While Toyota has introduced a spruced up Prado for the 2010 model year, arch-rival Mitsubishi remains with the same look for its Pajero into the new year.

According to a representative at local Mitsubishi dealers, Motor Sales, there is no difference in shape from the 2009 model.

Both SUV brands rigorously vie for the same target on the local scene where driving either vehicle is a statement of achievement.

Apart from its facelift the new Prado boasts sweeping changes that, according to dealers Toyota Jamaica, greatly improves the SUV over former models.

On the high-end model, the VX-L, the Prado is even able to drive itself out of difficult driving conditions.

Operators of the vehicle can select driving conditions and view the road along with front wheel positions from a monitor on the dash.

The new Prado is slightly smaller than its predecessor and throws in features such as pivoting headlights that move with the steering wheel. An enhanced vehicle stability control and suspension is also included that has effectively done away the former models’ ability to raise or drop according to terrain.

The Pajero, however, still has its attractive attributes such as a wading depth of 700mm and being able to tackle inclines of 45 degrees.

It also offers tiptronic (manual/auto) transmission and a selection between two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive 4WD.

What is interesting on comparison is the price difference between the brands.

The Motor Sales dealership is now selling only 2009 models and pricing for those vehicles are higher than the 2010 entry level Prado.

Mitsubishi Pajero 2009

Price

2.8 litre turbo diesel – approx $7.65 million approx

3.0 litre gasoline – approx $7.75 million approx

Engine(s)

2.8 Di-D

3.0 V6

Transmission

5-speed manual

4-speed auto

5-speed auto

Dimensions

Wheelbase – 2,780 mm

Length – 4,900 mm

Width – 1,875 mm

Height – 1,900 mm

Fuel tank capacity – 89 Litres

Fuel Consumption: 14litre/100km (estimate)

Brakes: ABS, Ventilated disc front and back

Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbag with dual stage deployment, curtain airbags.

Special Features:

Cruise control, keyless entry, AM/FM CD Player/Radio 12 speakers, rear A/C control, reversing cameras, leather interior,

Toyota Prado 2010

Price

Prado TX – $7.2 million

Prado VX – $9.8 million

Prado VX-L – $10.2 million

Engine(s)

3.0 Litre turbo-diesel

Transmission: Manual or automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Wheel base – 2790 mm (109.8 in)

Length – 4780 mm (188.2 in)

Width – 1885 mm (73.2 in)

Height – 1880 mm (74.6 in)

Fuel tank capacity: 89 Litres

Fuel Consumption: unknown

Safety features

Dual-stage SRS front airbags side-impact and curtain airbags, traction control

Special Features: Cruise control, keyless entry, AM/FM CD Player/Radio 12 speakers, rear A/C control, front and reversing cameras, leather interior, self driving (crawl control), driving monitor