New Prado comes to the land down under

Featuring improved drivability, off-road capability, safety, technology and functionality, along with a stylish redesign, the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is built on a stronger and stiffer TNGA-F architecture, shared with its larger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling.

The new model introduces Toyota’s latest on and off-road driver assistance, multimedia and active safety technologies. The LandCruiser Prado is offered in a choice of five grades – GX, GXL, VX, and top-of-the-range Kakadu, along with the off-road-focussed Altitude.

All of them are powered by the existing 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. This is augmented with 48-volt V-Active (MHEV) technology and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination produces 150kW/500Nm, and is paired with a full-time all-wheel drive system.

A dual-range transfer case and a centre lockable Torsen limited slip diff are standard. The wheelbase has been extended by 60mm to 2850mm and front and rear track widened by 79mm and 83mm to 1664mm and 1668mm respectively.

This has enabled Toyota to extend the overall length of the LandCruiser Prado by 165mm to 4990mm. Its width has been increased by 95mm to 1980mm, providing an increase in interior space. The exterior design offers both a retro aesthetic and substantial functional benefits.

Thanks to a low beltline, flat bonnet, and big glass areas, the Prado offers superb visibility in tight off-road environments while its chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps are designed to minimise the potential for damage.

Likewise, the interior has been comprehensively upgraded, with vastly improved technology, comfort and space for five or seven occupants, depending on the grade. Regardless, all of them feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

That’s loaded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/DAB+ radio and embedded and cloud-based satellite navigation. The adventure-focussed Altitude scores a lockable rear diff and front stabiliser disconnect mechanism.

Other driver assistance systems for on and off-road environments include vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist control and crawl control, trailer sway control and an integrated towbar pre-wiring harness.

The new LandCruiser Prado now sports a 3500kg braked towing capacity and all grades feature a double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension. The VX and Kakadu grades add adaptive variable suspension.

The braking and steering systems have been substantially improved to provide greater response and feel too. GX, GXL and Altitude grades feature a three-mode drive mode select system that adjusts transmission shift points and pedal and steering response.

The VX and Kakadu versions use a five-mode system that also adjusts the adaptive variable suspension. To help provide optimum traction and control in off-road environments, Altitude, VX and Kakadu grades are fitted with a multi-terrain system.

All grades of the new LandCruiser Prado are fitted with the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies, along with Toyota Connected Services. This includes autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety.

You’ll also find all-speed adaptive cruise control, rear parking support brake, lane trace assist and lane departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency driving stop system and a driver monitor camera.

Front and rear parking sensors and nine SRS airbags come standard. The five-variant LandCruiser Prado range is priced from $72,500 for the five-seat GX, which is identifiable from the outside by 18-inch alloy wheels.

It also scores LED lighting, black bumpers and wheel arch mouldings, ‘TOYOTA’ lettering on the front grille, body-coloured door handles and a tailgate with rear-window hatch. Inside, the GX features fabric upholstery with manually adjustable front seats.

It has a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, a hard-wearing urethane steering wheel with button controls, reversing camera and panoramic view monitor, a 10-speaker audio system, and five USB-C charging ports.

There’s one 12V accessory port and a 220V charging port too. The $79,990 GXL adds a 50:50 split-fold third row of seating, roof rails, a powered tailgate, rear privacy glass and silver front and rear guard trim.

Inside, there’s synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way powered driver’s seat, leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob, rear-seat air conditioning panel and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Extra charging options include a front wireless charging pad and two extra USB-C ports in the third row. The mid-grade seven-seat VX, from $87,400, adds a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn logo, and body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches.

It has 20-inch alloy wheels, and high-grade LED headlights with automatic high beam and dynamic auto-levelling. Leather-accented upholstery with black or chateau colour schemes, and driver’s seat lumbar support and memory feature.

There’s four-way power adjustable front passenger seats, power-adjustable steering wheel, carpet floor mats, refrigerated centre console, a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system and tyre pressure monitor.

The off-road flagship Altitude grade that is priced from $92,700, features the same black bumpers, wheel arch mouldings and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering grille as the GX and GXL, and adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels with Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres.

It gets a moon roof and optional two-tone exterior paint as well. The five-seat Altitude gains a digital rear-view mirror, colour head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. The range is topped out by the Kakadu grade, priced from $99,990.

It builds on the luxurious specification of the VX and adds a panoramic moon roof, illuminated side steps, heated and ventilated outboard second-row seats, adjustable driver’s seat cushion length, and a digital rear-view mirror.

A heated steering wheel and head-up display round out its features. The VX and Kakadu are available in Eclipse Black metallic, Dusty Bronze metallic and Frosted White pearl, while GX and GXL adds three solid colours – Glacier White, Ebony and Midnight Alloy.

The Altitude is also available with the new Ningaloo Blue and Tanami Taupe solid colours, which are paired with a retro-inspired light grey roof. All prices are plus on-roads and every variant is backed by Toyota’s 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

The first 10 6-monthly services are price-capped, and the new LandCruiser Prado will also be offered as a full-service lease vehicle with Toyota Finance Australia, from Q1 next year. To find out more, contact your local Toyota dealership.

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