Cancel my Altitude order and got my deposit back. After crunching the numbers we found out we couldn’t tow 2.8 Ton let alone 3.5 as there’s not enough payload. Toyota confirmed that a GVM Upgrade may effect warranty. Ordered the Ford Everest Tremor. More payload, more power, all 4x4 extras covered by warranty, 20 grand cheaper. Made sense 🤷🏼♂️
Exactly. Very few 3.5T towing vehicles can actually realistically tow 3.5T except when empty, with just a driver and ½ a tank of fuel (less in some cases) along with no add-ons on the roof etc. 3.5T Tow ratings are really just to say you “COULD tow that boat across town if you need” to but that’s basically it. And you’d need to do it stock before you add any other weight to your vehicle.
Great balanced review Paul, from another Engineer who appreciates fact over opinion and no filler! Listen Toyota, we want removable rear seats, flat loadbed and the option of rear diff lock on all models. Note, the 60kg limit is just on that rear boxlid.
I will give it one thing, the way it slows down and stops when a grey nomad has an heart attack after seeing the fifteenth “DPF fault, see your dealer “ on the screen is amazing.
17:49 I cancelled my VX order purely because of the boot space and third row treatment. The storage box lid doesn’t even open properly. But main issue is as you’ve said is it isn’t readily removable.
Toyota had a chance to make a killing with this but has missed the raised expectations many of us had … many things are great but in some things it actually went backwards when compared to Series 150
Toyota went forwards going from 90 to 120, then backwards going from 120 to 150, and now backwards again with 250. Always been a Toyota guy but they've lost the plot. Even reliability they don't have anymore.
Not sure my old dog could jump up into the back of this let alone the 7 seater. He has no issues with the current 150 VX. Best he comes along on any test drive….
Toyota slowly becoming the Apple of the car world. Keep increasing the price while only updating the absolute minimum, knowing damn well your sales numbers will still be top of the market. Truly amazing. 👏🏼
@@dolguldur4706 exactly why Toyota keeps making huge profits, they offer you a basic product at a high price clinging to it's reliability built during the 80's and 90's.
What exactly is Apples flagship phones missing to say, samsungs flagship phones though? and in the same sense, what exactly is this prado missing the other flagships have?
I am a big Toyota fan, owned many including 4 x 200 series. I drove one of these yesterday and apart from the looks it’s such a compromised vehicle in so many ways and it’s a huge fail by Toyota IMO. Anyone who buys this has more money than sense. Everyone should keep their old Prado.
How would you describe the comfort of the new one, particularly the driver seat? The seats on my current 150 (2020) are extremely hard and uncomfortable. I had to cover it with cushions to make it slightly bearable for my back pain.
Couldn't agree more Occyman, had a squiz at one in Moorooka the other week. Didn't drive it, but underwhelmed by look and feel of it. Compact feel and led me to believe I can't go past my 2004, 120 diesel that I've had since new. Perhaps the best Prado model Toyota has ever made. Still going strong. Less tech, less of a problem.
Toyota was fantastic for a 20 year period between 1985 and 2005 with fantastic build quality, over engineered products and aesthetics. They'll be rapidly overtaken in the next 5 years by the Chinese and Korean makers.
@@Saphire0437 the 1KD is probably the best diesel 4 banger they ever made. 1KZ isn't far off. I've got a 2019 Hilux, I grew up driving my parents 1KD Prado (they still have it) and I still have my 1996 1KZ powered Surf - I love working on Toyotas too. The Hilux and all my mates' ones have had dramas. Surf and Prado? Preventative maintenance. New cars are nice but their added complexity intersects with added problems quite quickly.
IMHO from a 150 VX Owner who was looking to upgrade Positives - Looks great from the outside - Front dash and front seating area are excellent - Tech and screens look fantastic - 8 speed auto Negatives - Approx 10k + more expensive across the range - No gas struts for bonnet - 48 V mild hybrid adds complexity, and dubious benefits - Ad Blue addition and still has a DPF - Same carryover engine 2.8 L GD with no more power/torque - Seven seat set up is a backwards step with a much smaller amount of boot room/very high lip, plastic storage ‘box’ and lack of room for a fridge - Toyota says seats can’t be removed due to battery underneath - Weighs 250-300kg more - Cool box is much smaller than 150 on VX+ - Rear seats/2nd row don’t slide back-and-forth for more space - Only 2, 5 seat variants the GX and the altitude to avoid to limited boot space - Fuel tank is 110 L - less than 150 L from the Prado 150 - Smaller boot opening height than the 150 - no rear Diff lock in anything but the altitude - more models in old 150 have both - Payloads approx 100kg less than old 150’s - Stop start - Wheel not on the back, under car - Glove box and storage in the front is small I.e no sunglasses holder, storage above gearshift in cubby - Driver monitoring system annoyance - No space for a dual battery under bonnet -Sliding GVM kg, moves up and down depending on model grade. Previous Prado was fixed GVM for all models, with payload increasing as you went down the range with less kit. - Wait for the hybrid 2.4 L turbo from USA
Been waiting for the new prado but bit disappointed with the performance. We might get the everest though. Thanks for the great review car expert. Very helpful.
Well for the money people are paying for Toyota to have that setup after all the time they had before finally launching in Australia is pretty ridiculous lol don’t blame them.
I’m a huge Toyota fan, but with this vehicle, they absolutely nailed the design (at least for me personally) and dropped the ball on everything else-price, engine, interior, tech features, and more. Honestly, the only thing I like about this car is its design. Come on, Toyota, you can do better!
@@king-pn4bj It's not worth having a modern diesel anymore, Toyota needs to give the petrol option the US has, much more simple and much more powerful.
