AAB reveals new Prado with refined exterior design and more dynamic off-road performance

  • The new model exhibits a more dynamic, modern and robust styling
  • Sophisticated and intuitive interior delivers greater convenience and passenger experience
  • Prado’s latest offering goes the extra mile with superior driving dynamics
  • Cutting-edge safety technology makes Prado the families’ favored 4×4 option

Mr. R.K Murugan (AAB CEO), Senior delegates from Toyota Motor Corporation beside some of Toyota loyal customers and Senior Managers from AAB attended the event.

Building on an enviable heritage of offering a powerful four-wheel drive performance, a new and improved Prado has been unveiled for its ever-growing fan base in the GCC. Available in more than 190 countries worldwide, the most of all existing Toyota models, the Prado’s unrivaled off-road abilities have earned it a rock-solid reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable 4x4s.

The new Prado further enhances this reputation with new, more modern and robust exterior styling, more sophisticated, comfortable and higher quality interior design, improvements to its dynamic abilities and user-friendliness, both on- and off-road.

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “The GCC countries have always had a loyal and growing customer base for Toyota vehicles, and today, we are excited to unveil the new Prado. It strikes a balance between a refined design, both in its exterior and interior, and superior driving dynamics that bring greater agility and efficiency in driving performance.

He added: “Over the years, Prado has proven its tough, lasting and reliable qualities across different terrains and extreme environments, and this new Prado builds on this legacy to exceed the expectations of our valued customers in the region. I am confident that it will tick all the boxes of consumer interest owing to its outstanding quality, durability and reliability with unrivaled off-road performance and ever-greater levels of comfort and ownership prestige. Furthermore, engineers have strengthened the car’s safety and comfort features, and these critical enhancements will

contribute towards making the new Prado one of the leading choices amongst families in the region and beyond. I thank the loyal fans for their continued support, and look forward to their reviews and reactions to the new Prado.”

Featuring ergonomically optimized and functionally grouped switchgear, a new dashboard design incorporates the large, 8-inch multimedia system, Optitron driver’s meters, a power steering wheel and switchgear-controlled 4.2’’ Multi-information Display.

Helping even unskilled drivers maximize the vehicle’s off-road performance, the Prado’s all-terrain support systems make it one of the most technically advanced, safe, pleasurable and easy-to-use four-wheel drive vehicles in the region.

More Dynamic, Modern and Robust Styling

The exterior design of successive Prado generations has always combined the stylish aesthetics of a vehicle entirely at home in any environment with the robust image of durability and power expected from a genuine four-wheel drive machine.

The new Prado builds on this proven, 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’ – with headlamps and cooling openings positioned to maximize both protection and wading depth; ‘Total Durability’ – with the powertrain and all functional parts well protected and ‘Total Capability’ – with the tight turning circle and generous ground clearance essential for even the most demanding off-road driving.

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. The bonnet has been shaped to enhance downward visibility at the center. In order to protect the engine bay, it is sandwiched between the bumper sides. Incorporating integral fog lamps, the lower part of the bumper corners kick upwards, and the center section has been shaped like a skid plate to enhance off-road maneuverability. The fender tops have been raised to help drivers easily locate the vehicle extremities.

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 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.

Reinforcing Prado’s broad, powerful stance, the sharply trimmed lower section minimizes the effect of the front overhang on the vehicle’s off-road driving approach angle. Allied to a minimum ground clearance of 215 mm, the 31-degree approach, 25-degree departure and 22-degree ramp breakover angles ensure the model’s off-road abilities.

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. A set of side stripes, flowing from the front to the rear, are developed exclusively for customers in the Middle East in recognition of the popularity of the Land Cruiser Prado in the region.

New elements to the rear 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.

The new Prado is available in ten exterior colors, including two new colors: Blackish Ageha Glass Flake and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic.

Sophisticated and Intuitive Interior

The interior of the new Prado features revised dashboard styling that incorporates new designs for the driver’s instrument binnacle and center console. It combines improved operability with the refined finish appropriate for a premium quality all-terrain vehicle.

