New Release 2018 Prado - First tow test

Been great to have recently had the opportunity to have jumped in all four of the latest release Toyota Prado's, from the GX, to GXL, VX & Kakadu over nearly a week.

With the auto now having an upgraded braked towing capacity to 3t, was very keen to hitch up just under the 3000kg capacity and test tow both on and off-road to get a feel for the updates of this very popular model!

The Prado as we most all know, is an extremely popular vehicle already, though the news for the towing fraternity that the latest release auto has the updated towing is music to the ears!

The 200's will no doubt remain that incredibly popular option for the V8 3.5t tow, though the new Prado is now in that sweet spot of a mid-size 4WD, with incredibly good off road credentials, cabin & luggage room, passenger safety, all with the 4 cylinder running savings, especially when returning home!

There has been many additions to the new model, including the traction systems, safety, and creature comforts inside, with some of the historically only VX options now filtering down to the GXL also!

It is now fitted with advanced safety technologies that can help the driver avoid a collision, or lessen the consequences of an impact.

The technologies use a radar mounted behind the Toyota emblem at the front of the vehicle, a forward-facing camera at the top of the windscreen, or both.

The radar and camera scan the road ahead to detect obstacles or hazards when driving straight ahead and when cornering.

Prado Kakadu and now VX have both a panoramic and multi-terrain monitor.

This allows the driver to use front, side and rear cameras to check blind spots and confirm surroundings.

The panoramic view mode is new and has multiple benefits from increased safety to greater ease of parking.

When intending to drive forwards, the system can simultaneously display the panoramic view and wide front view.

New for Kakadu is Drive Mode Select, a system designed to add to driving pleasure with the turn of a dial on the centre console.

It allows the driver to choose between five drive settings that adjust engine output, re-map the throttle, and regulate the damping force of the suspension system.

The capability towing off-road with the new systems is truly fantastic, then to head out on the highway for the 100km/hr and stability and comfort was equally impressive!