Toyota has launched its new-generation LandCruiser Prado SUV delivering comprehensive improvements in driveability, off-road capability, safety, technology and functionality, all wrapped in a bold, stylish redesign that will appeal to urban families and off-road adventurers alike.
The all-new LandCruiser Prado is built on a stronger and stiffer TNGA-F architecture, shared with its larger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling, and introduces Toyota’s latest on and off-road driver assistance, multimedia and active safety technologies, and new 48-volt assisted V-Active technology powertrain mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
In developing the new model, Toyota went back to its origins to seek inspiration from the qualities that have made the LandCruiser such an iconic nameplate and delivered on the essence of that history with the all-new LandCruiser Prado, evident in its design, its agility and serious off-road capability, and practical functionality.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the distinctive new styling, improved driveability and off-road capability, and advanced technology of the new model would make the LandCruiser Prado more appealing than ever to Australian customers.
“Australians love the LandCruiser Prado for its family-friendly amenity, supreme off-road ability and the durability and reliability that makes it worthy of the LandCruiser nameplate,” Mr Hanley said.
“The all-new model takes everything that customers love about the LandCruiser Prado to a new level, along with a stylish new design, enhanced technology and greater comfort and driveability.
“With its outstanding practicality and superb on and off-road performance, the all-new LandCruiser Prado is the perfect SUV for the weekday urban commute and extended adventures beyond the tarmac,” he said.
The new 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, with all featuring the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Underpinned by the stronger and stiffer TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture, the LandCruiser Prado has grown compared to the outgoing generation, with the wheelbase extended by 60mm to 2850mm and front and rear track widened by 79mm and 83mm to 1664mm and 1668mm respectively1.
This has enabled Toyota to extend the overall length of the LandCruiser Prado by 165mm to 4990mm and increase its width by 95mm to 1980mm1, providing an increase in interior space.
The dramatic new exterior design, inspired by LandCruisers of the past, offers both a retro aesthetic and substantial functional benefits.
With a low beltline, a flat bonnet, and big glass areas, the all-new LandCruiser 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 a new-look design which vastly improves the level of technology, comfort and space for five or seven occupants, depending on the grade.
All variants feature Toyota’s latest generation multimedia system operated via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or steering wheel controls. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay®2 and Android Auto™3, and features full Bluetooth®4 connectivity, AM/FM/DAB+ radio5 and embedded and cloud-based satellite navigation6.
The LandCruiser Prado is powered exclusively by Toyota’s tried and tested 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, augmented with 48-volt V-Active technology, which offers improvements to smoothness, driveability and fuel efficiency.
Producing peak outputs of 150kW/500Nm, the powertrain is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a broader spread of ratios than before, with a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual-range transfer case and a centre lockable Torsen®7 limited slip differential (LSD).
The adventure-focussed Altitude version takes its off-road capability even further with a lockable rear differential and front stabiliser disconnect mechanism (SDM) that enables the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected to further improve wheel articulation in harsh environments.
Other driver assistance systems for on and off-road environments include vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist control and crawl control,8 while the standard trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness help facilitate the new LandCruiser Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity9.
All grades feature a double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension with VX and Kakadu grades adding adaptive variable suspension (AVS) to enhance ride comfort and handling on rough roads.
The braking and steering systems have been substantially improved to provide greater response and feel with the new LandCruiser Prado featuring electric power assistance for the steering for the first time.
GX, GXL and Altitude grades feature a three-mode drive mode select system that adjusts transmission shift points and pedal and steering response, according to driver preferences and conditions, while 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 that adjusts the vehicle stability and traction control system for different terrain such as dirt, mud, snow and sand.
All grades of the new LandCruiser Prado are fitted with the latest generation suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies8, along with Toyota Connected Services10 which uses an inbuilt data communication module to provide a wealth of remotely accessible vehicle information via the myToyota Connect smartphone app11.
The driver-assist safety features are designed for on- and off-road performance, and use an improved camera and radar system that is able to scan the road with greater accuracy and over greater distances.
Technologies include the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety (PCS) system, 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, along with front and rear parking sensors and nine SRS airbags.8
The five-variant LandCruiser Prado range is priced from $72,500 plus on-road costs12 for the five-seat GX, which is identifiable from the outside by 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, black bumpers and wheelarch 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 and 60:40 split-fold rear seats, 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, one 12V accessory port and a 220V charging port.
Stepping up to the $79,99012 GXL adds a 50:50 split-fold third row of seating and is differentiated from the GX by its standard roof rails, powered tailgate, rear privacy glass and silver front and rear guard trim.
Additional comfort and luxury is provided to passengers with 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 rearview mirror.
Extra charging options include a front wireless charging pad13 and two extra USB-C ports in the third row.
The mid-grade variant for the LandCruiser Prado range is the seven-seat VX offered from $87,400 plus on-roads12, which adds the black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn logo, body-coloured bumpers and wheelarches, 20-inch alloy wheels, and high-grade LED headlights with automatic high beam and dynamic auto-levelling.
Further amenity and comfort comes in the form of leather-accented upholstery with black or chateau colour schemes, driver’s seat lumbar support and memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, 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®7 premium audio system and tyre pressure monitor.
The off-road flagship of the LandCruiser Prado range is the newly introduced Altitude grade that is priced from $92,70012, which features the same black bumpers, wheelarch mouldings and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering grille as the GX and GXL, and adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels with Toyo®7 Open Country all-terrain tyres, a moon roof and optional two-tone exterior paint14.
With added convenience and comfort over the VX, the five-seat Altitude gains a digital rearview mirror, colour head-up display, and a heated steering wheel.
The LandCruiser Prado range is topped by the Kakadu grade priced from $99,99012. 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, Toyota-first adjustable driver’s seat cushion length, a digital rearview mirror, heated steering wheel and head-up display.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage provides each new LandCruiser Prado customer with five years and unlimited kilometres of warranty coverage.15
Toyota Australia offers five years of capped-price servicing for the LandCruiser Prado at $390 per service for the first 10 services, over intervals of six months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.16
Toyota is also planning to offer the LandCruiser Prado with the option of a full-service lease (FSL) through Toyota Finance Australia.
For one single, easy-to-manage monthly payment, the full-service lease bundles scheduled servicing and maintenance, mechanical repairs, replacement tyres, Roadside Assist, Toyota Comprehensive Insurance, and registration and compulsory third-party insurance.
A total of eight exterior colours are available across the LandCruiser Prado range. VX and Kakadu buyers can choose from Eclipse Black metallic, Dusty Bronze metallic and Frosted White pearl, while GX and GXL add three solid colours – Glacier White, Ebony and Midnight Alloy.14
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.14
