Mick replied:

Chris, The latest RACV magazine (if you're Victorian) has a comparison. The Prado was the most powerful and most economical in a Pajero, Prado, Hyundai, Kia, Jeep and Pathfinder comparison. The figures they report are in l/100k and are - Overall 12.7, variation 11.5-16.9 and towing 18.4. I have the new TD model and a 3.4l petrol. I find the diesel excellent on hills at highway speed. It is a touch over 2000rpm at 100-110kph and since its max torque is at 2000rpm it cruises in hilly country effortlessly. It doesn't accelerate past 100kph as well as the petrol but consumption rage so far is 11.4highway and 12.00 around town. Haven't towed yet. I'm selling the petrol soon and I don't think I'll ever have a petrol 4wd again! Its max torque is 343Nm @2000rpm compared with 303 for the 3.4l @ about double the revs and 376Nm for the 4l at 3,800rpm. Strong torque at lower engine revs seems to be the big plus for diesels and of course the economy. I did over 1086km mainly around town and it still had 55l left. It took 125 l which I think came to 11.5l/100.
The petrol figures the RACV give would be - based on my petrol3.4 would be driving at a steady 100kph for the 11.5 (I got 11.3 once on cruise at 100) and the 16.9 would be around town (I get 15-17 around town) The diesel hasn't used more then 12.00so far!

KIM replied:

Hi Chris
I recently purchased the v6 and during the running period it was heavy on fuel. However, after 2000 km I'm surprised by the good fuel economy I'm getting from what is a heavy vehicle. I decided today to totally fill the Prado up with fuel and will be interested to see what the fuel range is around town. This month I'm heading off to the outback again and will compare the difference between town and country economy (with a fully loaded verhicle).
Regards
Kim

Member - Edward Alex replied:

Have had a Prado 120 for 4 months and have 12000k on it. Automatic and V6. Consumption figures range from 14 to 16l per 100k with Roofrack. In windy conditions fuel consumption jumps. Easter trip through via bitumen to Eungella National Park and Crediton State Forest, fully loaded approx 16.4l per 100k. Return trip via Mt. Coolon and Burdekin Dam and Charters Towers with 60/40 four wheel driving and bitumen averaged 17l per 100k. Around town averaging 500k per week travel, 1100k before fillup for approx 150l. Am about to purchase camper trailer so will be able to give trailer consumption in about two months.

Find the PRADO is superior to old model, in both power and off road capability. Stock suspension has improved to the point that I dont see a need to replace with after market as it has handled a range of trips from heavily corrugated dirt roads to very rocky environments with no loss of handling performance. Slightly lower clearance height has not been a problem as have never been able to ground the vehicle in the enviroments we have been into - some very rocky and rough. Handling is very good on dirt even with the ubiquitous GRANTREK AT20's. Must say nthe AT20 is head and shoulders over the original Grandtrek. Had an experience in the old Prado with Grandtreks travelling at 10k turning into a shopping centre on wet road, touched the brakes and slid for 8feet. What colour white!! Will fit Cooper ST's when available for the Prado 120 early next year.

All in all, very happy with the V6 and the new Prado.

Jason replied:

HAve any of you guys tried fiting rated recovery points to the new (2003) Prado. I've been told it can't be done...?!?!?