Excellent review. The boot space/config, engine power and traction control system is a huge let down. They could of given it the 165kw from the GR Hilux at least. Look like the value of the outgoing 150's just held a bit longer (just like the 200's with a solid V8).
It has indeed. I bought a brand new 150 series two years ago. The very last one. It is now actually worth more second hand than what I paid for it two years ago.
Paul. Thankyou!!! You are my man when it comes to all reviews now. Such a perfect delivery of info, But i really appreciate your height! My brother is 190cm and bought this exact vehicle.
I personally appreciate you putting in the extra effort to include mosquitoes inside the car to provide an authentic depiction of the misery of the off roading experience.
Thanks Paul, I have been waiting a long time to see your reaction to your own test of this vehicle. I recently test drove the Altitude in my local area. It was interesting stepping out of my 2013 FJ Cruiser. I was surprised by the doee sound of the 4 cylinder engine. Suspension felt soft, steering very light. Turned off the AC and cruised with the front windows down and elboe on the door edge. I got used to the vehicle quickly. It is ok. Back into the FJ, steering heavier, smooth quiet acceleration from the V6 and a positive feel on the road. Happy to drive the FJ a bit longer. Looking forward to your Everest Tremor test.
Old prado felt sluggish there's no way another 200kg in this will make it feel light. And being almost 3 seconds late to 100 is even more funny when it happens in reality an old one overtaking you🤣
@@Malc664 my bad I didn't read correctly, but remember these are stock cars and already 200KG heavier at start, it will only get worse, plus the additional emissions controlling extras it comes with. These new diesels are not worth it at all.
Amazing review as always, very well detailed. Was seriously considering this until I watched the whole thing, but this has nothing been short of disappointing in my opinion.
This was a very good review. I waited two years for this car (I live in Dubai) and finally when they started taking bookings, I saw the specs, the price and a 6 month wait and went to look at the Ford everest, booked and bought it
Hi Paul, I’m still waiting for my GX550 overtrail in the carbonate with black roof hence delay, would you go this or the Altitude? I found the Altitude underpowered but $30k difference is making me think. I suppose the question is, do I keep waiting for my GX?
@@bluecent interior is terrible but can be upgraded to a nice infotainment. Wood grain can be deleted. Prado slug engine can not be brought up to the v8s level.
I don't understand why they put the 2.8 diesel in that heavy SUV when the Americans get the 2 4 petrol hybrid with 100kw and 150 Nm more power and torque.
I am a toyota fanboy. I test drove this and i think it is a complete dog. Too many floors to list. Even the dealer couldn't believe how shongati it is.
Anyone buying this vehicle proves fools are easily parted with their money. Overpriced, old engine with after thought where to put the battery. Not to mention the max weight over that battery cover is 60kg. Sort limits what you can put in the boot. Plastic side steps, come on. You didn’t mention the ground clearance is a problem. Videos I’ve seen, people who have bought this are having to lift to get decent 4WD clearance. Then that engine noise. Oh and you have Ad Blue. The list goes on. Toyota know people will buy these cars on reputation alone and not give any consideration to other competitors in or coming to market. These are definitely not value for money.
No mate. The 10cm wide lip at the very back is rated to 60kg. The floor is a normal floor. Nothing to do with the battery. This was just rubbish published before anyone even had the car.
Thanks for the review - very informative. For the hill climb it would have been helpful to see how it performs with the rear-diff open (as it has to be on every other version of the new Prado).
Would love to see you guys do a Prado GX review Paul! GX model seems to be the only offering priced with some semblance of sanity, and being the other 5-door option it might be the most realistic pick for would-be buyers…
I agree. I'm surprised Toyota offered such a sensibly optioned model at a relatively good price. No diff lock and no leather trimmed steering wheel but it's a standout for value.
Its always blow my mind how people spend so much on one of the most bland and boring cars on the market lol. Sooo many better bang for buck options out there.
until you lock the centre diff you're a 1 wheel drive. once you lock the centre diff lock you're 2 wheel drive. when you lock the centre and rear diff locks, you're 3 wheel drive.
I think I'll be keeping my 1988 LN61 4Runner a little bit longer now. At least my rear seats fold completely flat with the cargo floor, it has an electrically operated tailgate window, and it's probably only marginally slower than this Prado to 100kph lol. Of course, I put my life on the line every time it leaves the garage - It's real driving by the seat of your pants stuff, and it's a rush! And unlike the new Prado, it's going up in value every day now and there's absolutely no electronic gadgets to go wrong. Better living everyone!
Click bait rubbish. I cancelled my order for the VX because of the rear platform raised by 250mm and the payload limit of 60kgs. No amount of spin will convince many to lay out $100K for this. Ordered a 2025 Platinum Everest.
@@MrWah79 you don't buy a car with resale value in mind, Unless it's a collectible. More tech, more power, more torque and a more refined diesel. 🤷🏼♂️
Any chance in future you could include a test of the A/C temperature? I work in the motor industry and not all A/Cs are created equal. There are new cars that dont really get cold enough imo, especially compared to ones in the past.
Used to be a Prado owner, had two. Then bought Y62 - what a beast of a car, but fuel killed my budget....now have the Everest Sport V6. Love the Everest and will not go back, but will also never say anything bad about a Prado. Y62 my favourate though...Paul, have to say, I like your little subtle comments - I would say you are not a Prado fan....😂
Regarding the offroad traction mode : Center diff is a Torsen . This kind of diff multiplies the torque by a factor and send it to a wheel with more traction. , but it needs to have a bit traction to multiply it. 0 (zero) multiplied with anything is still 0 (zero). The conclusion if if you have no traction at all it cannot multiply the traction and send it to the other wheels.
Traction control should have sorted that though, by applying a bit of brake to the lifted wheel, meaning some torque can be applied to it. I'm surprised the system didn't do this by itself.
