2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: The everyday hero
This is the kind of SUV that does everything asked of it — without any fuss, flash or compromise; a true performer in a world obsessed with appearances. It's a driver’s machine that's solely dedicated to long-term dependability and effortless cruising
Bangladesh's SUV market has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with buyers often drawn to flashy designs, big-name badges, or vehicles chosen more for image than substance. Yet among the many SUVs crowding Dhaka's streets, only a few truly balance reliability, comfort, and everyday practicality.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is one of those rare machines that manages to do it all; quietly, confidently, and without unnecessary drama.
From the outside, the Prado doesn't shout for attention, but it commands respect. Its high ground clearance, wide wheel arches, and bold grille project capability, while its clean lines and balanced proportions maintain a sense of refinement.
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This particular unit is owned and driven by Emon Shah: a name familiar to the routine Wheels readers. Like his recently featured Subaru STI and Toyota Celica GT4, he couldn't resist customising his daily-driver either.
On the outside, the Prado is fitted with a Lingene body kit, adding just the right amount of aggression to its stance without slipping into overstyled territory. The result is an SUV that looks purposeful and confident and boldly capable.
Inside, the Prado's cabin feels immediately honest and practical. While the Prado's TX trim offered five fabric seats and buttons for knobs, Emon didn't hold back on speccing it up either.
The front seats come from Alphard, featuring upscaled lumbar support, thigh support, power and memory features, fine beige leather stitching and adequate plush and comfort.
For the rest of the interior, Emon found another higher trim 2022 Prado that was ready to donate its entire cabin. Now, the Prado has three rows of seats with the middle and third row also having upgraded leather finishes. The third row received automated folding seats and dual climate control. To top it all off, a sunroof was installed.
Everything feels robust — the kind of interior that's built to last years of daily use rather than impress at first glance. For the dashboard, Emon went for a 9-inch Android infotainment connected to the Prado's stock 6-speaker sound system and replaced the lower trim vehicle control knobs with soft touch buttons, again from the donor Prado. All in all, the layout is clean and functional, and with controls exactly where you expect them to be.
What makes this particular Prado further stand out is what's under the skin. While most Prados on Bangladeshi roads are petrol-powered automatics — favoured for convenience and smoother drivability, this one is a diesel-powered, manual-transmission example.
On the move, this unique combo defines Prado's character. The 2,985 cc inline-4 5L-E engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission produces 94 hp of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 197 Nm of maximum torque at 2,200 rpm.
There might not be the kick of the newer turbo diesel or petrol variants, but this Prado delivers a steady, predictable wave of power that makes it ideal for relaxed cruising.
The manual gearbox offers control that most local Prados lack; and while it demands a little more engagement in traffic — it rewards with a mechanical connection that automatics simply don't offer.
Astonishingly, Emon has driven the car for nearly 50,000 km ever since he got his hands behind the wheel in 2023. This was made possible through routine highway drives where, according to Emon, "the Prado glides comfortably and remains remarkably stable even at higher speeds."
Fuel economy is another highlight. Unlike its petrol sibling, notorious for being a gas guzzler, the diesel-manual powertrain merely sips fuel. Emon confirms getting about 6-7 kmpl on city roads and about 8-9 kmpl on highways, making it far more efficient in long-term use — a big plus for owners who actually drive their SUVs instead of just showing them off.
However, no car is absolutely perfect. While the Prado truly offers robust build quality, it falls apart in ride comfort. Yes, the suspension setup soaks up bumps, potholes, and broken tarmac with ease — exactly what's needed for Bangladesh's unpredictable roads. Its steering also feels confident and composed.
However, its nearly 7-feet tall stature leads to constant body rolls, even from simple lane changes at 60 km/h. It's basically a truck on wheels and the third row seats are where one can truly understand this the most. These seats, while having adequate space for average sized adults, are ready to bounce off the passengers anytime the brake is pressed too firmly. Hence, they're only acceptable for short trips at best.
All in all, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the kind of SUV that does everything asked of it, without fuss, without flash, and without compromise; a true everyday hero in a world obsessed with appearances. It's a driver's machine that's solely dedicated to long-term dependability and effortless cruising.
Perhaps, this is why the Prado remained a staple in Bangladesh's automobile market for the last three decades and is the ultimate dream of every Bangladeshi car buyer.
Specifications:
Engine: 2,985 cc inline-4 5L-E
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 94 hp at 4,000 rpm
Torque: 197 Nm at 2,200 rpm
