2021 GXL Recommended?

[UptheCreek Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close UptheCreek]

Hello all. This is my first post. With a Fortuner ordered for well over a year now and still no confirmed build date, I'm looking at other options. Didn't consider a Prado initially, mainly because of the new price, but after looking at them closer, they have impressive off-road ability, and I'm now considering a good used one.

2021 GXLs seem to be readily available for around $70K. Is this a good model and year? Any advice appreciated.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi UptheCreek,

Coming from a 2012 Hilux I have found the Prado particularly the 2021+ ones with the 150kw engine a comfortable and capable vehicle for both towing and off road. If I had to pick something that could be better - The image quality of some of the screen based tech is a bit underwelming compared to newer models but it does the job.

For the 150 kw Prado/Hilux/Fortuner, Toyota not only updated the engine but also the ECU and auto transmission control which fixes a lot of flaring and overheating issues that people complained about in the earlier models so if you can afford it get something 2021+.

There are lot of aftermarket options available including post rego GVM upgrades compared to the Fortuner which does not seem to be getting supported as well by the aftermarket community.

Cheers Phil

[cbp Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close cbp]

Was looking at purchasing a Fortuna in Nov '20 and was told 10 months wait. Asked around and found a broker who could deliver a Prado in 2.5 months. Very happy with the 2021 Prado. Economical to run, has never let us down. 50k on the clock.
Noticed that NRMA Open Road magazine has previous models more expensive than new. The insurance companies agree!
I say go for the Prado.

[UptheCreek Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close UptheCreek]

Thanks Phil. As far as screen tech goes, I prefer "real" knobs and buttons so not a big issue. The more I read about the Prado, the better it compares with the Fortuner, both on and off road. The main intended use will be Vic High Country day trips on medium difficulty tracks so no need for any mods to the standard Prado drive-train. Possibly a moderate suspension lift and tyre upgrade will give the best bang for the buck.

Thanks for your endorsement also cbp. Yes after looking at a multitude of things such as the engine upgrade, the 2021 model seems to be a sound investment. Not that you hear bad things about any Prado.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi UptheCreek,

Yes I am also a fan of actual switches as I had an issue with my touch screen on the hilux late in its life which offset the button press off screen so I couldn't access some selections without using a credit card or similar pushed into the edge. Seems to be a common issue with many vehicle touchscreens as they age.

My comment was mostly about the cameras and centre infotainment display which are lower resolution so you get a more washed out image instead of the crisp one in many of the newer designed vehicles. But as I said it works and does the job.

Have fun when you get it :-)

Cheers Phil

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

A friend has a Fortuner company car and a Prado as his personal car so regularly swaps from one to the other.
He is very definite the Prado is the better vehicle of the two which aligns with my thoughts that the Fortuner being based on the Hilux platform would be a compromise compared to the Prado.

Lee