also been upgraded with a 5-speed sequential shift feature.

Like the earlier Prados, the second row is spacious enough for this segment, but the third row seats feel slightly cramped. However, they now have a power assisted folding capability.

The ride is quiet and smooth, as can be expected from any Toyota vehicle, and it is also backed with a sense of reliability, which just goes without saying.

The new JBL sound system is quite an improvement over the previous generation Prado, and it now comes with 17 speakers. Yes, 17. Sound quality is good enough and well balanced. I still prefer the old-fashioned 4 or 6 speaker systems when it comes to vehicles, but if it comes with the package, then why not!

On the whole, the Prado has added a significant amount of features to enhance its presence and to maintain its superiority in this segment. It definitely offers a lot more gadgetry than its rivals, and most of it useful. The price? Dh217,000. Slightly expensive, but perhaps justifiable in the long run…