New-gen LandCruiser Prado here in ‘24

TOYOTA has officially unveiled its new-generation LandCruiser Prado this week, the popular four-wheel drive model set to arrive in Australia in mid-2024 promising an all-new design, mild-hybrid driveline, updated technology, and improved performance.

Arriving shortly after the twin-under-the-skin Lexus GX, the ruggedly-styled Prado aims to provide buyers with a “blend of capability, amenity and passenger-oriented comfort” while continuing to offer the go-anywhere capabilities for which the model is best known.

Visually, the boxier Prado is said to fuse traditional and contemporary styling cues, employing a horizontal theme inspired by early-generation LandCrusiers. The front-end is based around a rectangular grille and tri-beam headlights and a low-set cowl that improves forward visibility.

The horizontal theme continues in profile, complemented by muscular wheel arches and a low beltline designers say provides a sense of strength, and a better view out for all occupants.

At the rear, the Prado features vertically set tail-lights and a “simple tail-light signature to complement the front-end” with a silver lower bumper cover matching that found up front.

Measuring 4920mm in length, 1988mm wide and 1860mm tall, the new Prado is 95mm longer than before, 13mm wider and 10mm taller. Its 2850mm wheelbase is 60mm longer than the outgoing model, matching the length of the LandCruiser 300 Series.

Like the LandCruiser 300 Series, the Prado rides on Toyota’s newly developed TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis which Toyota says is 50 per cent more rigid than the outgoing Prado’s. Including the body, the package as a whole is said to be 30 per cent more rigid than before.

This improvement, coupled with improved suspension performance and additional wheel articulation is said to provide excellent performance on- and off-road, as well as improved all-round ride comfort.

Wheel articulation is further improved by a disconnecting front sway bar, while enhanced functionality for the multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor systems are said to “help the Prado go even further off-road”.

Electric-assisted power steering arrives to provide “crisper steering feel” and “enhanced low-speed manoeuvreability on-road and maximised control off-road”. The system also allows Toyota to offer an extended array of safety assistance systems, such as lane trace, not offered before in Prado.

The mild-hybrid turbo-diesel engine that will soon be offered in select HiLux grades will be offered as standard, combining Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder with a 48-volt starter/generator to “help improve fuel consumption in urban settings”.

The unit continues to offer an unchanged 150kW/500Nm but is now coupled to an eight-speed automatic in place of the previous six-speed transmission.

While TMCA is yet to announce full specification and equipment details for the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado, it has said that the cabin will feature dual digital screens for instrumentation and infotainment, and “an intuitive layout for the switches that group basic functions together”.

The Prado will be offered in five- or seven-seat configurations depending on variant, and will be offered with a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies.

“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," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“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.”

Further details on the all-new LandCruiser Prado will be announced closer to the model’s local launch.