It's interesting that they are only giving reviewers the top-spec models. The models most people can afford don't have a diff locker. I'm not sure why Toyota would gate-keep a necessary 4x4 feature and require you to pay nearly $100k for a diff locker. Also, that boot looks like an afterthought. I hope they fix it in a future facelift.
Thanks Paul - a lot of Prado owners are going to be glad they kept theirs - the new one is a complete fail, ridiculously expensive and I’m happy with my practical and reliable pre-DPF 2010 diesel Hilux - even the new 300 series V6 is showing issues with overheating and oil management.
Hi Paul, after seeing the review, I feel like not buying this new prado. Which previous model prado would you recommend in terms of value for money & spec.
Everest nothing to worry about. The tank 300 has a bloody better interior than this crap. This is so underpowered. Tank 300 in less than 9 seconds 0-100.
Good overview. Being a current Prado owner, to say this is a dissapointment is an understatement. Van towers will not like the fuel reduction, advantage over the competiton now gone But I think this model is the one to get if you wanted one.
I think tojo has designed this for the US market and we just suffer the consequences. A spare on the rear door would allow a bigger fuel tank and or allow the 48v system to be mounted lower in the vehicle. I guess the aftermarket will continue to solve problems that toyota creates.
The storage hump says "this was going to be IRS" and they changed back at the last minute. The live axle is likely on borrowed time. The third row seat should have been removable like in a minivan, however clasp mechanisms cost more money.
@@ubernoob103 they aren't adr complied yet and there are only a handful of preproduction models registered in aus. I would expect at the earliest december. I did notice car eggspurt was seemingly absent from byds press event. Possibly not invited but they did say they will review once they can get one outside of a controlled press event.
Thanks Paul another great video. I had an expression of interest order on the GXL and had an hour long test drive last week. I thought it drove very well but agree with you the old 2.8 should have had a major update. The interior is very quiet with no noise or rattles but noticed some wind noise I think coming from around the mirrors at about 80 km. However my main gripe is the major flaw with the boot design which could be a deal breaker with the popular GXL, VX and Kakadu models. I hope the designers at Toyota get this sorted out asap! I think the Ford Everest V6 is still safe at the moment but for how long?
@ yeah I guess you’re right. Just crazy that cars are getting more and more expensive. And there’s not much to justify this price. Only a small jump to the Lexus GX
Can you please check to see if the traction control works on the front wheels when the rear differential is locked. I have been told by a mechanic, that some systems with the rear diff locked disable traction control on the front wheels and effectively make the 4WD, RWD.
Its not a Hybrid in anyway, the 48V Battery is only to keep the AC etc running at the lights why'll the engine turns off, to meet emission stds. Also was the engine off when you did the 0-100 test, and was the old model on AT tyres?
Ain’t gonna buy this car. Ad blue Bigger size but same engine. Horrible boot load capacity. It is just way too much expensive. You can buy 300 if you put little bit more money. Absolute BS for my opinion
Don’t forget the weight of a tank of fuel needs to be added to the 350kg ball weight of the GVM. This is a dry weight that’s quoted so add another 100kg
Thank you Paul for this detailed review I have been waiting for the last 11 months. Always enjoyed your review, mate. Now I know what to do with the order I placed in August 2023. I'm disappointed with this new supposedly-good Prado, to say the least.
RE this new Prado vs the 300 Series and 4 vs 6cylinder Diesal, I've driven a mates Fortuner with the 4, and test driven a new demo 300 series with the 6. Far from exhaustive testing... but the 300 6 was noticeably more quiet and refined?.... but IMO visuallly this new Prado looks really good. The 300, not so much..... just my $0.20 worth 🙂
Hey Paul, I'm based in NZ and sold New Toyota's for 18 years and changed job about a year ago. my background prior to Toyota was Forestry which I've gone back to so I've always had a passion for 4WD SUV's and utes. i find your new vehicle reviews second to none. i drive a Hilux for work but i just bought a V6 Ranger Wildtrak as our private Vehicle and i can't believe how good it is and far superior to the Hilux. i was going to wait for the Prado but saw that it was only coming with the 2.8 so decided on V6 Ranger. i still drove the Prado which has been in NZ for a couple of months now. I was so disappointed and agree with all your comments. We don't get the 5 seater yet and the 7 seat is just a real miss and how they think it was acceptable is beyond me. Even my son who was with me when we went for a drive commented on the Noisy engine. if only they could fit a single turbo version of the LC300 engine. Keep up the great work.
And add the discovery, defender and patrol if bringing in the 300 series. The everest really isn't in the same class of vehicle though to be fair. Toyota has the fortuner to compete with the everest, Ford just make a far better vehicle in this class.
Smoking at the start even, could you imagine the aussie battlers with their flaming pitchforks if that was the tank smoking on such a simple task? But if it's Toyota.. well, they're our darling.
@@N1rOx Last month in China, GWM sold 30+ thousand vehicles, Toyota who was number 1 three years ago sold 4700 vehicles. Gone from number 1 to number 27th
Cancel my Altitude order and got my deposit back. After crunching the numbers we found out we couldn’t tow 2.8 Ton let alone 3.5 as there’s not enough payload. Toyota confirmed that a GVM Upgrade may effect warranty.
Ordered the Ford Everest Tremor. More payload, more power, all 4x4 extras covered by warranty, 20 grand cheaper. Made sense 🤷🏼♂️
😂 a ford lol
Well done!
Y62 bro
Exactly. Very few 3.5T towing vehicles can actually realistically tow 3.5T except when empty, with just a driver and ½ a tank of fuel (less in some cases) along with no add-ons on the roof etc.
3.5T Tow ratings are really just to say you “COULD tow that boat across town if you need” to but that’s basically it. And you’d need to do it stock before you add any other weight to your vehicle.
