Pros and cons of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Arctic Trucks

Arctic Trucks, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, is engaged in the modernization of SUVs.

The company is based in Iceland, famous for its difficult conditions: it is not surprising that the Toyota Hilux Arctic appeared there, because the local landscape requires excellent off-road performance from cars.

In Iceland, high-quality roads can only be found in Reykjavik and a number of large nearby settlements: in the remaining significant part of the country, in terms of roads, it is in many ways similar to Russia.

Probably, it was precisely these circumstances that largely forced the development team to create a special pickup truck capable of reaching the most remote corners of the country, despite the mountainous landscape and impassable mud.

Technical characteristics of Toyota Arctic Truck

The SUV is equipped with two engines with a capacity of 144 and 171 hp. With. The less powerful unit is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, while its older brother is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is economical: consumption does not exceed 9.8 liters per 100 km.

The ground clearance is 27 cm, the car is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h , accelerating to hundreds in 9.1 seconds.

The dimensions of the vehicle are as follows: its length is 5.26 meters , its width is 2.04 meters, and its height is 1.89 meters.

It’s worth taking a closer look at the car’s off-road arsenal. This includes:

• Multi Terrain Select system, which makes it possible to change traction and ABS settings depending on environmental conditions;
• 4 overview cameras, the image from which is sent to the display;
• Crawl Control system, which is a kind of analogue of conventional cruise control, but designed specifically for rough terrain;
• the Off-Road Turn Assist option, which allows you to make sharp turns when driving in mud or slush, without fear that the “stern” of the Hilux Arctic will be pulled to the side.

Specifications LC200 AT35*

Test drive Hilux Arctic Trucks

The car , due to its size, makes an amazing impression : it seems that this hulk can easily crush several cars, and the driver will not even notice it.

However, after coping with the first shock and finding yourself in the cabin, you come to the realization that this is a completely ordinary, albeit large, car, which can be used not only off-road, but also around the city, if you get used to its size. In addition, excellent visibility allows you to easily maneuver in traffic (the position of the huge mirrors can not even be changed after the previous driver, since everything is clearly visible in almost any position).

However, about 75% of SUV owners almost never drive off paved roads; the rest do so from time to time. Most likely, those who really often have to travel in difficult conditions still buy simpler cars: Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks, whose cost exceeds 3 million rubles, although it is ideal for this purpose, but wouldn’t it be a pity for the car?

Toyota Hilux Arctic Truck reacts sensitively to steering wheel turns, making it possible to easily overtake if necessary. The steering response can be compared to driving a premium passenger car, and not to a massive SUV. Noise insulation is excellent , and the finishing materials delight with their excellent quality.

The suspension travel deserves special attention : on a Toyota Arctic Truck that has driven up a hill, one wheel can be almost half a meter higher than the other! That is, regardless of the conditions, contact with the surface will always be made by all four wheels.

If we talk about driving on a gravel road, then the stiffness of the suspension makes itself felt: almost every stone is felt, but, on the other hand, this gives greater control over the road.

LC150 options: AT33, AT35, AT38

Land Cruiser Prado Arctic Truck is available in three modifications: AT33, AT35, AT38.

Each of them provides different levels of endurance when moving in off-road conditions.

Land Cruiser Prado AT33

AT33 series - equipped with increased ground clearance and high profile tires. Additionally, it is possible to install a rear body kit with a spare wheel, since there is no spare wheel under the bottom for technical reasons.

Land Cruiser Prado AT35

Arctic Trucks Toyota Land Cruiser Prado AT35 150 is lightweight, has a short wheelbase, provides comfortable movement around the city, and also copes well with covering distances on non-asphalt surfaces.

The departure angle, compared to other models, has been reduced by ¼, the rear overhang has been reduced by 0.25 cm. This body restyling allows you to quickly and confidently drive through any obstacles without shaking or discomfort for passengers.

Tires with a diameter of 35 inches keep the car running smoothly in conditions of complete absence of even a hint of the road. Smooth and perfect AT35 highways are not needed. He is able to perform his tasks in any conditions.

Land Cruiser Prado AT38

AT38 is a model designed specifically for tourists and those who want to travel by car without restrictions and constant monitoring of road quality. She not only fulfills their expectations and needs, but also anticipates them.

Now you don’t have to leave your car and go to the desired point on foot to look at a famous spring, climb a mountain, or drive up to an ancient castle or temple.

“Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Arctic Truck AT38” is characterized by incredible flexibility in moving on any type of surface, including very hilly areas, roads with holes and potholes, forest and mountain trails.

Features of the Toyota Hilux Arctic service

The Russian branch of Arctic Trucks Russia employs almost 30 people . Installation of an off-road package , as a rule, takes no more than 4 working days , but in reality, about 2 months pass from the moment the client places an order until it is , since the work on preparing documents confirming design changes takes time.

The company adheres to a strict service policy: the owner cannot separately purchase anything used for modification , and in the event of a breakdown, repairs must only be carried out by an authorized dealer (parts are sent only upon request for each specific case).

