Latest news with #ToyotaAustralia
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Toyota Kluger: Prices up across hybrid large SUV range
Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from: Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from: Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from: Prices for the Toyota Kluger have increased by up to $1490 across the lineup effective from June 1, 2025, representing a jump of almost $8000 since the current generation was introduced in 2021. The entry level seven-seat Kluger GX has increased from $60,290 before on-road costs to $62,410 before on-roads, an increase of $1490. The mid-level Kluger GXL has been given the same increase, and is now priced at $71,930 before on-roads, while the top-spec Kluger Grande is now $84,080 before on-road costs, an increase of $1220. CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the price increase, which works out to be 2.5 per cent on the entry-level Kluger GX – but an increase of $7990 over the previous petrol non-hybrid GX 2WD starting point for the range 12 months ago. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The three-row SUV lineup is imported to Australia from the United States. In 2024, Toyota dropped the standard turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which itself replaced the 3.5-litre V6 offered between 2021 and 2022, and which was offered with front- or all-wheel drive – and made the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain standard on every model grade. All Klugers sold here now feature standard all-wheel drive. No other spec or equipment changes for the Kluger – a rival to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 and Nissan Pathfinder – have been shared. Australian Kluger sales to the end of April 2025 were down 24.8 per cent to 2125 units, relatively low numbers compared to the automaker's popular LandCruiser, Prado and RAV4 SUVs. Toyota Australia closed order books for petrol-only versions of a number of models mid-last year, with Kluger joined by the Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross and RAV4 – its best-selling model – now offered exclusively with petrol-hybrid powertrains. MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Toyota FJ Cruiser successor revealed in patent filing
The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Toyota FJ Cruiser successor revealed in patent filing
The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Toyota Compact Cruiser concept Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. Supplied Credit: CarExpert An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs. MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Toyota FJ Cruiser successor revealed in patent filing
The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs. MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser Content originally sourced from: The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs. MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser Content originally sourced from: The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs. MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser Content originally sourced from: The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs. MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser Content originally sourced from:
Courier-Mail
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Van Life review: Answering the call of the wild west
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ever felt like telling the boss to stick it and dropping out of the rat race for a while? Some people switch careers, buy a Harley, or a boat, or take up golf. But a lot of Aussies – kind of uniquely in this modern world – are getting back to basics and exploring our massive continent. I'm now of an age where it seems every second Facebook post I see is another old school chum who's pulled their kids out of school and hit the road for a #VanLife gap year. The thought of packing up and driving around this massive island is compelling, but generally it's an expensive itch to scratch, so I thought I would sample it first. Thankfully when I put out the call for a donor rig, Brisbane-based Titan Caravans and Toyota Australia were only too happy to indulge me. Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX and Titan 500 Sierra Blackhawk caravan. So before I knew it, we were packing up the kids and heading west for a fun long weekend – in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX hauling a Titan 500 Sierra Blackhawk. I'd never towed anything before this trip, which is definitely not advisable, but Titan Caravans managing director James Creswick and the team ran me through everything I'd need to worry about, took me for a thorough test drive and got me set up to the point where I took off with confidence. The thought of manoeuvring a van into a spot at a caravan park – especially at this time of year – was a little too daunting for me, so we decided to go bush instead. We found a property out at Helidon, about an hour west of Brisbane at the bottom of the Toowoomba Range, where I could practice reversing (a dark art), and getting everything set up. The Titan had solar panels, massive batteries and an inverter, so we were pretty well set up for off-grid living. Titans are built for going off-road, so basically it will go anywhere your vehicle can get to. I was expecting that feature to be a challenge on the highway, but it was surprising how stable the Sierra felt behind the big Prado. The catch with having off-road clearance is the van feels bouncy when you're parked, but Titans have hard stands in each corner for levelling so that wasn't a problem. I don't know much about caravans but we were very comfortable sleeping in it for a few nights. On board we had a smart TV, aircon, a big fridge, toilet and shower and we gave the stereo system (internal and external speakers) a good workout. It is quite a novelty packing a caravan for a few nights away rather than packing bags and I can see why the lifestyle is appealing for growing numbers of people across the country. The new Prado has been making waves since its launch last year – a much better off-roader than its predecessor but with rugged modern styling and all the latest tech. Our VX, with black paint riding on big black alloys, looked great, especially with a tan leather interior. I reckon this VX, at $93,000, is better value than the cheapest big LC300, the GX, which is $104,000. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX's tech-heavy and plush interior. The most controversial part is its third row, which doesn't fold into the floor due to the hybrid tech under the car. This gives you a raised boot platform with a narrow space behind. Toyota has filled this with a 60-litre utility box that doesn't really serve a purpose other than as storage for wet stuff. Still, the boot is massive and the third-row seats are usably roomy. The Prado handled the Titan easily, sitting flat and wafting down the highway. You never forget there's a big lump of caravan behind you, but it was surprisingly easy to get used to. Our van life weekend test run was unforgettable fun and never felt like we were roughing it. I know people set off having spent far less, but it's nice to know you can hit the road with everything you'll need – not just the basics – for well under $200,000. Now to email the boss… The Titan Caravans Australia Sierra 500 Blackhawk is $74,990 tow away TITAN CARAVANS 500 SIERRA BLACKHAWK Price: $74,990 tow away Dimensions: 5.1m long; 3.1m tall, max weight 2800kg Features: Off-road suspension; queen-size bed; battery management system; generator slide-out; aircon; bluetooth stereo; 360-degree outdoor LED lighting; reverse camera; 24-inch smart TV; fridge; kitchen; bathroom; grey and fresh water More info: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO VX Price: About $93,000 drive away Warranty/servicing: Five years, unlimited kilometres; Five years capped-price servicing Engine: 2.8-litre turbo diesel four cylinder; 150kW, 500Nm; 8-speed automatic Thirst: 7.6 litres/100km (claimed); 110-litre tank Features: LED headlights, 12.3-inch display, five-mode drive selector, on-board cooler box, JBL premium sound system