Good choice, looks better than this piece of tin can
Paul, I need to give you thumbs up for very balanced review, thanks
Great balanced review Paul, from another Engineer who appreciates fact over opinion and no filler! Listen Toyota, we want removable rear seats, flat loadbed and the option of rear diff lock on all models. Note, the 60kg limit is just on that rear boxlid.
"Priced like a Mercedes, but with features like a Suzuki."
Which Mercedes? Because 2024 CLE 6 cylinders is like $80,000. And which features like Suzuki on this? Or you are some few bottles in?
@@boxoffisabro, the joke flew right over ya head 😂, calm yourself
Just needs a widdle wadder!
Especially that interior.
@@boxoffisabro you better get your sense of humor checked out
I will give it one thing, the way it slows down and stops when a grey nomad has an heart attack after seeing the fifteenth “DPF fault, see your dealer “ on the screen is amazing.
😅😅
Why ? A fairly new model.
@bluecent
Yes, a new model with an old engine pushing more weight than it did before.
That's after it creates a traffic jam struggling in the right lane 20ks under. Oh hand, that's just a toyota driver..
I don't see any 70s having dramas. Same motor.
The arrogance of Toyota
Very heavy
Very plasticky
Very underpowered
Compromised rear boot design
The price is outrageous
Shitbox basically
How will they survie?? 😂😂
Correct 👍 yet people/(toyota fan boys)will still buy them🤦♂️
Because Toyota knows people would just buy it no matter what.
And they will sell out all inventory go figure? They can't keep them on lot as I type here.
17:49 I cancelled my VX order purely because of the boot space and third row treatment. The storage box lid doesn’t even open properly. But main issue is as you’ve said is it isn’t readily removable.
Thanks I think I picked up your cancelled order. I am loving the VX.
Toyota had a chance to make a killing with this but has missed the raised expectations many of us had … many things are great but in some things it actually went backwards when compared to Series 150
Ahh, they WILL make a killing.
Where did it go backwards?
@@ljdperth4608
It’s heavier, slower, terrible rear cargo packaging, adblue, mild hybrid.
Toyota went forwards going from 90 to 120, then backwards going from 120 to 150, and now backwards again with 250. Always been a Toyota guy but they've lost the plot. Even reliability they don't have anymore.
They will fix it all feedback in 2 years with a facelift
Not sure my old dog could jump up into the back of this let alone the 7 seater. He has no issues with the current 150 VX. Best he comes along on any test drive….
I did exactly that and that’s why I didn’t place an order for one. That boot lip is huge and I couldn’t get my pram in there, let alone my dogs.
Toyota slowly becoming the Apple of the car world. Keep increasing the price while only updating the absolute minimum, knowing damn well your sales numbers will still be top of the market. Truly amazing. 👏🏼
That is because people keep paying the higher prices.
That’s how you make the biggest profit.
Apple isn’t in the Top 5 companies for no reason.
I rather pay extra price then buying cheap crap product..
@@dolguldur4706 exactly why Toyota keeps making huge profits, they offer you a basic product at a high price clinging to it's reliability built during the 80's and 90's.
What exactly is Apples flagship phones missing to say, samsungs flagship phones though? and in the same sense, what exactly is this prado missing the other flagships have?
Bought the old one brand new NOV23 make. It was the best Prado, gone through so many improvements
I cancelled our GXL. We weren't happy with the boot space, 3rd and the second row no longer sliding back to gain that extra knee room
THANK YOU Carexpert for always including the "Driver Aid" segment in your car reviews! More reviewers need to emulate this🎉🎉
I am a big Toyota fan, owned many including 4 x 200 series. I drove one of these yesterday and apart from the looks it’s such a compromised vehicle in so many ways and it’s a huge fail by Toyota IMO. Anyone who buys this has more money than sense. Everyone should keep their old Prado.
How would you describe the comfort of the new one, particularly the driver seat? The seats on my current 150 (2020) are extremely hard and uncomfortable. I had to cover it with cushions to make it slightly bearable for my back pain.
@@Woah_Look north oz?
Couldn't agree more Occyman, had a squiz at one in Moorooka the other week. Didn't drive it, but underwhelmed by look and feel of it. Compact feel and led me to believe I can't go past my 2004, 120 diesel that I've had since new. Perhaps the best Prado model Toyota has ever made. Still going strong. Less tech, less of a problem.
Toyota was fantastic for a 20 year period between 1985 and 2005 with fantastic build quality, over engineered products and aesthetics. They'll be rapidly overtaken in the next 5 years by the Chinese and Korean makers.
Agreed
They already have
Absolutely. Those years were absolutely Toyota's 4wd heyday. Now they just seem to be half attempting to keep up with the market.
22r, the old 2.8 and the 1kz/1kd are all worse than the current 1GD. And you can keep your 5L's. I can peddle faster.
@@Saphire0437 the 1KD is probably the best diesel 4 banger they ever made. 1KZ isn't far off. I've got a 2019 Hilux, I grew up driving my parents 1KD Prado (they still have it) and I still have my 1996 1KZ powered Surf - I love working on Toyotas too. The Hilux and all my mates' ones have had dramas. Surf and Prado? Preventative maintenance. New cars are nice but their added complexity intersects with added problems quite quickly.
