2023 Toyota Prado: The Ultimate Off-Road and Towing Companion

2023 Toyota Prado: The Ultimate Off-Road and Towing Companion

The 2023 Toyota Prado remains a stalwart in the SUV market, combining robust performance with luxurious comfort. Ideal for both family trips and serious off-road adventures, the Prado is a versatile and capable vehicle that has a lot to offer. Here’s an in-depth look at its towing capabilities, design features, and driving experience.

Manufacturer Specifications

Attribute	Details
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)	2990kg
Gross Combined Mass (GCM)	5990kg
Payload	665kg
Rear Max Axle Load	Not specified
Tow Capacity (Braked)	3000kg
Tow Capacity (Braked) at Max Payload	3000kg

Performance and Towing Capacity

The 2023 Toyota Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with selectable low-range gearing. This robust setup provides the Prado with a braked towing capacity of up to 3000kg, making it well-suited for towing caravans, trailers, and boats. The turbo-diesel engine’s ample torque ensures that even when fully loaded, the Prado maintains impressive pulling power and stability.

Design and Utility

The Prado’s design emphasizes both durability and comfort. Inside, the Prado features high-quality materials and a host of modern amenities. The Kakadu variant, for instance, comes with leather-accented seats, a 12-speaker JBL sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens, enhancing the comfort for all passengers. The vehicle also includes advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a 360-degree camera system, adding to its safety credentials. Cargo space is another strong suit for the Prado. With the third-row seats up, the boot offers 120 litres of space. Folding the third row expands this to 620 litres, and with both the second and third rows folded, the Prado provides a cavernous 1833 litres of cargo space. This flexibility makes the Prado perfect for carrying everything from camping gear to sports equipment.

Driving Experience

Driving the 2023 Prado is a balanced experience, offering a smooth ride on highways and robust capability off-road. The suspension system, including a rear air suspension in higher trims, ensures comfort over rough terrains, while the full-time four-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and control. The Prado’s fuel consumption is rated at around 8.9 to 9.6 litres per 100km in real-world conditions, making it reasonably efficient for its class.

Summary of 2023 Toyota Prado's Attributes

Attribute	Details
Engine Options	2.8-litre Turbo Diesel
Power	150kW
Torque	500Nm
Kerb Weight	2325kg
Towing Capacity	3000kg (braked)
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)	5990kg
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)	2990kg
Payload (Max)	665kg
Fuel Consumption	8.9-9.6L/100km (real-world conditions)
ANCAP Safety Rating	Five stars

Reasons to Buy:

• High Towing Capacity: Capable of towing up to 3000kg, making it ideal for heavy-duty towing needs.
• Luxurious Interior: Equipped with advanced features and high-quality materials for a comfortable ride.
• Robust Off-Road Capabilities: Excellent traction and control, perfect for adventurous off-road driving.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Fuel Efficiency: While decent for its class, it might not be the most fuel-efficient option.
• Technology: Some competitors may offer more advanced tech features.

The 2023 Toyota Prado is a versatile and capable SUV, perfect for those needing a reliable vehicle for both daily commutes and rugged adventures.