2021 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu long-term review: Introduction

Confession time: I’ve never really understood the appeal of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

Based on the Prado’s sales figures alone, I knew there must have been something I was missing, but the equation just never quite added up for me. If you want a capable four-wheel drive, get Toyota’s ‘real’ LandCruiser – why would anyone want the smaller sibling with a HiLux powertrain?

But as someone who spends a lot of time on the freeway each week, as well as hitting the bush between pandemics, this 2021 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu starts to make some sense.

When I’m not doing those things, like everyone else I’m typically driving down to the local supermarket in my suburb or battling city car parks during the week. So immediately, I concede there might be some advantages to having a smaller LandCruiser. On paper, at least.

The Kakadu sits at the top of the Prado family tree priced from $87,807 before on-road costs. But you have to really want it, because the Kakadu is more than $10,000 over the already well-equipped Prado VX.

For the extra money, you’re getting an electric sunroof, powered third-row folding seats, second-row roof-mounted media screen with wireless headphones, and Toyota’s KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) with Multi-Terrain Select.

Those features suggest this is a vehicle designed for families that intend on doing some touring off the beaten track, or those who need to transport their family to and from their country property, and require the same level of off-road capability as the larger LandCruiser.

This exact car is the one James Ward tested back in March 2021, and while he found the extra cash hard to justify over the Prado VX, I suspect most buyers will be looking at it as a bargain when compared to the outgoing LandCruiser 200 Series.

And that will be especially true for those considering the upcoming 300 Series, with the new model stepping up in price compared to the outgoing 200. Perhaps the move to the Prado’s four-cylinder engine from the turbo-diesel V6 in the 300 Series will feel more palatable with the pocketed savings.

In 2021, the Prado received a new engine tune from Toyota engineers, which delivers 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. The carmaker claims 7.9 litres of fuel per 100km of combined driving, so we’ll be seeing how that matches with our own experience.

The six-speed torque-converter automatic delivers the power to a permanent four-wheel-drive system via a Torsen limited-slip differential at the rear axle – offering increased levels of grip in all conditions. Locking rear and centre differentials and a low-range transmission provide proper off-road capability, especially when matched with KDSS and Multi-Terrain Select.

The KDSS system has been around for some time now, essentially disconnecting the swaybars from the wheels, allowing a greater articulation on serious tracks that would scare off most SUVs on the market.

On the road, the KDSS works in combination with the vehicle’s air suspension to deliver flat cornering, but without compromising ride quality. The air suspension also means the car will sit lower at freeway speeds to improve roadholding and fuel economy, but can give the Prado an instant lift when you encounter a goat track on the side of a mountain.

Other niceties include keyless entry and start, heated seats in the first two rows of seating (outer seats on the second row), ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, faux woodgrain trim, radar cruise control, and illuminated side steps.

A 9.0-inch touchscreen looks after infotainment duties, with DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 360-degree cameras.

The four-wheel drive also features Toyota Safety Sense, which includes lane-departure alert, pre-collision with day/night pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, and road sign recognition.

While our Peacock Black Prado still sports 18-inch alloy wheels, Toyota has since updated the Kakadu to get larger 19-inch ‘prestige’ alloy wheels.

But despite the high-tech off-road suspension system and luxury appointments, there’s no doubt this is quite an old car. Now approaching its 12th birthday in Australia, we’ve brought the Prado into the Drive long-term fleet to see whether it can still hold its own in the crowded four-wheel-drive market, or if it’s over-the-hill.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be using the Prado in as many different driving scenarios as possible to find its strengths and weaknesses.

Let us know if you have any questions about the 2021 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu.