Cruising ahead with Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

This is the real testament to the mini (if you can call it that) Land Cruiser's popularity, but after having been for a spin around town in the 2009 model, I honestly couldn't see what all the fuss was about.

With what can only be described as wishy-washy steering with virtually no feedback to speak of, the previous Prado really did little to keep me confident through even the slightest bend on the road. And the body roll, well, that's another matter entirely. Or is it? Hmm, without going into it too much, Toyota's best seller in the 4x4 category failed to convert me to the all-too-common culture of SUV driving.

So, when I found out we were getting the 2010 model from Al Futtaim, I was just itching to get behind the wheel and put it through its paces. At first sight there seemed little difference as the overall look remained more or less the same. Although subtle changes to the front grille, bulkier headlights and a more menacing bumper all help to give the new Prado a slightly more aggressive image. Other noticeable changes include redesigned tail lights, the lack of a spare tyre hanging from the rear and smoother arches that hug the body. These changes are among some more extensive modifications that are less obvious to the untrained eye, such as a longer body (including the wheelbase) and a reduction in height, which coupled with the front and rear redesign are aimed to enhance off-road performance. But all that aside, you would still be pushed to pick it out of a line up.

Having been given the top of the range five-door dubbed the VX-L Multi-Terrain Select (one of two options in this model), I expected leather and electrically controlled seats, sat-nav and all the other high-end features. What I hadn't expected, which is a pretty sweet feature, was the fully electric, fully collapsible third row. The previous model had those two seats hooked up to the sides when not in use, which was not only cumbersome, but also heavily reduced the boot's capacity. Whereas now, unless the seats are up, you wouldn't even know they were there — nice. Otherwise the interior isn't all too different. The obvious offerings of chrome and wood trim, common to the market of late, add a touch of modernity to the rather dated interior style, while a redesign of the door panels and the centre console give the illusion of extra cabin space. The general lines of the dash and the like have also become boxier. Toyota's explanation for the latter is to allow the driver a better gauge of the angle whilst off-road, however, it certainly makes for a rugged and more robust appearance overall.

After getting to grips with the array of knobs and switches, which included buttons for independent centre and rear diff lock (which I knew would come in handy later) and finally getting my iPod to work, I felt it was time to put the 4.0-litre V6 to the test.

Now, 271 ponies don't sound like a lot for a vehicle of this size but I can assure you, coupled with the 381Nm of torque and the five-speed ECT automatic transmission, the Prado really shifts. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a Cayenne or an X5, but it has plenty of power to get you out of those unforeseen moments on Shaikh Zayed Road, and let's face it, most people who buy this won't be looking for super-saloon performance. Once I had hit my first corner I was pleasantly surprised, and after a few more at even greater speeds I really couldn't find that much of the dreaded body roll that had me so weary of cornering in the previous model.

The steering is tighter (could be tighter still) and feedback is greatly improved, but body roll is less pronounced too, thanks to the new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. It isn't as firm footed as the Range Rover Sport, not nearly, and at higher speeds there is still some lean, but it won't have you fighting the wheel or jockeying for a place in your seat as was the case before. I really wanted to push it some more just to find some give, but the mountain trail beckoned.

Being the Land Cruiser's baby brother I knew the Prado had a pretty good reputation on the off-road stage, but just how good, I was soon to find out. The 2010 Multi-Terrain Select will seriously cut up any challenge you throw at it, even when in the hands of an inexperienced off-roader like myself. I am not suggesting that if you were to purchase one of these machines fresh off the forecourt you would instantaneously become an off-road king, but if you are joined (as I was) by some knowledgeable folk, the kit in this beast will have you doing things you never would have imagined. Confidence boosters like the multi-camera display that, after jostling around with the not so user-friendly system, will show wheel direction. This is great if you don't have someone to guide you over the uneasy terrain. With adjustable ride height, the diff locks and the Multi-Terrain Select offering four different surface options, the Prado has the tools to take you anywhere you have the gall to go.

If you are one of those more adventurous drivers, or if you find yourself on a slope you deem impossible to descend (not to say I did), then with a press of the crawl button the computer will take over. Crawl mode allows you to descend or climb the most unimaginable of slopes, and all you have to do is select one of the five speeds and steer. No fancy footwork here, as the comp will apply the power and brakes where necessary. I could only liken the experience to that of a roller coaster as you make the juddering climb up towards that almighty drop.

It does have its flaws though. You will lose the use of the aforementioned cameras when in this mode (well, at least I did) and as I said, the system is not so easy to get your head around without an intense read through the encyclopaedia in the glove box. I am certain though, given time, it would become second nature to the regular user.

Verdict

The 2010 Prado is more than just a facelift. Toyota has taken this SUV to the next level with the bags of extra kit, the usual range of options and much more. So whether you're considering an upgrade to the latest model or you're just in the market for a 4x4, the new Prado should easily make it onto your shortlist, and with prices starting at Dh118,000 it won't burn too big a hole in the pocket either. Pile on the options mentioned in this review though, and you'll rocket past Dh220,000. Ouch!

Specs & Rating

Model 2010 Land Cruiser Prado
Engine 4.0-litre V6 Transmission Five-speed auto
Max power 271bhp @ 5,600rpm
Max torque 381Nm @ 4,400rpm
Top speed NA
0-100kph NA
Price Dh118,000 (base)