Toyota Prado Top Accessories for Off-Roaders

The Toyota Prado has long been a favourite for Australians who want a vehicle that’s just as comfortable on the school run as it is tackling rugged tracks. With the arrival of the new 250 Series, Toyota has sharpened the Prado’s off-road credentials while keeping its family-friendly versatility. To find out which accessories make the biggest difference when heading off road, we spoke with Jon Wimhurst, one of our experienced Toyota sales consultants at Brisbane’s Downtown Toyota car dealership. With over 25 years of experience helping customers choose and kit out their Prados, Jon shared his top recommendations for off-roaders who want to get the most out of their vehicle.

What is it about the Toyota Prado that makes it such a strong choice for off-road enthusiasts?

The Prado has been an icon for off-roading since it first launched back in ’97. Now, with the new 250 generation, which we’ve been waiting a long time for while it was in development, Toyota has taken it back to a heritage look. They’ve sharpened the edges, gone with that boxier design that really calls back to the original FJ LandCruisers. That’s what Toyota was aiming for.

If you don’t need the full-sized LandCruiser, the Prado is the very next step down. Both vehicles share the same underbody, both tow three and a half tonnes, and both are very, very capable. But the Prado offers that extra practicality for families with seven seats, while still proving itself off-road more than it has in a long time.

How do the needs of off-roaders differ from the average Prado owner?

Jon Wimhurst: Your average Prado owner is using it day-to-day, school runs, sports, family holidays. But the off-roader is doing all that plus looking for adventure. They want to be able to say, “You know what, there’s a forest trail or a four-wheel-drive track to that campsite, and I need a car that can get the family there and back safely.”

So they lean into the Prado’s 4WD capability, centre diff lock, rear diff lock, high and low range. It’s high-range all the time, but when you’re, as I say to people, “climbing the side of buildings,” that’s when you need low range for that pulling torque.

On the Altitude model, for example, you’ve got the stabiliser disconnect bar. Hit that button in low range and it allows all four wheels to drop further for more articulation. If you’re crossing a rut or a gully where one side’s deeper, the Prado can drop that wheel into the hole and keep the body as stable as possible.

Let’s get into the top must-have accessories for Prado off-roaders. What would you pick?

Jon Wimhurst: Number one, bull bar. You can go alloy, steel, or even colour-coded steel now so it matches your Prado’s paint. Beyond looks, it’s essential for protection. When you’re dropping into a rut or tackling rough ground, you want the bull bar to take that first hit, not your bodywork.

And of course, there’s Australian wildlife. Most off-roaders are doing long-haul drives to get to tracks, so you’re driving through kangaroo, wombat, or emu country. I’ve even had a customer in the Northern Territory who hit a water buffalo. The bull bar did its job, it still caused some damage, but far less than if there hadn’t been one. And if you’ve got a winch attached, that’s another big plus. You can pull yourself out of trouble or help someone else.

Next, a bash plate. Off-road means rocky terrain, and a bash plate protects the front underside of your car. You don’t want a rock smashing into your sump and leaving you stranded. I’ve seen plenty come back from service with scratches and dents, and that’s proof they’re doing exactly what they’re meant to.

Third, recovery points. These are heavy-duty metal loops tied into the chassis at the front and rear. They give you a safe, strong place to hook a snatch strap or rope if you get bogged in sand or mud. Without them, you risk ripping off a bumper or damaging the car. Most serious off-roaders want them fitted just in case.

Fourth, a light bar. Not everyone reaches camp in daylight. A good Toyota light bar makes a huge difference on long highways or pitch-black tracks. Extra visibility can mean extra safety.

And finally, a tow bar. A lot of off-roaders are towing something, a caravan, a camper, or a boat, so having that fitted from the start is essential.

If you were building a Prado for your own off-road use, would you choose differently?

Jon Wimhurst: I’ll be honest, I’m not a four-wheel-driver myself. But if I were, those would be the essentials, bull bar, light bar, recovery points, and probably a winch too. Because the reality is, if you’re doing serious off-roading, at some point you’re going to need it.

And the great thing with Prado is that even someone like me, who doesn’t off-road, could look like I know what I’m doing, because the technology inside helps you so much.

Would you recommend customers add all their accessories upfront, or build them over time?

Jon Wimhurst: It depends. Some people know exactly what they want and tick everything off straight away. Others take time. That’s fine too.

I’ll always recommend genuine accessories, but often it comes down to asking the right questions: Are you towing? Then you’ll need a tow bar and electric brakes. Planning off-road trips? Then bull bar, recovery points, and maybe a winch.

And if you’re not sure yet, you can always add later. People often come back months down the line when they’ve booked a trip and say, “Right, now I need this.” Everything can be added through our service department, so it’s easy either way.

Get Expert Advice On Fitting Out Your Toyota Prado

Whether you’re gearing up for serious off-road adventures or just want the peace of mind that comes with being prepared, the right accessories can make all the difference in your Prado. From bull bars and bash plates to light bars and recovery points, each upgrade adds another layer of capability and confidence when the tracks get tough.

If you’d like expert advice on fitting out your Toyota Prado, visit us at Brisbane’s Downtown Toyota. Jon and the team can walk you through the genuine accessories available and help tailor your Prado to suit your lifestyle, whether it’s for school runs, long hauls, or off-road escapes.