There are only a few more sleeps until we get to see the next-generation Toyota LandCruiser Prado.
Toyota has confirmed it will globally unveil the new LandCruiser on August 2 at 11:00 AEST and in the lead-up it has uploaded a range of teaser images and videos on its social media.
It’s been rumoured the next Prado, which was previewed by the Lexus GX, will simply be badged the LandCruiser in North America. That market misses out on the full-sized LandCruiser 300 Series sold in markets like Australia.
Toyota USA has teased a blue LandCruiser that has ‘Toyota’ written out on the grille alongside a classic J60-generation LandCruiser, whereas Toyota Japan teased a white model.
They appear to look virtually identical to each other as they have the same rectangular headlight and tail light designs. It’s likely the two teased vehicles are different variants of the same car.
There’s also a very clear stylistic connection with the Lexus GX that was recently confirmed for an Australian launch in the first half of 2024. They both appear to have the same boxy flared wheel arches, bulging bonnet, and flat tailgate design.
It’s likely the new Prado will be built on a version of the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture that not only underpins the new Lexus GX, but the Lexus LX, Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Tacoma.
At launch the Lexus GX will be powered by a 3.4-litre turbocharged petrol V6 that in the US produces 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque. It’s unclear if this engine will be offered in the new Prado.
Japanese outlet Best Car Web has previously speculated the next-generation Prado will be available with hybrid power for the first time, as well as a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
Given Toyota has a 2.4 turbo with hybrid power in its stable – producing total outputs of 197kW/450Nm in the Crown – this seems a likely inclusion for the Prado.
A non-hybridised 2.4-litre turbo is also found in a raft of Toyota and Lexus products, including the Kluger crossover.
The report also makes note of a turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6. Toyota has a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol-hybrid in its full-sized Tundra ute, called the i-Force Max, which produces 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque.
Given the continued popularity of diesel SUVs in markets like Australia, a turbo-diesel is expected to continue. It’s unclear whether this would be a version of the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder, or the 3.3-litre V6 of the LandCruiser 300 Series.
A diesel hybrid powertrain has previously been rumoured, combining a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery.
The Prado will reportedly change little in terms of dimensions, with a length of 4825mm, width of 1885mm, and a height of 1850mm on a 2790mm wheelbase – identical to the current car, albeit 40mm lower.
For context, the Lexus GX measures in at 5004mm long, 2114mm wide (inc. mirrors), and up to 1935mm tall, with a 2850mm wheelbase.
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Current Prado -
Lexus GX
The current Prado has remained popular both here and abroad despite its age, and could retain its title of Australia’s favourite Large SUV this year – provided Toyota can shore up supply.
Regardless of when the next Prado launches, Toyota will have been beaten to market with a hybrid body-on-frame SUV as GWM readies its Tank 300 for Australia.
The more Prado-sized Tank 500 is also expected to follow, and could offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Ford’s new Ranger-based Everest also rides on a platform that supports electrification, with both Blue Oval models expected to eventually gain a plug-in hybrid.