IMHO from a 150 VX Owner who was looking to upgrade
Positives
- Looks great from the outside
- Front dash and front seating area are excellent
- Tech and screens look fantastic
- 8 speed auto
Negatives
- Approx 10k + more expensive across the range
- No gas struts for bonnet
- 48 V mild hybrid adds complexity, and dubious benefits
- Ad Blue addition and still has a DPF
- Same carryover engine 2.8 L GD with no more power/torque
- Seven seat set up is a backwards step with a much smaller amount of boot room/very high lip, plastic storage ‘box’ and lack of room for a fridge - Toyota says seats can’t be removed due to battery underneath
- Weighs 250-300kg more
- Cool box is much smaller than 150 on VX+
- Rear seats/2nd row don’t slide back-and-forth for more space
- Only 2, 5 seat variants the GX and the altitude to avoid to limited boot space
- Fuel tank is 110 L - less than 150 L from the Prado 150
- Smaller boot opening height than the 150
- no rear Diff lock in anything but the altitude - more models in old 150 have both
- Payloads approx 100kg less than old 150’s
- Stop start
- Wheel not on the back, under car
- Glove box and storage in the front is small I.e no sunglasses holder, storage above gearshift in cubby
- Driver monitoring system annoyance
- No space for a dual battery under bonnet
-Sliding GVM kg, moves up and down depending on model grade. Previous Prado was fixed GVM for all models, with payload increasing as you went down the range with less kit.
- Wait for the hybrid 2.4 L turbo from USA
So many cons aren’t there.
@@ducksnuts1385 150 is a relic compared to 250 in my view. I am glad I upgraded.
@@jamesm6341welcome the the Toyota beta tester group and you paid an extra 14k for the privilege. 🎉
@ 😀 it ll be more expensive when the Ute tax kicks in mid next year.
6 months service interval in a 2024 car is a no-no
Geez my 20 year old Discovery 2 would walk that offset in high range with its ancient TC.
Definitely mate. This Prado is embarrassing for Toyota.
Put a deposit down on this a year ago. Thank goodness I got my money back and bought a Platinum Everest 😅
thank you for making my dream come closer, shorter waitiing list now :)
I got my money back too seeing them on road definitely looks like crap. I’m going either for raptor x or Everest
@@KGSmyl I really like the Prado. Just can’t see the benefit over a V6 Platinum Everest for 92k. Hope you enjoy it 👌
I put deposit $5000 and the only refund $4000..charged me $1000 for restocking!..filed a complaint against THEM in Fair trading QLD, will see ...?
Smart move mate, I bought a V6 Wildtrak. GVM upgrade, ARB goodies, carries plenty & tows my 2.8T caravan like a dream 😊
The boot is a massive failure for sure.
Been waiting for the new prado but bit disappointed with the performance. We might get the everest though. Thanks for the great review car expert. Very helpful.
V6 Everest is a much better machine
Are there no other options, but the Everest?
@@tonxbezzina7015MU-X and Pajero Sport
Had a Prado, got an Everest. No looking back, the Everest is a beast.
@@tonxbezzina7015none as good
That boot is a big deal for a lot of people 😂
Well for the money people are paying for Toyota to have that setup after all the time they had before finally launching in Australia is pretty ridiculous lol don’t blame them.
Ergonomic disaster with a 60kg load limit... yeah kinda a big deal 😮
@@user-zp6ln4su2r Can't handle standard 3x 23kg luggage. Its disappointing.
which means not too many people go off road actually
I’m a huge Toyota fan, but with this vehicle, they absolutely nailed the design (at least for me personally) and dropped the ball on everything else-price, engine, interior, tech features, and more. Honestly, the only thing I like about this car is its design. Come on, Toyota, you can do better!
engine...how? by not upgrading it and pulling more weight?
That is a lot of money for an over rated shit box.
Don’t buy it, they won’t care. 😂
@@BozoMcGinty they will when no idiot buys it 🫢
AdBlue, useless hybrid, and the worst rear storage setup possible. A massive miss by Toyota.
Adblue AND DPF.... 😪
AdBlu is not the end of the world lol. But yes, everything else is not promising.
@@king-pn4bj It's not worth having a modern diesel anymore, Toyota needs to give the petrol option the US has, much more simple and much more powerful.
I wouldn't say massive but enough to put some buyers off. There's enough wrong with it for me to not look lustfuly at it.
Excellent review. The boot space/config, engine power and traction control system is a huge let down. They could of given it the 165kw from the GR Hilux at least. Look like the value of the outgoing 150's just held a bit longer (just like the 200's with a solid V8).
It has indeed. I bought a brand new 150 series two years ago. The very last one. It is now actually worth more second hand than what I paid for it two years ago.
Best and balanced review for the 250, well done Paul !
Paul. Thankyou!!! You are my man when it comes to all reviews now. Such a perfect delivery of info, But i really appreciate your height!
My brother is 190cm and bought this exact vehicle.
I personally appreciate you putting in the extra effort to include mosquitoes inside the car to provide an authentic depiction of the misery of the off roading experience.
Thanks Paul, I have been waiting a long time to see your reaction to your own test of this vehicle. I recently test drove the Altitude in my local area. It was interesting stepping out of my 2013 FJ Cruiser. I was surprised by the doee sound of the 4 cylinder engine. Suspension felt soft, steering very light. Turned off the AC and cruised with the front windows down and elboe on the door edge. I got used to the vehicle quickly. It is ok. Back into the FJ, steering heavier, smooth quiet acceleration from the V6 and a positive feel on the road. Happy to drive the FJ a bit longer. Looking forward to your Everest Tremor test.
Old prado felt sluggish there's no way another 200kg in this will make it feel light. And being almost 3 seconds late to 100 is even more funny when it happens in reality an old one overtaking you🤣
Not 3 seconds but only 9/100th of a second, so almost one second.
