Toyota will open the order books for its new LandCruiser Prado from the end of August with customer deliveries expected from the fourth quarter of this year.
The fifth-generation of the popular model represents the first all-new Prado in around 15 years, but it will cost more than its predecessors – around $10,000 more for the base model, in fact. For the money, though, the model offers more technology than ever before, based on an all-new platform.
Toyota’s new Prado platform adopts the brand’s V-Active technology mild-hybrid system, coupled with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine used in the HiLux producing 150kW/500Nm. On the emissions front, incoming Prado models will feature a 17.4-litre AdBlue tank.
The V-Active system consists of a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, DC/DC converter and motor generator, helping to reduce combined average fuel consumption from 7.9 litres per 100km in the outgoing LandCruiser Prado to 7.6L/100km on all new variants.
Toyota says the 8.4kW/65Nm motor generator helps provide extra assistance when accelerating from a standing start, and when decelerating the motor generator recoups energy and feeds it back into the 48-volt battery, helping to provide a feeling of gentle and natural deceleration.
The motor generator is mounted high in the engine bay to help retain the LandCruiser Prado’s 700mm wading depth, and is driven by a high-strength belt with a two-arm tensioner and layer of fabric on the rib side to help prevent slippage in wet conditions.
Constant four-wheel drive is standard and a newly-developed eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission takes care of shifting, offering a broader spread of ratios than the outgoing six-speed unit and a much lower first gear to provide more responsive take-off acceleration.
The TNGA-F platform architecture the LandCruiser Prado is based on will support a full 3500kg braked towing capacity – up 500kg over the outgoing model.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley says the new-generation LandCruiser Prado will offer more than its predecessors did, taking the popular model to a new level.
“Australian buyers have always appreciated the rugged off-road performance of the LandCruiser Prado, which has proved to be the perfect overlanding platform for customers who want to travel all over the country without breaking the bank,” Mr Hanley said.
“The new Altitude grade enhances the performance of the LandCruiser Prado, allowing customers to venture further off-road than ever before.
“Meanwhile, introducing V-Active technology brings welcome on-road improvements, with smoother powertrain operation that may also help reduce fuel bills.”
2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado pricing (excluding on-road costs):
- GX – $72,500
- GXL – $79,990
- VX – $87,400
- Altitude – $92,700
- Kakadu – $99,990
