More than 14 years after the last-generation model was released locally, the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado has finally been revealed. Due in Australia in mid-2024, the 250 Series LandCruiser Prado ushers a new platform, new drivetrains, a lot more technology and a retro new look. Smaller than the 300 Series LandCruiser and essentially twinned with the new Lexus GX, the new Prado will be fitted exclusively with four-cylinder drivetrains – at least at launch.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new Prado provides all the hallmarks of a LandCruiser that customers love.
“Australian customers appreciate the vast capability of the LandCruiser Prado, from use as a family vehicle, to off-roading, towing and long-distance touring, which is evidenced by its huge popularity,” Mr Hanley said.
“The all-new Prado takes everything that customers love about the Prado to a new level, with even greater performance, capability and technology, as well as bold new styling inside and out.”
Built on the same ‘TNGA-F’ ladder-frame platform as the LandCruiser 300 Series and the Lexus GX, the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is now 95mm longer (4,920mm), 95mm wider (1,980mm), 10mm taller (1,860mm) and with a 60mm-longer wheelbase (2,850mm). It now measures only 55mm shorter overall than the 300 Series, while its wheelbase is identical and it’s 80mm less tall. According to Toyota, the new Prado’s chassis is 50 per cent more rigid than the last model, and it’s overall 30 per cent stiffer.
The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado keeps its double-wishbone front and four-link, rigid-axle, coil-spring rear suspension but its steering is now electric for a crisper steering feel, enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability on-road and the adoption of safety systems like lane trace assist, according to Toyota. The new Prado also has enhanced off-road capability thanks to its new stabiliser-bar control system that allows the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected, while the multi-terrain off-road features have a wider range of adjustment. Toyota US quotes a 31-degree approach angle, a 22-degree departure angle, a 25-degree break over angle and 221mm of ground clearance.
The exterior of the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado ushers in a modern but retro styling theme that takes elements from the FJ Cruiser – rest in peace – and 300 Series, with a decidedly Tonka-like look. Overseas, two styling variations will be available – a round headlights version won’t be offered in Australia, with our market taking only the rectangular headlights shown in these images. The ‘T O Y O T A’ badging on the grille will feature, while the Prado’s body is largely shared with its Lexus GX twin.
At the rear, the current Prado’s side-opening tailgate with the spare wheel mounted on it has been shelved for a conventional tailgate, with the spare wheel relocated to underneath the body. As with the current model, the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado’s tailgate glass can be opened separately to the boot.
Under the bonnet of the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is a range of drivetrains, though only one is confirmed for Australia so far: a 150kW/500Nm 48V mild-hybrid version of the current model’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that’s also due for the HiLux next year. Australian models will use a new eight-speed automatic transmission and will be mated to a full-time four-wheel drive system.
Available overseas will also be a 120kW/246Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, as well as a 207kW/430Nm turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a hybrid version of that engine, making 243kW/630Nm. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6 in the Lexus GX and the 3.3-litre V6 diesel in the 300 Series will not be offered in the Prado, at least at launch.
On the inside of the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is a more tech-filled cabin that’s significantly more modern than the current model. Both five- and seven-seat layouts will be available, depending on model, and dual-digital screens with 12.3-inches in size for both the digital driver’s display and the central touchscreen, which will feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Depending on the model, available interior features in the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment, a wireless phone charger, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, multi-zone climate control, a heads-up display and a panoramic sunroof.
Toyota’s ‘Safety Sense’ suite of active safety kit will be standard on all models, and includes features like auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, low-speed rear auto braking, lane keeping assistance with lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree camera.
The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is due on sale in Australia in the first half of 2024, with local pricing and specifications to be announced before then.
Leave a Reply