@@Malc664 my bad I didn't read correctly, but remember these are stock cars and already 200KG heavier at start, it will only get worse, plus the additional emissions controlling extras it comes with. These new diesels are not worth it at all.
bUt iT haS A 48vOlt hyBRid SysTeM 🤣
Amazing review as always, very well detailed. Was seriously considering this until I watched the whole thing, but this has nothing been short of disappointing in my opinion.
finally been waiting for this for forever
This was a very good review. I waited two years for this car (I live in Dubai) and finally when they started taking bookings, I saw the specs, the price and a 6 month wait and went to look at the Ford everest, booked and bought it
Loving the review,from South Africa
Hi Paul, I’m still waiting for my GX550 overtrail in the carbonate with black roof hence delay, would you go this or the Altitude? I found the Altitude underpowered but $30k difference is making me think. I suppose the question is, do I keep waiting for my GX?
Keep waiting for GX. I own a GX , test drove altitude last week . Yes 30k is a lot … Worth the wait car wise
@ thanks Dave it’s been a very long wait, from batch 0 for a June delivery, now next year for my colour choice!
@@SamWatkins-ti7jy yes that’s frustrating, patience isn’t easy for a new car Sam . Hang in there .
@ it’s the continuous extensions that frustrate one. But it’ll arrive one day..
Very expensive given you can get a v8 patrol for this money which is far superior.
If you like appallingly chintzy styling, wood grain and a 1990’s interior. And it’s a Nissan too. 😂
Yeah, but that’s a Nissan.
A good one for grandpa.
@@bluecent interior is terrible but can be upgraded to a nice infotainment. Wood grain can be deleted. Prado slug engine can not be brought up to the v8s level.
@@oggyoggy1299 the prado and 300 only see the patrols tail lights. As Paul’s towing test and off-road test showed the patrol is king.
You must like spending time and dollars at the servo if you own a Patrol.
I don't understand why they put the 2.8 diesel in that heavy SUV when the Americans get the 2 4 petrol hybrid with 100kw and 150 Nm more power and torque.
Australians with their weird obsession with diesel I guess
We Aussies always get ripped off
PS also with the battery in the back luggage area you won’t be able to mount a fridge with a bolt in slide in there, even if there was room
Most waited video of end of the year! Thanks ❤
Toyota fan boys will be lining up even if it had 3 wheels as you said the same old 2.8 diesel rattler
Or even if it had flintstone pedal power, they would still pay $90k for it 😂😂🤣🤣
Umm ... that's because we get cash back when we sell. You stick to your Jeep.
my 35 year old 2.8 half a million Klms, still going strong.
@@paulredfern2252 You better keep it then because this 2.8 has issues like any other motor look at some You Tube channels 30k needing new motors
I am a toyota fanboy. I test drove this and i think it is a complete dog. Too many floors to list. Even the dealer couldn't believe how shongati it is.
Anyone buying this vehicle proves fools are easily parted with their money. Overpriced, old engine with after thought where to put the battery. Not to mention the max weight over that battery cover is 60kg. Sort limits what you can put in the boot. Plastic side steps, come on. You didn’t mention the ground clearance is a problem. Videos I’ve seen, people who have bought this are having to lift to get decent 4WD clearance. Then that engine noise. Oh and you have Ad Blue. The list goes on.
Toyota know people will buy these cars on reputation alone and not give any consideration to other competitors in or coming to market. These are definitely not value for money.
No mate. The 10cm wide lip at the very back is rated to 60kg. The floor is a normal floor. Nothing to do with the battery. This was just rubbish published before anyone even had the car.
Ground clearance compared to what? 220mm is stacks for a stock 4x4.
Everything has plastic sidesteps and everything will have adblue 🙄
@@Saphire0437 I won't buy anything with ad blue, ever, unless the aftermarket has worked out how to disable/delete it.
@jasonpeters2899 been using adblue in heavy diesels/prime movers for a decade. Never caused a drama.
Thanks for the review - very informative.
For the hill climb it would have been helpful to see how it performs with the rear-diff open (as it has to be on every other version of the new Prado).
Will Australia get the round headlight Prado?
These would have sold like hot cakes if all new Prado’s had the V6, possibly unbeatable in the market.
a v6 petrol as modern diesels are choked to death
the US iForce Max 2.4l turbo 4 does 0-60 mph in ~6 secs. would sell way more than the 2.8l diesels with AdBlue... wake up toyota australia
@@thelonewolf666 offer the 1GR-FE V6 4.0L, great engine
@@larryingle9966 yeah, I miss it already
The Lexus version (GX550) in North America gets the 3.4L turbo 6. Unfortunately this is the same engine that has been having issues in the Tundra.
Would love to see you guys do a Prado GX review Paul! GX model seems to be the only offering priced with some semblance of sanity, and being the other 5-door option it might be the most realistic pick for would-be buyers…
I agree. I'm surprised Toyota offered such a sensibly optioned model at a relatively good price. No diff lock and no leather trimmed steering wheel but it's a standout for value.
Its always blow my mind how people spend so much on one of the most bland and boring cars on the market lol. Sooo many better bang for buck options out there.
That’s Toyota owners for you.
They're called toyota fan boys, even if it had 2wheels going for 120k they'd still buy it 😀
@ toyota motorcycle 🤣🤣
What are those options ?
Nissan Patrol@@user-kx3sx6zu2h
this channel excels at showing the car's behaviour at speed, would like to see high speed off roading from pov and out side
In my opinion it looks better than the 300 series
Way better in my opinion TBH
Almost everything does, except for a Patrol.
Agree, the 300 looks like it been driven through a garage door that was too narrow for it...Fuggly.
And that is the dilemma this looks way way better than the 300 but the 300 powertrain is way more appealing than this 2.8
@nmvi226 you hit the nail on the head. The 300 looks like it was launched in 2014 and updated in 2017.
Doesn't centre lock have to be on for 4wd to work?
until you lock the centre diff you're a 1 wheel drive. once you lock the centre diff lock you're 2 wheel drive. when you lock the centre and rear diff locks, you're 3 wheel drive.
