The Toyota Prado is one of those rare vehicles that shaped the way Australians travel. It helped families move from wagons into real four-wheel drives, gave fleets a dependable long-distance workhorse, and became the default choice for towing caravans, taking holidays, and escaping the city. It earned its reputation — and it held onto it — even as the previous model stayed on the market far longer than anyone expected.
The new-generation Prado launched in late 2024 with the kind of pressure most cars never face. It had to be tougher, smarter, and more modern… without losing the personality people trust. And the good news is that Toyota has nailed the brief. The Prado still feels like a Prado — but now it finally drives, connects and behaves like a vehicle built for today’s world.
A Big Step Forward, Without Losing the Familiar Feel
The first thing that stands out is how much more refined and user-friendly the Prado is. The old model was honest and capable, but its age showed in the cabin and the technology. This new version feels cohesive. The interior layout is modern, the screens integrate naturally into the dash, and the controls — especially the steering wheel buttons and ADAS interface — finally feel consistent across the cabin.
On the road, the difference is immediate. Despite its size, the Prado feels easy to place and surprisingly natural in tight spaces. The steering response is lighter and more predictable, and the suspension tune gives it a calmer, more composed feel in city traffic. The Prado has always been built for long distances and rough roads, but this new one is better in daily life — smoother, easier to park and more confident in suburban driving.
GX Specification — The Fleet Favourite
The GX remains the most popular choice for fleets, government agencies and anyone who values functionality over frills. It’s still a proper LandCruiser underneath, but now comes with the technology and safety expectations of a modern fleet vehicle.
Engine & Driveline
- 2.8L turbo-diesel with 48V V-Active mild-hybrid
- 150kW / 500Nm
- 8-speed automatic
- Full-time 4WD
- Fuel use: 7.6L/100km
- 110L fuel capacity
The mild-hybrid doesn’t chase performance headlines. Instead, it smooths take-off, assists the diesel when needed, and adds efficiency in stop–start conditions — ideal for mixed urban and regional driving.
Interior & Tech
The GX cabin is simple but well sorted:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 7-inch driver display
- USB-C ports for front-row charging
- Smart entry & start
The infotainment experience is a major leap forward. It connects quickly, responds smoothly, and feels purpose-built rather than bolted on. The physical climate controls remain — a win for usability when drivers swap in and out of pool vehicles.
Dimensions & Practicality
- Length: 4990mm
- Width: 1980mm
- Height: 1925mm
- Kerb weight: 2495kg
- 5 seats
The GX comes only as a five-seater, leaving a generous cargo area. Some elements still hint at the seven-seat layout used in higher grades, but the boot is wide, flat and genuinely usable for fleet gear or family luggage.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the range, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Trace Assist
- Driver Monitoring
- Emergency Stop Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- 9 airbags
- Parking sensors & reversing camera
The driver-assist behaviour is well judged — attentive, but not intrusive — which makes day-to-day commuting more relaxed.
Towing & Capability
- 3500kg braked towing
- Full-time 4WD
- Active Traction Control
- Crawl Control
Prado continues to be one of the most trusted towing platforms in Australia, and this new model maintains that status with improved stability and better all-round control.
Driving Experience — Everyday Friendly, Weekend Ready
Even though Prado sits firmly in the “large 4WD” category, it doesn’t feel overwhelming from behind the wheel. Visibility is strong, the body proportions are easy to judge when parking, and the lighter steering makes tight manoeuvres far less stressful than you’d expect. It still carries that sense of adventure, but it’s now easier to live with day in, day out.
On the highway, the improvements are even clearer. The cabin is quieter, the suspension feels more settled, and the diesel–hybrid combination works effortlessly in long-distance touring.
Whole-of-Life Costs — Still One of the Safest Bets
Prado’s strength has always been in its economics over time. High resale values continue to be its superpower, and the new generation is unlikely to change that. For fleets, that means predictable depreciation and lower long-term cost of ownership. For novated buyers, it means confidence that the exit position at the end of the lease remains strong.
Add Toyota’s national dealer footprint, well-understood servicing costs, and the reliability that LandCruiser products are known for, and the GX continues to be a low-risk, high-return choice for both organisations and families.
Fit for Purpose: The Real Reason People Choose Prado
Most buyers don’t choose a Prado because it’s the newest SUV on the market. They choose it because it works. It fits the Australian lifestyle, it suits regional driving, it tows without fuss, and it gives drivers confidence no matter where they’re heading.
And while adventure is the heart of the Prado story, the reality is most of them spend their lives in the suburbs. This new model respects that. It’s smarter, more connected and more comfortable, but still gives people — and fleets — the feeling that they can head anywhere.
Verdict: The Legend Evolves
Toyota didn’t reinvent the Prado — they refined it. They kept the toughness, kept the capability, kept the reputation, and layered in the technology and comfort a modern vehicle needs. The result is a Prado that feels familiar yet fresh; rugged yet easy to live with; capable yet calm on the daily commute.
For fleets, it remains one of the most reliable long-term investments on the market. For novated buyers, it delivers lifestyle appeal with financial confidence. And for families, it’s the same trusted Prado — just better everywhere that counts.
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