The Best Toyota Prado Upgrades and Accessories
Want the off-roading capability, space and comfort of the LandCruiser at half the price? The Prado has been a staple in Toyota’s Australian lineup for three decades, undercutting the bigger LandCruiser for price and running costs, yet not sacrificing much in between. Owners still get Toyota’s unmatched reliability, some of the longest warranties for a car that’s meant to be used and abused, and with new tech, lower fuel use and all the comfort and safety features for all-around versatility.
With the money saved, owners can splurge on genuine Toyota parts to up protection with extras including nudge and bull bars, bolster off-roading prowess with suspension upgrades or OE-spec recovery gear, and make more use of all the space with roof racks and interior cargo goodies. This is just part of what’s available directly from Toyota dealerships.
Protecting Your Prado
The Prado is comfortable in the city, but it shows its true colours once off-road. To protect nearly two and a half tons of metal, consider installing front-end protection – either full triple hoop bars for technical terrain, or nudge bars for lighter trails. Both parts shield the bodywork, engine and electrics from impact with curious Australian wildlife and unforgiving obstacles that come in the way.
Opt for tougher but heavier high-tensile steel bars for proven protection in the bush. These can be colour-coded to match the vehicle, and are compatible with recovery points, bash plates and winches for serious off-roading. If cleaner, minimalist looks are your thing, the same level of protection and protection is offered in newer hoopless designs at roughly the same price.
If weight is an issue, go with aluminium bars instead. These Toyota parts lose roughly half the weight, but still have the tensile strength to ward off roos and bigger boulders. The reinforced design with side sections in cast uprights raises stiffness, leaving no space for surprises. Choose a polished finish for cleaner looks and less maintenance, considering the material is inherently rust-resistant.
Less-frequent off-roading usually means fitting the Prado with an appointed nudge bar. This comes in rigid stainless steel that’s either polished or coated for improved corrosion resistance. Covering less of the front, nudge bars still provide decent protection in urban driving, shielding the Prado in minor collisions. Source bull and nudge bars, and related protective parts such as bash plates, side brush bars and side steps (for all-around protection) from your nearest Toyota dealership.
Increase Off-roading and Towing Capability
While Toyota doesn’t sell OE suspension upgrades, local aftermarket manufacturers can fit the 4WD with stiffer, long-travel springs for added clearance and wheel articulation in the red soils, front and rear lift kits to balance weight and ensure stability, and parts like longer control arms and beefier shocks for added control and improved handling. Air suspension, with pressurised air bags on all four wheels, is another versatile option both on and off-road.
Toyota does sell stainless steel or snorkels in reinforced plastics when wading through water and filtering out dust. These are factory fit, so ensure complete compatibility, unlike some generic aftermarket variants. There are also rated front and rear recovery points in forged steel to get you or a mate out of tight spots. Additionally, consider electric winches in winch-compatible bull bars for the same purpose.
With a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kilos, the Prado can tow just about anything. For improved safety and when towing heavier trailers, boats and caravans, consider an OE weight distribution hitch. This provides more stability, especially on rougher roads. And get improved trailer functionality and basic electrics running (lights, sockets) with approved wiring harnesses.
Up Space and Practicality
The long roofline can be used to boost the already decent internal cargo space of 620 litres (with the third row down). Look to OE 2-bar aero roof racks designed to fit seamlessly with the integrated rails, and provide increased protection with rubber cushioning and integrated locking end caps. Rated at 90 kilos carrying capacity, these distribute the weight of larger parts and accessories, including spare wheels or camping gear. Heavy-duty 3-bar systems are additionally sold for lower-trim GX models. Like bull bars, choose aluminium for lower weight and corrosion resistance, or steel racks for outright strength.
Toyota also caters to internal cabin organisation, with the aim of passenger comfort and safety when cramming in all your necessities. Cargo barriers made from tough steel and thick, rubberised bed liners keep all contents put, preventing jolting and jostling on uneven roads.
Wrapping Up
For proven quality, durable materials and additions that won’t void warranties, buy genuine Toyota parts and accessories. All items ensure a seamless fit, work with other parts and integrated vehicle systems and are ensured to last. While the aftermarket does go beyond OE options in terms of scope, especially with performance add-ons like exhaust systems, basic additions like roof racks, bull bars and towing essentials are best sourced from authorised Toyota dealers.