I think I'll be keeping my 1988 LN61 4Runner a little bit longer now. At least my rear seats fold completely flat with the cargo floor, it has an electrically operated tailgate window, and it's probably only marginally slower than this Prado to 100kph lol. Of course, I put my life on the line every time it leaves the garage - It's real driving by the seat of your pants stuff, and it's a rush! And unlike the new Prado, it's going up in value every day now and there's absolutely no electronic gadgets to go wrong. Better living everyone!
If you still have a car from 1988, you were never buying anything anyway. There's been heaps of great cars in that time.
Prado hasn't had removable 3rd row since 2005 there Paul, last of the 120. And as you found it has to be in Neutral to lock diffs same as 150.
Click bait rubbish. I cancelled my order for the VX because of the rear platform raised by 250mm and the payload limit of 60kgs. No amount of spin will convince many to lay out $100K for this. Ordered a 2025 Platinum Everest.
The everest smashes this thing in every aspect
That won’t stop the flock of loyalists buying them 🤦♂️
Except for not breaking.. small detail
@@Abu7929 that's what a warranty is for.
Everything except resale value.
@@MrWah79 you don't buy a car with resale value in mind, Unless it's a collectible. More tech, more power, more torque and a more refined diesel. 🤷🏼♂️
Hey Paul.
Please do a review comparing with the Everest and which one do you prefer?
Thank you
You need to be in Neutral to engage diff locks.
Any chance in future you could include a test of the A/C temperature? I work in the motor industry and not all A/Cs are created equal. There are new cars that dont really get cold enough imo, especially compared to ones in the past.
Used to be a Prado owner, had two. Then bought Y62 - what a beast of a car, but fuel killed my budget....now have the Everest Sport V6. Love the Everest and will not go back, but will also never say anything bad about a Prado. Y62 my favourate though...Paul, have to say, I like your little subtle comments - I would say you are not a Prado fan....😂
He drives a Raptor that has already had the diff replaced....
Brilliant all round review that every car channel should do
I love the new Prado and already placed my order for the exact same model!💪👊
yeah people like you also vote labour and think wind turbines cut emission's
Hey paul, I was confused on which spec to get, the altitude or the kakadu. is there much of a difference between the models?
Why didn't they use the same tune as the Hilux GR Sport with 165kW and 550Nm?
That’s the next upgrade, can’t do it all upfront there would be no-where to go in year 3-4
It’s Apple, sorry Toyota
@@Corey-pd3mi hahaha. you nailed it
Regarding the offroad traction mode : Center diff is a Torsen . This kind of diff multiplies the torque by a factor and send it to a wheel with more traction. , but it needs to have a bit traction to multiply it. 0 (zero) multiplied with anything is still 0 (zero). The conclusion if if you have no traction at all it cannot multiply the traction and send it to the other wheels.
Traction control should have sorted that though, by applying a bit of brake to the lifted wheel, meaning some torque can be applied to it. I'm surprised the system didn't do this by itself.
It's interesting that they are only giving reviewers the top-spec models. The models most people can afford don't have a diff locker. I'm not sure why Toyota would gate-keep a necessary 4x4 feature and require you to pay nearly $100k for a diff locker. Also, that boot looks like an afterthought. I hope they fix it in a future facelift.
Actually that is incorrect. All models have different locks eveb the cheapest model. My 150 series came with different locks as standard.
@@Car-crazy rear diff lock is what he's talking about. centre diff lock doesn't count as. totally different.
Thanks Paul a well balanced review, I love my new Altitude 😊
dont think everest has anything to worry about tbh lol
It's the GX that had to make Everest worry, but that's out of the window with Lexus prices.
They will be worried about resale 😜
People who can’t afford to go to court, will stick to Everest. Funny to see the big smoke when the video starts.
Already 17,000 prado’s in Australia getting deliveres and even with that huge price. I think prado has it’s own set of buyers.
What are you talking about?
Does it have the new FART 💨 Detection feature ?
I like the look of these
How many kWh's is the battery? Where is the AdBlue filler? What it's slower the previous generation slug.
Thanks Paul - a lot of Prado owners are going to be glad they kept theirs - the new one is a complete fail, ridiculously expensive and I’m happy with my practical and reliable pre-DPF 2010 diesel Hilux - even the new 300 series V6 is showing issues with overheating and oil management.
Hi Paul, after seeing the review, I feel like not buying this new prado. Which previous model prado would you recommend in terms of value for money & spec.
Everest nothing to worry about. The tank 300 has a bloody better interior than this crap. This is so underpowered. Tank 300 in less than 9 seconds 0-100.
But the tank is a CCP POS
My order is placed. Can't wait! Prado all the way!💪
The 150 3rd row was stupid too- that raised section. The 120 had genuine removable 3rd row…. That was a great solution, not sure why they changed.
What happened to the iconic 5 horizontal bars in front grill?
Good overview.
Being a current Prado owner, to say this is a dissapointment is an understatement. Van towers will not like the fuel reduction, advantage over the competiton now gone
But I think this model is the one to get if you wanted one.
I think tojo has designed this for the US market and we just suffer the consequences. A spare on the rear door would allow a bigger fuel tank and or allow the 48v system to be mounted lower in the vehicle. I guess the aftermarket will continue to solve problems that toyota creates.
The storage hump says "this was going to be IRS" and they changed back at the last minute. The live axle is likely on borrowed time. The third row seat should have been removable like in a minivan, however clasp mechanisms cost more money.
The problem is all models share the raised floor because of hybrid battery.... gotta be a better place.
How did this review come before the Shark? Insane.
The shark isn’t in production, the prado is
@ are you kidding? Orders for the Shark opened about a month ago. Theyre well and truly being produced.
