Configurator Challenge: 2024 Toyota Prado

Kez Casey, Production Editor

Kez Casey, the Production Editor at Drive, reminisces about his experience with the LandCruiser and chooses the Heritage Blue and Grayscape combination for his new Toyota Prado. He opts for the Altitude variant as it suits local conditions, with 18-inch wheels and a Java leather interior. While the Kakadu has impressive features like ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, Kez values the adventure capabilities of the Altitude, including the roll bar disconnect and locking rear diff.

Additionally, Kez favors the square headlight treatment of the Prado in Australia compared to the round running lights seen overseas.

Overall, Kez believes that Toyota Australia made the right choices for the Prado in terms of design and features.

Tung Nguyen, Senior Journalist

Tung Nguyen, a Senior Journalist at Drive, aims for a tough and stylish look with an all-black exterior and square headlights for the new Toyota Prado. He describes the black-on-black aesthetic as invoking a "bad guy in action movie" vibe, contrasting with the fuel-efficient hybrid engine of the US Prado.

To break up the black, Tung selects a brown leather interior and adds various accessories like 20-inch wheels, the Premium Package, and black chrome alloy wheel locks. While the total cost is high, Tung intentionally creates a Range Rover-like appearance for his Prado.

Keeping the all-black Prado clean might be a challenge, but Tung values its strong road presence and muscular design.

Emma Notarfrancesco, Senior Presenter

Emma Notarfrancesco, a Senior Presenter at Drive, opts for the First Edition model of the new Toyota Prado. She notes the limited range of exterior and interior color offerings but settles for a black exterior and matching black interior.

Emma adds several accessories to her Prado, such as body side mouldings, illuminated door sills, and an integrated dash cam. The Predator Drop Step is the most expensive option she selects. Her customized Prado specification comes to a total of $US79,018 or approximately $AU121,000.

Although Emma expected more color options, she is satisfied with her black-on-black Prado with added accessories.

Ben Zachariah, Journalist

Ben Zachariah, a Journalist at Drive, initially took time to warm up to the Prado but was won over after a long-term review of a previous model. He looks forward to the new-generation Prado and selects a gun-metal grey called Underground for his spec.

Ben opts for a Java leather interior to complement the grey exterior. He chooses 20-inch alloy wheels for resale value and plans to switch to black 'Soft Eight' steel wheels with Nitto Ridge Grappler tyres for off-road adventures.

In addition, Ben selects the Premium Pack for various features and options like the 14-speaker JBL sound system, power moonroof, wireless smartphone charging, and a centre console cool box. With the addition of a steel bullbar and LED spot lights, Ben's Prado is ready for any journey.

Overall, Ben admires the Prado's styling, interior, reliability, and LandCruiser brand heritage.