The top of the new center console tower has been lowered for a sleeker appearance and improved front visibility when driving off-road. It carries the finishing touches of a ‘Silver Hairline’ texture that creates the appearance of sculpted metal and is cushioned between soft pads that support the occupants’ knees. The center console incorporates a new, larger 8’’ full-color multimedia screen, a flush-surface air-conditioning control panel, and the drivetrain-related instrument cluster.

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 8-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.

In terms of 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. With all second-row seats in place, there is room for four suitcases to be carried in the rear load space; when the third-row seats are raised, there is still space for one large and one medium size suitcase. In addition, the load space is available with a luggage net, tie-down hooks, utility rails, a storage tray and a 3.8-liter storage box on the left side of the load space. 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. This allows separate temperatures to be selected for the front left, right and the rear sides of the cabin to ensure more comfort for everyone on board. In terms of styling, the air conditioner controls are completely redesigned and feature a shiny silver finish, while the display illumination color has been changed to clear blue to enhance the center cluster look.

A total of three interior colors are available for the interiors, including two newly-added colors – ‘Neutral Beige,’ which is introduced in response to customer demands for a modern look, and ‘Black/Red Wood’ to further enhance the sporty atmosphere of the cabin.

Powerful Engine and Superior Driving Dynamics

The new Prado is available in a wide range of engine options for both petrol and diesel formats. Petrol engines are available with either a V6 engine 4.0-liter 24-valve DOHC with dual VVT-I producing 271 hp and up to 38.9 kg-m or 4-cylinder 2.7-liter in-line 16-valve DOHC format with VVT-i producing 164 hp and up to 25.1 kg-m.

Both petrol engines are mated with either 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, or a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission.

In the diesel engine category, there is a 4-cylinder 3.0-liter in-line 16-valve DOHC with turbo producing 161 hp and up to 40.8 kg-m that offers low emissions with class-leading power and fuel efficiency. The diesel engine is mated by a 5-speed ‘Super-Intelligent Electronically’-controlled automatic transmission.

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 and rear 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 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 select models, 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.

Unmatched Safety Technologies

The Prado is as reliable as it looks with a body structure that is crafted with high-tensile steel encompassing the latest safety technologies and innovative systems. These offer exceptional levels of safety and security complemented by the four-wheel car’s new advanced safety technology package, called Toyota Safety Sense, which includes items that are particularly effective in reducing the risk of accidents:

  • Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system uses sensors to detect other vehicles or obstructions and warns the driver to perform evasive maneuver while automatically activating the brakes when there is a high probability of a collision.
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system enhances driving convenience. When traveling at a preset cruising speed, it uses a millimeter wave radar to detect and monitor the vehicle ahead, regulating speed as needed to maintain a distance (long, medium, or short) that is defined by the driver, and subsequently, allows to return to the preset cruising speed when it detects that the vehicle ahead has changed lanes.
  • Automatic High Beam (AHB) system detects oncoming headlamps and tail lamps of the vehicles ahead and automatically switches to low beam to reduce glare.
  • Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system warns the driver through the Multi-Information Display, blinking indicator lamp and buzzer sound when the vehicle unusually sways from its lane. When vehicle sway is detected, the system alerts the driver, and a buzzer sets off to help prevent an accident.

In addition, the new Prado boasts a multi-terrain Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that 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.

Further ensuring that safety is at the heart of the experience for both the driver and passengers, the available Emergency Brake Signal automatically activates the hazard lamps during emergency braking. The signal serves as a warning for the vehicle in the rear when sudden brakes are applied.

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and make roads a safe space for all, the Prado has a Pedestrian Protection through Impact Alleviation Structure. The impact-absorbing structure of the hood, fenders, and other components 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.

Active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats move up and forward in the event of rear-end collisions to help reduce neck impact and simultaneously cushion the head and back.

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 available 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 system uses radar sensors fitted onto each side of the rear of the vehicle. If a car is detected when the turn indicator is engaged, a warning light flashes at fixed intervals. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) feature uses the same radar as the Blind Spot Monitor 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.

The Rear-View Monitor System displays 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.