What causes such rather harsh conditions? Toyota Arctic is designed to work in extreme conditions, so the slightest mistake made during repairs can lead to another breakdown and, as a result, a damaged reputation.

Advantages and disadvantages of Land Cruiser Prado Arctic Truck

The LC150's design and internals are designed to withstand extreme driving conditions.

The windshield is angled to protect it from flying stones when driving at high speed. This reduces visibility somewhat and may seem inconvenient.

The advantages of the model include folding rear seats. They are hidden under the floor. After this transformation, the trunk grows significantly in size, so you can safely transport furniture on the LC150.

The main problem areas of the model:

• the cooling system often malfunctions, especially during intensive use;
• after the first 150 thousand mileage the radiator begins to leak;
• the injectors become very clogged and need to be constantly monitored;
• The coating on the LC150, like other Toyotas, is of good quality and made to last, but it does not withstand strong mechanical stress - the paint quickly cracks and is easily scratched.

After 100 thousand mileage, the cost of maintaining a car increases significantly: you will have to change the starter, pneumatics on the suspension, ball joints, gearbox seals, and steering rack.

It all depends on the nature of your driving: the more you have to ride over rocks and bumps, the more seriously you need to monitor the tires and suspension elements.

Toyota Arctic Trucks: prices

The cost of the basic version is 3.15 - 3.29 million rubles , depending on the type of engine and configuration. However, even in its initial version the car has everything and even more than the average car enthusiast needs.

The special Arctic Trucks package will cost about another 500,000 rubles. It includes R17 tires measuring 35x12.5, alloy wheels in body color, cropped fenders (this design allows for increased approach and departure angles), widened side sills and a 4.5 cm suspension lift.

Options and prices

The idea of ​​​​creating an AT is to overcome terrain impassable for other SUVs without any external assistance, tools or special driving skills. This is what the equipment is subordinated to. It can be changed at the request of the owner:

• additional headlights;
• stationary compressor;
• sectional trunk;
• snorkel;
• tire and wheel options;
• pneumatic locking rear differential;
• winch cover or towbar cap with AT logos.

Standard equipment on the LC 200 AT35 includes 17 X 10J aluminum wheels, 315/70 R17 pneumatic tires, suspension lifts, shock absorber and mounting brackets, rear bumper and door extensions. Mud flaps, emblems, decals and tires feature the Arctic Trucks logo.

The price from an official dealer ranges around 100,000 US dollars. The size of the discount during promotions can be significant, the same applies to warranty service.

Advantages and disadvantages of Toyota Arctic Trucks

The obvious advantages of an SUV include:

• rich equipment;
• plenty of free space in the cabin;
• excellent sound insulation;
• impeccable off-road qualities.

Probably the only drawback is the high cost of the car: not every off-road driving enthusiast has the income to pay more than 3 million rubles for a Hilux Arctic Truck.

Land Cruiser 200 and Arctic Trucks: Concrete Twins

Land Cruiser 200 belongs to the category of cars that do not need any special introduction. An SUV that emphasizes the status of its owner is a symbol of success and reliability. Road surfaces do not matter to him, and city asphalt suddenly becomes perfectly smooth thanks to the unsurpassed comfort and luxury that the Land Cruiser 200 gives to the driver and passengers. Reliable and powerful, this heavy SUV unexpectedly surprises with its swift character, dynamics and ease of control.

Surprisingly, the already quintessential power and status of one of the most unsurpassed cars in the world can receive more advanced functions that allow you to forget that the Land Cruiser 200 is in “wild” off-road conditions. Thanks to modifications by Arctic Trucks, the solid “200th” turns into a real monster, capable of overcoming almost any obstacles at the level of professionally trained cars participating in off-road competitions. And can we expect anything less from a company of developers, one of whose cars has conquered Antarctica?

However, everything is learned by comparison. The interest, fueled by the presence of a ready-made “charged” version of the Land Cruiser Arctic Trucks and the classic 200, was more than satisfied by rainy weather and eroded soil with treacherous clay, capable of captivating even off-road “generals”.

The difference between the standard and “peppered” versions of the cars immediately catches the eye: the “pumped up” 200th towers over its brother - the SUV’s wheels have grown a lot and acquired a “tractor” tread. At the same time, the front arches of Arctic Trucks were pulled closer to the hood, and the rear arches - to the passenger door. And although the changes to the exterior seem minimal, the “off-road” Land Cruiser 200 looks like a real predator, inspiring confidence in its unsurpassed driving performance.

But changes in body design are only external manifestations of the designers’ efforts. Because the main difference between the cars is the modified chassis. Arctic Trucks acquired wheels that are almost 10 cm larger than the standard ones, with a tread width of 31.5 cm and an increased load index - 121 instead of 104. Specialists cut out the wheel arches, pulling them higher, and also strengthened the shock absorber mounts. Ground clearance has increased by 45 mm – from 225 to 270.

Otherwise, the cars are identical except for the body color and instrument panel equipment.

