Toyota Landcruiser Prado

An extremely capable off-roader, but this is big, wallowing truck is a pain to drive in town.

• Comfort

  A truck with this much ground clearance is never going to ride that well. Pitching and body roll are a common theme of this soft set-up.

  

• Performance

  Given the Prado weighs between 2100kg and 2200kg, it's never going to be a jet. The diesel has good torque, but it and the petrol V6 have to work very hard.

  

• Cool

  To soccer mums who like driving something that looks like it can conquer Everest the Prado is cool, but to the rest of us, it just isn't.

   

   

  

• Quality

  As you would expect from a Toyota, there is nothing wrong with the quality. The interior styling is quite plain, but all the surfaces feel good and everything feels like it is built to last.

  

• Handling

  It doesn't. What do you expect from a two-tonne truck with a separate chassis? Can tackle extreme dirt trails with ease, but is out of place on tarmac.

  

• Practicality

  It has eight seats, so you could argue it is practical, but at least three of those eight won't be very comfortable. Good at towing and carrying stuff, but is the wrong car for carrying people around town.

  

• Running costs

  No worries, as long as someone else is paying for your fuel and you can get a good rate on tyres. If not, say goodbye to an arm and a leg.