New 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado finally debuts

The fifth-generation 2024 Toyota Prado has finally been revealed in all its boxy glory – and confirmed for Australia by mid-2024, powered exclusively by a 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the current model’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, as per the facelifted Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and the 2024 Toyota HiLux, but with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Measuring 4920mm long (+95mm), 1988mm wide (+95mm), 1860mm tall (+10mm) and riding on a 2850mm wheelbase (+60mm), the new Toyota Prado is bigger in every dimension than its 14-year-old forebear and now stands just 55mm shorter and 80mm lower than (but the same width as) as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series with which it shares its TNGA-F ladder-frame platform and wheelbase.

But while the two LandCruiser models share almost identical exterior dimensions, they’re chalk and cheese when it comes to design, as previewed by the previously revealed Lexus GX, which arrives Down Under early next year with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.

Dressed in the same squared-off sheet metal as its Lexus twin, the new Prado – or the LandCruiser 250 Series, as it will be known in other markets – debuts an all-new front-end design that Toyota says was inspired by previous-generation LandCruisers while allowing for easy customisation and repairs thanks to a myriad of individually replaceable segments and elements.

The overall theme is one of rugged capability with pretty much every element being square or rectangular – including the headlights – but things get a little murky here because Toyota has actually debuted two versions of the Prado: the mainstream offering and a limited-run, retro-inspired First Edition.

Thus far only confirmed for Europe and North America, where 5000 units will be available, the First Edition swaps out the regular model’s rectangular headlights for a set of 70 Series-style circular 'heritage' LED units and pairs them with a roof rack, rock rails, interior updates and two exclusive new black and ‘Sand’ or ‘Smokey Blue’ exterior colourways.

All Australian Prados will be powered by an electrified version of the current model’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, however, the electrification measures only extend to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Peak power and torque figures are unchanged 150kW/500Nm and the replacement for Australia’s top-selling large SUV will once again come standard with an automatic transmission and full-time 4x4 system.

While a carryover (non-electrified) 2.8-litre diesel will remain available in Europe, Japan and the Middle East), a range of four-cylinder petrol powertrains will be offered in other markets, including 207kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol (Middle East and Eastern Europe), 120kW/246Nm 2.7-litre petrol (Japan and Eastern Europe) and the widely-anticipated 243kW/630Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system from the Toyota Tacoma, for North America and China.

The MHEV powertrain destined for Australia will also be available in next year’s HiLux ute and the related Fortuner SUV, but the more utilitarian duo will make do with their existing six-speed automatic transmissions.

Toyota Australia is yet to confirm any market-specific details about the new Prado beyond the updated powertrain and the availability of five- and seven-seat configurations, so we don’t yet know about model variants, equipment levels, towing capability or fuel capacity – a key strength of the outgoing Prado, which offers up to 150 litres – and of course pricing won’t be announced until closer to launch. North America's hybrid version is rated to tow up to 6000 pounds (2720kg).

A mid-2024 release means the Prado will arrive after its flashier, V6-powered GX sibling, which will act as an expensive appetiser for what’s to come from Toyota’s answer to the new Ford Everest.

Toyota is promising “dramatically improved off-road performance” courtesy of the TNGA-F platform, increased suspension travel and articulation, electric power steering, a brand-first sway bar disconnect system, enhanced multi-terrain monitor and upgrade Multi-Terrain Select system.

A claimed 30 per cent increase in overall rigidity will also play its part in improving on- and off-road performance and refinement, as will the extended wheelbase and short overhangs.

Inside the cabin will be an almost identical interior layout to that of the GX, save for the centre fascia of the dashboard, which has been simplified and toughened up via physical buttons as opposed to the Lexus’ haptic screen controls.

The shape of the air-vents and touch-screen infotainment system (up to 12.3-inch in the US) are also different, with the Prado taking on a less chintzy and more functional persona than its more luxury-minded sibling – a direct reflection of the ‘back to basics’ approach the development team were told to take by global executives.

Those same executives have also promised “class-leading advanced safety performance” from the latest iteration of the Japanese giant's safety suite (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0), which has been updated and expanded with more and improved functions.

In the US, where the LandCruiser nameplate returns three years after the 200 Series was discontinued, Toyota says the new 250 Series "stays true to its heritage as a durable off-roader at a more accessible MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range", which equates to around $A83,500.

In Australia, the currently Prado starts from $62,830 in stripped-out GX form, so expect some big price hikes. Stay tuned for more details.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au