Skirting the city of Kingston in a roughly square track from its Spanish Town Road HQ, may not initially present as a worthy challenge for the latest version of Toyota’s venerable and beloved Land Cruiser Prado.
But, even on the famed dual carriageways – heading out to the apex of Mandela Highway before doubling back to Weymouth Drive and back onto the sun-blasted “industrial tarmac” that is Spanish Town Road, there are enough bumps, potholes and general unevenness that would feel way more jarring in say, a sedan or a compact.
Toyota Jamaica General Sales & Marketing Manager Howard Foster, riding with me agreed (his “daily driver” is the Prado’s more offbeat “cousin”, the FJ Cruiser) and the mere fact that the Prado substantially cushions driver and passenger from these bumps is as good an advertisement as any for its capabilities.
The fourth-generation Prado has been around for a while, having been introduced in 2009. While it’s been overtaken sales wise by the more compact Rav-4 (reckoned to be the best-selling SUV in Jamaica), you’re still talking about a member of the legendary Land Cruiser family, and so, in what might be regarded as its “mid-life”the model is marked by smooth transitions rather than radical reformations, with some tasteful yet important updates.
The scalloped bonnet is the most noticeable exterior tweak, leading visually downwards to the similarly revised radiator grille featuring wide, vertical slats. Elsewhere the headlights, front bumper and fenders also reflect adjusted lines, as does a new taillight cluster at the back. The changes bring a more aggressive stance overall, but not overbearingly so.
Inside, the effect is quite different. The dashboard and instrument panel all reflect a fashionable and decidedly less Spartan approach than Prado’s past, especially, the centre console. The leather seats in our test unit were plush and quite supportive, with the levels of adjustability one would expect in an auto of this modern vintage. Individually adjustable climate control knob are yet another nod to current convention, and there are the usual cubby holes and cup holders throughout the cabin. The Prado also checks the legroom box.
A major adjustment comes in the safety department; the airbag quotient is increased from two to seven, meaning that side and curtain restraints now supplement the former driver and passenger systems. Front, side and rear cameras provide the mid-size SUV market remains a pivotal one for Toyota, Foster indicated, not just in Jamaica, but globally. Shortly to come down the pike is a new entry-level cart.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #7 March-April 2018