Toyota’s Land Cruiser series has seen worldwide success. With exceptionally engineered mechanics and aptitude to tackle harsh terrain with ease and conviction, Toyota’s vehicles have successfully earned a title of reliability. Toyota’s 2010 Land Cruiser Prado is much gentler than its older sibling, the V8 Land Cruiser. While the Prado is a perfectly tamable giant for urban driving, it is still adept in severe off-road situations.

The 2010 Prado is a complete overhaul from its earlier generation plain appearance. The new refurbished design features smooth-flowing, yet belligerent lines. The front and rear fenders protrude outwards, creating a vigorous edge that previous models lack. Toyota has likened this design aesthetic to a concept known as “Intelligent and Modern”, a style which incorporates attitude, innovation and power.

The new Prado is all about smart-packaging and improved comfort. It packs a surprising amount of space and somewhat luxurious interiors. The interior is characterized by beige leather with sections of wood-like trim. This contemporary interior design compliments the revised exterior style, giving the vehicle a much more upmarket appearance when compared to its predecessors. Several features are to be enjoyed, including the world’s first flush-with-floor mechanism of the third-row seats. This function is actuated by a one-touch button, which allows for flat storage space in the rear. The driver and front passenger can enjoy a substantial amount of comfort with extra spaces and movement, without restricting those in the second-row rear seats. Occupant comfort has definitely been enhanced, with little possibility of passengers ever feeling cramped.

Many new features are offered in the Prado, though some of which are offered by other vehicles in its class. Features include: keyless entry, steering wheel controls, cruise control, 3-zone automatic climate control and an advanced Park Assist system with front/rear sensors and a rear camera.

The Prado is powered by the Toyota’s new D–$ D 3.0 litre Common Rail Direct Injection turbocharged diesel motor. Its diesel powerplant is engineered specifically to suit the vehicle’s large dimensions and its hefty weight (2400kg). With a motor pumping out 173PS of power and 410Nm of torque, the Prado is designed to take on untamed terrains with ease and flair. However, acceleration is somewhat impaired by the vehicle’s heavy kerb weight and the engine can react sluggishly when strained with urgency. Nevertheless, its torque and power is decent enough. Handling is good, probably due to Toyota’s Kinetic Suspension System which automatically adjusts the front and back anti-roll bars.

In terms of safety, the Toyota prides itself on Prado’s inclusion of world-class safety features. The Pre-Collision Safety System is an optional extra if the Kakadu or ZR Cruise packs are selected. Otherwise, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, Active Braking with Intelligence, Downhill Assist Control and Hill-Start Assist Control and 7 SRS Airbags come standard to ensure optimum occupant safety.

The Prado is, without a doubt, a capable vehicle, combining the qualities of a luxury family SUV and true off-road ability. The revised design was definitely a step in the right direction. With its new look, features and enhanced occupant comfort, the Prado has evolved from its predecessor in the most positive of ways, and remains a leading contender in its segment.