The leather interior trim, which accords the Land Cruiser 200 status, immediately makes you feel like almost the king of the road. You don’t want to get out of the driver’s seat at all, but you can ride on the passenger sofa, lounging in a frivolous position. However, the interior decoration is also famous for its high-quality plastic coupled with wooden inserts. In addition, there is more than enough space inside the Cruiser for seven: the SUV is equipped with a third row of seats especially for greater capacity. If desired, additional seats can simply be removed from the car.

But how multifunctional and unobtrusive the dashboard is! When you sit behind the wheel, you immediately understand that the interior of the Land Cruiser 200 is designed without unnecessary elements, and the well-placed buttons on the dashboard are easy to use - you don’t have to be distracted from the road. In addition, the “chest” between the front seats doubles as a refrigerator, and the controls for the auxiliary systems are located next to the gearshift lever.

The engines on the ordinary Land Cruiser 200, as well as on Arctic Trucks, are started from a button under which the transmission shift “wheel” is located. Both cars have the same power units: V-shaped eights with a volume of 4.5 liters and an output of 235 hp. Both diesel engines, with two turbines, start up with a roar that is very pleasing to the ear. Per hundred, these engines consume 14-17 liters - the appetite, although considerable, is more than compensated by the power and ability to pull the car out of any hopeless hole. By the way, diesel engines are paired with a six-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission with a segmental gear shift mode. An excellent combination, manifested in excellent vehicle dynamics.

On Arctic Trucks, the power of the unit has not increased, but there is an opportunity to pump up the engine: if desired, specialists will increase the number of horses by 30-40 units. This changes the settings of the gas distribution mechanism and the engine control unit. In this way, the dynamic performance of the vehicle can be improved.

Running the Land Cruiser 200 around the city brings a lot of positive emotions: thanks to its solid appearance, the car enjoys respect on the road. Drivers prefer to keep a respectful distance from the Kruzak, and at the slightest hint of a desire to change lanes, they politely yield. And all obstacles that arise along the way, including multiple speed bumps, are overcome with calm equanimity and without the slightest disruption to the comfort of passengers.

But still, it’s interesting to test the real driving performance of the Land Cruiser where there are no roads. Moreover: the search for a “dirtier” place was rewarded with torrential rains that lasted for several days in a row. The testing site arrived in perfect condition for SUVs. A huge mountain of rubble, giant puddles half a meter deep, a country road that has turned into two ruts of liquid mud - this is only the minimum distance of the “obstacle course”.

Neither car is at all afraid of taking mud baths. Ground clearance of 225 mm, and even more so 270 mm, allows you to overcome almost any obstacles without any problems, and the grown-up Arctic Trucks seem to not even notice what surface it is moving on. Dangerous holes and huge puddles, at the bottom of which anything can be hidden, invariably remain behind while the driver studies the playlist of the radio.

A completely different driving sensation appears at the moment when the gas pedal goes to the floor almost all the way. The car turns into a bundle of power and determination, notifying all living things around about its intentions with the roar of the engine. Lumps of dirt and clay fly from under the wheels, and the passed puddles water the surrounding area with muddy water. At the same time, the Land Cruiser seems to be trying to throw the “pilot” out of the seat, swaying from side to side. But you don’t have to worry about the safety of the suspension at all.

In terms of high speeds on rough terrain, Arctic Trucks looks more worthy than its “basic” brother. Increased ground clearance and huge “tractor” wheels not only quickly scatter dirt, but also prevent the car from sinking or getting buried. Overcoming slopes is also much easier - you don’t have to use auxiliary systems. You just need to press the accelerator, and the car climbs the mountain at the speed of a lizard.

But the standard 200 still couldn’t handle the uphill climb once. Gas to the floor, dirt in all directions - but no. You have to turn it down. And Crawl Control is an off-road driving assistance system that allows you to select the optimal mode based on road conditions, be it sand, gravel or marshy terrain.

With full-time all-wheel drive, 60% of the Land Cruiser's torque goes to the rear wheels and 40% to the front wheels. Therefore, when you press the gas pedal to the floor, the car lifts the hood, transfers weight to the engine and rapidly rushes forward. However, due to its mass, the SUV is a bit heavy when braking, and landing after a flight is somewhat difficult. But how many sensations does the driver experience at such moments! This can only be felt. When the Japanese carcass lands on the ground with a flourish, and splashes of mud and water from puddles flood the windshield, the adrenaline goes through the roof.

In the absence of roads, testing Arctic Trucks turns out to be much more interesting than its “basic” brother. The car, specially designed to overcome obstacles, copes with its task effortlessly. The powerful force emanating from the SUV gives confidence to its solid appearance, and the Arctic Trucks nameplate adds real individuality. If you wish, you can build your own Land Cruiser 200 Arctic Trucks with the necessary package of options for quiet off-road driving.

Toyota Center Nizhny Novgorod official dealer of Toyota in Nizhny Novgorod (831) 275-43-34 Moskovskoe highway, 94 A

Toyota Center Nizhny Novgorod South official dealer of Toyota in Nizhny Novgorod (831) 425-85-85 Larina street, 30

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