Toyota Prado or Twin Cab Ute

Hi Steve, my brother and his wife were comparing the HiLux and Prados a while back (only they were changing from a 4Runner, not a Rangie!). I'm also considering the same (albeit to replace an aged Jackaroo)...

The dual cab ute will be more versatile than a wagon (won't be so worried to carry firewood etc.) but they can be difficult to seal the dust out even with a canopy because the ute tailgate is not particularly well dust-sealed. Having said that, many LC80 & 100's (and my brother's old 4Runner) have a tailgate arrangement that seems to seal okay so it should be possible to seal it.

My brother ended up swaying towards the Prado (2000 model TX) simply because for the same sort of money, he could get something that gave a more comfortable & quiet ride - the wagons, in general, ride better than the utes, though if you test drive both you'll soon know if it's enough difference to sway you one way or the other - probably you'll think they're both shocking after driving a Rangie!

Probably it comes down to what you intend to use the vehicle for - carrying only camping gear, firewood, etc. or carrying kids/grandkids, parents, etc. (ie people). With a wagon, you can generally access the load area from inside although if you are touring, you'll probably want a cargo barrier which will remove this advantage!

One of the latest 4x4 Aussie mags has this comparison. The biggest 2 issues when comparing is as follows:

Prado - More Comfortable , More Bells & Whisltes, Full Time 4 x 4, Limited Space

Twin Cab - Less Comfortable , Less Bells & Whistles, Part Time 4 x 4, Better Space.

Once you understand these issues and make your mind up what is more important you can choose what suits better.

My mate has a Prado 2008 model and I bought the 09 Hilux SR5.

Good comparison.

Prado for;

More comfortable
full time 4x4

Prado against;

Weak front end
limited space
poor design on rear door

Hilux for;

Lighter
less fuel
better front end
space in the back

Hilux against;

ride quality (change suspension fixes this)
rear wheel drive ute (need weight in back when wet)
brakes - though abs helps with this


With sealing the back up if you go a canopy, it is easy with a couple of parts from Clark rubber. I like the flexibility, I have a dog so throwing him in the back is nice and you keep the cab clean. Same goes with camping gear, dive gear etc etc. It was nice the other day to pull up to the garden place and get them to drop in a bucket of soil, no trailers etc. i find that the hilux is a compromise but it does everything well and can still carry 5 people in comfort. Plus the top of the range hilux is 5k cheaper than the average GXL Prado.

Horses for courses, you need to work out what best suits you. The prado suits my mate better than the hilux and vice versa for myself.

ones a wagon, ones 1/2 ute 1/2 truck ;)

If you 'need' a ute, a wagons most likely not even an option.

I bought a Prado (2006 V6 Auto)... didn't even think of looking at a Hilux (or any other dual cab ute). As for reliability... it's been fine (70K, 25+ towing a wind-up camper). Only niggle has been an inner guard that kept popping out (due to dealer fitted bullbar) that they have finally fixed (took them several attempts!).

Prado's 'ride' quite nicely. I've had many people say they are surprised how smooth and quiet it is. Might be a bit of a surprise for you.

Cheers, Nige.

Hi Steve
I have a 2005 Grande with 50,000 klms on the clock.
If you want comfort with the air suspension spend the extra on a grande forget the leather seats, you can always put covers on them.
Had a Rangie for 15 years but like yours got too old and repairs were too expensive.
The extras on a Grande is well worth the extra dollars.
You can always buy a trailer if you want to carry dirt or other things but have the comfort all the time like the Rangie
Regards
Ted

I just brought a GXL 120 Prado and brother in law just brought a SR5 Hilux. Personally i would go either, but it depends on what you will use it for. I myself think that the they are both overpriced, no doubt. Especially the Hilux as in the latest 4wd Action Ute of the year tests, it didnt even get a mention, and it was about 15k more then the competitors. Very Hard to justify the price really. Toyotas definitely arent cheap no matter what you buy, but you are buying quality. Cant comment on auto or petrol, never driven or been in a 4wd auto or petrol.

Nissan is better than Toyota.

There, I couldn't resist!

Moderator, come and get me.

Steve,

Have had current shape 2003 GXL Prado since new, 145k's and no significant problem other than an issue with the A/C compressor - replaced under warranty.

No where near it's use by date.

The unit just go's & go's, no stopping it. Intend to keep it for another 5+ yrs & another 100,000 k's before replacement

Enjoy which ever one you opt for.

Michael

Steve



I have on occasions driven Prado's at work in the NT.

I have been unimpressed by them and would never buy one. My suggestion to you would be to work out whether or station wagon or a twin cab suits you needs and then try a range of different vehicles to find which best suit you.



Tjilpi

"140,000km is near its use by date". Surely not !!!! Should barely be run in, shouldn't it ??