We rather enjoy looking at police cars from around the world. North America has the Ford Explorer and Dodge Charger, while a good chunk of Europe utilizes the BMW 3-Series Touring and Volvo V60. Of course, there are other cars in service that are of interest like the Toyota Land Cruiser for the Middle East and Australia.
Speaking of, we put the spotlight on yet another police SUV. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado now has a proper police package, and it’s ready for duty. It’s a factory-built cop car like the Ford Police Interceptor, and it’s care of Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS).
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TGS is, quite literally, the branch of Toyota that supplies the United Nations and the Red Cross its heavy-duty Land Cruisers, Prados, and Hiluxes, among other things. in the case of the Prado police package, it’s based on the entry-level model that we’ve covered before.
A proper police cars is more than just decals, lights, and sirens. Its wiring systems are integrated into the vehicle instead of the usual aftermarket additions. For instance, the siren controls are places in what could’ve been just a row of blank switches. The radio is also included, as well as a PA system. A metal divider sits in the cargo hold to prevent equipment from flying into the cabin in an emergency stop.
Don’t expect much of luxuries inside. You can forget about leather seats and bright interior accents as this SUV has utility on its mind. There’s no power adjustable seats, and the touchscreen is a relatively basic unit. Hey, at least it gets a touchscreen.
As it’s based on what we’d like to call the UN-spec, the police package benefits from a couple of upgrades. It’s claimed to be ‘rough road spec’, so we’re assuming it has beefier engine mounts. There’s also a skid plate under the engine, as well as a guard for the fuel tank. While we’re on the subject of the tank, it has two, giving it a total of 110 liters.
Contrary to popular belief, police vehicles don’t get more power under the hood. Still, the police version of the Prado comes with the familiar 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine. Also known as the 1GD-FTV, it’s the same unit found in higher trim levels of the Hilux and Fortuner, as well as the standard diesel-fed Prado from other countries. Power is still rated at 201hp and 500Nm.
Okay, it’s not the fastest police vehicle around, but that’s not the point of the Prado cop car. Sure, the Dodges and BMWs go much faster, but this one can catch offenders in, er, harder to reach areas, not to mention that it can also double as a search as rescue vehicle. And, if all else fails, there’s nothing that can outrun a radio.
More photos of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado police package:
