New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado fuses modern tech with retro heritage

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has an undisputed reputation for being a vehicle that offers strength, reliability and the ability to cope with the harshest driving conditions. Now Toyota have launched and all-new Prado that has been developed with a strong focus on delivering a vehicle that continues to be a practical and affordable off-roader.

The result is an all-new model that offers a strong, authentic off-road performance, which rides on a new GA-F platform and frame, offers excellent functionality for carrying passengers and cargo, enhanced visibility for the driver and simplicity, with parts designed to be easy to repair or replace.

Modern yet authentic design

The design fuses Land Cruiser heritage with modernity as the robust styling projects reliability, a timeless look and functionality associated with solid quality.

At the same time the design is a clear expression of the vehicle’s status as a fully-fledged off-roader. A timelessness in design simplicity expresses quality and will not look out of date while form follows function. Brought together, these elements create a fusion of heritage and modernity.

The classic Land Cruiser silhouette has been retained with a strong horizontal axis, a long bonnet, upright windscreen, short overhang and distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches. The proportions are also true to the Land Cruiser’s design heritage, with a tight, box-shaped cabin set behind the car’s vertical axis to gain both interior space and comfort.

Frontal elements create a classic Land Cruiser look and functional parts are grouped together towards the centre with high-set headlights. The classic Toyota logo is placed front and centre and at the rear above the licence plate garnish.
The bodywork comprises contrasting sharp hard and glossy curved surfaces for a simple modern look that creates an overall effect of the Prado being carved from a single lump of pure metal.

Well thought out interior

The interior environment expresses a safe, functional look along with an emphasis on durability and high quality.

The instrument panel and upper door mouldings feature strong horizontal lines that ensure an excellent outward view.

Information sources including the driver’s instrument combimeter and multimedia display are set high for easy visibility while a wide console area keeps the driving controls close at hand for quick and intuitive operation. The digital instrument display, which measures either nine or 13-inches depending on grade, presents information with sharp graphics that are clear to read in all lighting conditions.

A high-definition touchscreen, which measures eight or 12.3 inches is operated via simple toggle or push controls. In addition a sense of precision and quality is expressed in the co-ordinated design of control switches and details such as the serrated patterns around the air vents and mode selector, the matching thick upholstery materials and rope-like piping and trim parts that have the look of machined metal.

Material quality, feel and appearance are functional throughout with functional areas finished with durable materials and touch points that are soft and thickly covered.

The Prado offers seating for seven. The front seats feature a new design that provides support when driving off-road and are power adjustable and available with integrated heating and ventilation.

The second-row seats are offered in a bench arrangement that divides 60:40 and on seven seat models the third row comprises two seats that can fold flat manually or with power control.

The boot continues to offer useable space even with the third-row seats in the upright position. The boot is accessed via a top-hinged door, which improves the easy of access along with the availability of power back door operation and an independently opening glass hatch.

Efficient yet sufficient drivetrain

The new Land Cruiser Prado is available exclusively with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, which has been engineered for improved drivability and an excellent balance between fuel efficiency and performance.

The four-cylinder engine offers 150kW at 3 000rpm and 500Nm between 1 600 and 2 800rpm. This is mated to a new eight-speed direct shift automatic transmission which is designed to enhance driving performance and fuel economy. Thanks to closer gear ratios, a compact torque converter and optimised components, the transmission delivers precise lock-up control, rhythmic shifting and smooth acceleration feel.

Power is transferred to all four wheels via permanent all-wheel drive which works in conjunction with centre and rear differentials to achieve the best balance of off-road traction and on-road stability.

Toyota has ensured that the Prado retains the fundamental qualities of being able to take people anywhere and everywhere and bring them back safe and sound. The foundation of this ability is the retention of a body on frame construction and the new GA-F platform. The front suspension comprises a new independent double wishbone system with extended stroke to gain high-road holding performance and off-road capability. At the rear the four-link rigid axle benefits from detailed revisions to achieve smoother, more linear performance while saving weight and enhancing reliability. The Land Cruiser Prado is also the first Toyota to be fitted with a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism.

Multi-Terrain Select adjusts the vehicles steering, drive force and hydraulic brake control to meet the demands of different driving scenarios and is simple to engage using the powertrain control switch and multi-function dial selector on the centre console.

Safety and security

The Land Cruiser Prado boasts comprehensive provisions to assist in preventing accidents from happening and providing protection for everyone on board.

This package includes a host of Toyota Safety Sense 3 features, including Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Crash System as well as Safe Exit Assist. This is complimented by park distance control, wireless door lock as well as curtain, driver, passenger, driver knee, front side, passenger knee and front centre airbags.

Three model variants

The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is available in three model variants. The Prado TX is generously equipped with features such as a seat heater and ventilation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Auto headlamp levelling and a six-speaker sound system.

The VX-R adds a digital rear-view mirror, larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, five-mode drive selector, stabiliser disconnecting mechanism, power folding seats, heads-up display, wireless charger, fridge, heated steering wheel and 10-speaker sound system. Front lighting elements are upgraded to individual LED items in VX-R guise, second row seat heating and ventilation and a powered moonroof.

An exclusive First Edition is differentiated by mono and bi-tone Sand exterior paintwork and First Edition badges. In the cabin front seats feature special upholstery accents with embossing on the door panels, while the driver also gains paddle shift control over the transmission.

Prado 2.8GD TX R1 296 300
Prado 2.8GD VX-R R1 448 900
Prado 2.8GD 1st Edition R1 462 400
Prado 2.8GD 1st Edition Bi-ToneR1 472 600

All Prado models are sold with a nine-services/90 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.