Yet another ugly unattractive new model Prado

[Platypus850 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Platypus850]

I own a 2008 Prado diesel and am very very happy with it. The problems I've had in 106,000 kms have been minor, and unlike certain brand European SUV's, have never been let down. Highlight has to be the Mericumbeen (or however you spell it !) Fire trail in NSW.

Anyway, enough of that. I'm depressed and very depressed that Toyota have inflicted yet another unattractive (to look at) Prado model on us. How can you have exaggerated rear wheel arches that don't match the front. And how can you have such an ugly front end with unnecessary curved bulges and hideous looking headlights & grill. Where are these designs coming from and why ?
The new Prado, now has to be one of the most ugly vehicles on the road and that includes road cars, SUV's and serious off roaders.

I cast my mind back to the 1980's when the Volvo's became so unattractive it became a joke to others if you owned one. They learn't their lesson as it was obvious they were losing sales. I mean if I updated to the new model, I just couldn't look at the thing in the garage every morning.

Sorry if I'm rehashing an old topic, however I was unable to find similar posts. I know other Prado owners are equally concerned when they want to update. Can the message get through to Toyota in Japan ? Perhaps the only way is for forums like this. So, what to other readers on this blog think ?

[snewby Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close snewby]

The new 2014 model... Elephant ear front head lights and a larger mouth. odd shaped wheel arches... yes getting more weird with each model. (I'll stick with my 07 version for now thanks).
I assume the headlights are to accommodate the running lights on the top models..? but heated rear mirrors would be nice for us skiers.

[gantulga Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gantulga]

fact that toyota intoduced JF cruiser back in 2007, they were commited in bulging out everything on Toyota cars, look at new 4runner, land cruisers and even rav4! but the sales figure tells them right, they are abviously loosing sales for Prado due to it's ugly shape. there are many people like me who hate the new looks. and i will say this again, toyota products are good, but not the most innovative and trendy, only sales power is thier relibility and this is good for people who needs a car. not the car for people needing inspiration or fun factor. they have long killed off the true offroad vehicles for the sake of USA customer demands. now they are killing off the remaining dough (prado) into real soccer mom DD, which by this time and age, would not even be considered due to it's MPG and prize going to mini vans.

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Must agree. I put it down to their designers being high on designer drugs. Seriously its nucking fuglier than the 2010 model and will push loyal fans into other camps. Its just a matter of time before VW and Mazda bring out a true challenge to the Prado and then watch the sales really drop off. As said before, I will go for the Hilux, but if VW or Mazda (BT50) type) bring out a full cabin equivalent to the Prado its all over...... More power and would have to be better looking.

[Chewbacca Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chewbacca]

I own a 2008 Prado diesel and am very very happy with it. The problems I've had in 106,000 kms have been minor, and unlike certain brand European SUV's, have never been let down. Highlight has to be the Mericumbeen (or however you spell it !) Fire trail in NSW.

Anyway, enough of that. I'm depressed and very depressed that Toyota have inflicted yet another unattractive (to look at) Prado model on us. How can you have exaggerated rear wheel arches that don't match the front. And how can you have such an ugly front end with unnecessary curved bulges and hideous looking headlights & grill. Where are these designs coming from and why ?
The new Prado, now has to be one of the most ugly vehicles on the road and that includes road cars, SUV's and serious off roaders.

I cast my mind back to the 1980's when the Volvo's became so unattractive it became a joke to others if you owned one. They learn't there lesson as it was obvious they were losings sales. I mean if I updated to the new model, I just couldn't look at the thing in the garage every morning.

Sorry if I'm rehashing an old topic, however I was unable to find similar posts. I know other Prado owners are equally concerned when they want to update. Can the message get through to Toyota in Japan ? Perhaps the only way is for forums like this. So, what to other readers on this blog think ?

I think that is a bit harsh but then again beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I own a 150 and actually like the more modern look. But then again I am sure there are plenty of people who agree with you. See the below thread:
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...s-prado/page20

In terms of the front end, it is easy enough to fix that with a bullbar and I am sure there will be some good options available.

Regards, Matt

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

I hate to say it but I am not surprised...

Look at the new Corolla's, aurions and other makes.... the Only new car they have produced that looks good is the 86....

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

I hate to say it but I am not surprised...

Look at the new Corolla's, aurions and other makes.... the Only new car they have produced that looks good is the 86....

... and that's because the Subaru designers are involved.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder...

After seeing one in the flesh, I like it better than the previous 150.

That said I still prefer my 120.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder...

After seeing one in the flesh, I like it better than the previous 150.

That said I still prefer my 120.

That's right, they do look better in the flesh, it is not a very photogenic vehicle.

[Fabes Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fabes]

All I want is a more powerful diesel, and by that I don't mean to get more power out of the current small engine that is already working its backside off. Perhaps a 5 or 6 cylinder diesel. I'll wait until then before upgrading.

[JoshF Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshF]

I am assuming Toyota has a national Sales representative in Australia, have you tried to provide your feedback in a meaningful way so they can take it back to the design team. Might have no impact but you never know especially if Oz is one of their larger customer bases

If there was a large Toyota orientated 4WD club you are a member of with good relations with Toyota it may provide better avenues also

[vxcruiser08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vxcruiser08]

The reason I didn't buy a Prado 150 a few years earlier was due to the look of them. Still to this day, whenever I see a stock one drive past me i feel embarrassed for them because the arse is always so sagged and something doesn't look right! The 120, im not a big fan either, but yes they are getting worse and the engine's are fairly piss weak really but i'm a granny driver anyway.

Anyway, now I obviously have one and I love it. I still stay to myself geez its a weird looking vehicle, but it also depends at what angle you look at them. If they have all the gear I think they look much better. I had a 200 series before this (petrol, bad decision) and it was one TOUGH unit, the prado definitely doesn't have any real toughness about it.

Front on I like the look of my Prado. Walk 5 metres to the right and look at it from an angle, i dunno just looks weird. Besides looks, i'm pretty happy with it.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Not much love for the new baby. Doesn't really bother me. If I was looking for a replacement I would get one just like I bought the original 150 earlier this year, nothing else suited our needs as well and it is a 4wd not a Beauty queen. I guess my favourite Toyota is the 80 with the 90 close behind. I have a photo of an 80 sitting next to a 150. Might surprise a few people, I will post it up later. Mazda make a BT wagon overseas and there are rumours it is coming here. As long as it doesn't look like a Colorado 7 it should be a winner. Colorado 7, now there is a shape that only a mother could euthanise.

[Dusty74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dusty74]

Maybe I'm special or was dropped on my head as a child but I quite like my 150, it does have a lot of gear on it though which makes a huge difference. Not sure I agree with the statement of "not a true 4WD" either, I've managed to outdo both a 200 series and current diesel Patrol off road with just suspension and tyres (no lockers). The 200 came unstuck due to the extra weight I think on the particular hill we were climbing, which, by the way, it eventually climbed, the Prado just did it easier.
My comments may not be agreed with, but that's the beauty of opinion, every gets their own!

Cheers,
Dusty

[PLAYDOH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PLAYDOH]

the design team are a feew Jap's with some ugly sticks and went to the old 150 with it..

But yes other wise agree, when I sell/move on for an upgrade of the 120 Prado it won't be a 150.