@@ubernoob103 they aren't adr complied yet and there are only a handful of preproduction models registered in aus. I would expect at the earliest december. I did notice car eggspurt was seemingly absent from byds press event. Possibly not invited but they did say they will review once they can get one outside of a controlled press event.
What's the point of the centre diff if you expect traction control to be sufficient
this made tank 300 even more attractive to buy. A prado can get you 2 tank 300 don't forget that
And there is a reason why they are cheap
You’ll need more than two
Haha! Tank 300 😂
@@tyzon00800 why?
@@tyzon00800 this is their strategy to conquer the world, and they don't like us talking about it.... who can beat their value for price?
Thanks Paul another great video. I had an expression of interest order on the GXL and had an hour long test drive last week. I thought it drove very well but agree with you the old 2.8 should have had a major update. The interior is very quiet with no noise or rattles but noticed some wind noise I think coming from around the mirrors at about 80 km.
However my main gripe is the major flaw with the boot design which could be a deal breaker with the popular GXL, VX and Kakadu models. I hope the designers at Toyota get this sorted out asap!
I think the Ford Everest V6 is still safe at the moment but for how long?
Struggling to see why it costs this much?
It costs this much because that's what people are prepared to pay especially rusted on Toyota tragics
@ yeah I guess you’re right. Just crazy that cars are getting more and more expensive. And there’s not much to justify this price. Only a small jump to the Lexus GX
The battery is a complete waste of time. Only reason it is there is to try and appease the federal governments future emission laws.
If it helps the car continue to be sold legally in Australia, its not a waste of time
Clean air isn't a waste of time. It's good for ya
Paul can you do a gx luxury (not ot) versus the Kakadu?
Think I'll stick to my 2016 V6 Hilux... I do like the shape, looks like a modern FJ Toyota
Can you please check to see if the traction control works on the front wheels when the rear differential is locked. I have been told by a mechanic, that some systems with the rear diff locked disable traction control on the front wheels and effectively make the 4WD, RWD.
This looks mean As but still will have the Ford Everest though!
Its not a Hybrid in anyway, the 48V Battery is only to keep the AC etc running at the lights why'll the engine turns off, to meet emission stds. Also was the engine off when you did the 0-100 test, and was the old model on AT tyres?
Ain’t gonna buy this car.
Ad blue
Bigger size but same engine.
Horrible boot load capacity.
It is just way too much expensive. You can buy 300 if you put little bit more money.
Absolute BS for my opinion
Exactly the same reasons I will avoid it too. Makes the 300 series justifiable 👍
All passenger vehicles (diesel) have ad blu...
Current LC fortuner other disel model doesn’t have
@@jang9268 They definitely will on new iterations. Ad blue isn't a big deal if you're in the market for a new diesel.
@@king-pn4bjyou will pay lots of money if you face something goes wrong with Ad blue system. You will see later what It means
When does it get ANCAP rated?
I love it and will get that exact model, great review
I did a test drive, it was really easy to drive and felt luxurious too.
Don’t forget the weight of a tank of fuel needs to be added to the 350kg ball weight of the GVM. This is a dry weight that’s quoted so add another 100kg
No it doesn’t, the GVM includes full tank
@ you’re right I was thinking of tare. Cheers
Thank you Paul for this detailed review I have been waiting for the last 11 months. Always enjoyed your review, mate. Now I know what to do with the order I placed in August 2023. I'm disappointed with this new supposedly-good Prado, to say the least.
RE this new Prado vs the 300 Series and 4 vs 6cylinder Diesal, I've driven a mates Fortuner with the 4, and test driven a new demo 300 series with the 6. Far from exhaustive testing... but the 300 6 was noticeably more quiet and refined?.... but IMO visuallly this new Prado looks really good. The 300, not so much..... just my $0.20 worth 🙂
Hey Paul, I'm based in NZ and sold New Toyota's for 18 years and changed job about a year ago. my background prior to Toyota was Forestry which I've gone back to so I've always had a passion for 4WD SUV's and utes. i find your new vehicle reviews second to none.
i drive a Hilux for work but i just bought a V6 Ranger Wildtrak as our private Vehicle and i can't believe how good it is and far superior to the Hilux. i was going to wait for the Prado but saw that it was only coming with the 2.8 so decided on V6 Ranger. i still drove the Prado which has been in NZ for a couple of months now. I was so disappointed and agree with all your comments. We don't get the 5 seater yet and the 7 seat is just a real miss and how they think it was acceptable is beyond me. Even my son who was with me when we went for a drive commented on the Noisy engine. if only they could fit a single turbo version of the LC300 engine. Keep up the great work.
Absolute junk. Well done for making the Everest stand out even more. Ugly, gutless, no room in rear. A sad day for Toyota fan boys.
Is it possible to do a comparison of the top of the range vehicles between Prado, Everest and GX500? Possibly even add the 300 series?
And add the discovery, defender and patrol if bringing in the 300 series. The everest really isn't in the same class of vehicle though to be fair. Toyota has the fortuner to compete with the everest, Ford just make a far better vehicle in this class.
Man they look ALOT better than the previous models
7 seater layout is horrific! 4 Runner would be better !
@ ye but how much nicer does it look. Inside and out.
I’d prefer the GX tho. No hybrid there
Paul, did you check out the sticker in the boot on the left side. I believe the raised floor can only carry 60kg!? Can you confirm?
That’s only for the removable box. The rest of it is fine
every great wall tank 500 has to have its cheap copy
Smoking at the start even, could you imagine the aussie battlers with their flaming pitchforks if that was the tank smoking on such a simple task? But if it's Toyota.. well, they're our darling.
@@N1rOx Last month in China, GWM sold 30+ thousand vehicles, Toyota who was number 1 three years ago sold 4700 vehicles. Gone from number 1 to number 27th