At the recent launch of the Ford Everest, representatives from the Blue Oval made an interesting claim. The positioning of the newcomer sees it take on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, not the assumed traditional rival, the Toyota Fortuner. We look at the specifications, features and price/warranty to see if there’s any merit in this claim.
When you think of the traditional rivals to the Ford Everest, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is not the first name that comes to mind. The previous generation of Everest faced traditional opposition in the form of the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and if you’re not wanting a bakkie-based SUV setup, then also consider looking at the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe for diesel-powered all-wheel drive family vehicles.
When car companies make claims that buck conventional assumptions, they have to be investigated and while we haven’t yet had the chance to test the new Ford Everest against the revered-yet-aging Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the below comparison between the two makes for some interesting reading.
2022 Ford Everest: We drive it at the local launch
Engine, Transmissions & Claimed Economy
| Prado | Everest | |
| Engines Available | 2.8-litre 4-cylinder diesel 150 kW and 500 Nm 4.0-litre V6 petrol 202 kW and 381 Nm | 2.0 BiTurbo diesel 154 kW and 500 Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel 184 kW and 600 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 + 63 = 150 litres | 76 litres |
| Fuel economy | 2.8: 7.9 L/100 km 4.0: 11.3 L/100 km | 2.0: 7.5 L/100 km 3.0: 8.5 L/100 km |
| Tow Rating | Unbraked: 750 kg Braked: 2 500 kg | Unbraked: 750 kg Braked: 3 500 kg |
Off-road Capabilities
| Prado | Everest | |
| Ground clearance | 220 mm | 229 mm Sport / 226 mm Platinum |
| Low-range transfer case | Yes | Yes |
| Approach angle | 31.0 | 30.3 |
| Departure angle | 25.0 | 23.3 |
| Breakover | 21.1 | 21.9 |
| Wading depth | 700 mm | 800 mm |
| Electronic locking differential | Yes | Yes |
| Off-road modes | Yes | Yes |
Tech and Features
| Prado | Everest | |
| Features | TX: Auto dual-zone climate 6-speaker audio Electrically adjustable driver seat Cruise control Park distance control Keyless entry Bluetooth/USB Reverse camera Front seats heated/ventilated Rear seats heated Centre console fridge | Sport: 8-way adjustable partial leather seats for front passengers 8-inch digital instrument cluster 12-inch colour touchscreen Ford SYNC4A (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) 8-speaker audio Wireless charging pad Front and rear USB-A, USB-C ports Ford Pass app connect Terrain management system Lane-keeping assist, pre-collision alert Cruise control with speed limiter Dual zone climate control Power tailgate Front/Rear parking sensors Tow bar Auto headlamps |
| VX: (Above plus:) Memory function for driver seat 14-speaker Premium audio Multi-function display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Tilt-telescopic steering adjustment Auto wipers Powered 3rd row of seat s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with 5 offroad modes Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Crawl Control Drive mode select (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco) Adaptive variable suspension | Platinum: Premium leather for driver and passenger with 10-way adjustment and memory Heated/ventilated front seats Heated rear seats 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster 12-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto 360-degree camera 12-speaker B&O audio 400W inverter for rear passengers Adaptive cruise control Active Park Assist with auto parallel and perpendicular park Panoramic moonroof Tyre pressure sensors | |
| VX-L: (Above plus:) Toyota Safety Sense – pre-collision, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic Automatic high beam Power-operated moonroof |
Practicality and Space
| Prado | Everest | |
| Length | 5 010 mm | 4 940 mm |
| Width | 1 885 mm (excluding mirrors) | 2 207 mm (including mirrors) |
| Height | 1 880 mm | 1 837 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 790 mm | 2 900 mm |
| Load Capacity | 104-974 L | 259-898-1818 L |
Pricing
Right now, there are just two Ford Everest models from launch. There will likely be further derivatives coming in 2023, but due to shipping and logistic issues, stock could be delayed.
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 2.8 GD TX | R1 058 500 | Ford Everest | 2.0 Biturbo 4×4 Sport | R965 400 |
| 4.0 VX | R1 160 400 | 3.0 V6 4WD Platinum | R1 113 100 | ||
| 2.8 GD VX | R1 196 400 | ||||
| 4.0 VX-L | R1 209 600 | ||||
| 2.8 GD VX-L | R1 247 000 |
Summary
Despite its age, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is still a capable and comfortable family go-anywhere SUV, and with a 150-litre fuel tank, you actually can go anywhere. Some might say it’s getting long in the tooth, but why change what’s clearly a winning formula for Toyota? That being said, there’s a likelihood of a Prado update in 2023 , before an all-new model arrives in 2024.
The new Ford Everest has exceptional features and on-paper offroad performance, and some would say that V6 is what the Everest has needed since day one.
Ford SA is expecting delays in its Everest stock arrival due to the lack of car carriers coming from its plant in Thailand and its expected that demand for this new model may outstrip supply. If you want one, best you make contact with your Ford dealer
Further Reading
Want to buy a Prado? Browse latest stock here
Can’t wait for the new Everest? The outgoing model is worth looking at
