Latest Cars
Introducing The All-New 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser AKA Prado
After 14 years, Toyota has finally replaced the Land Cruiser Prado. This chunky, overloaded with retro elements SUV gets an electrified chassis for the first time in its history and it promises to be better than any of its previous models.
This new Toyota Land Cruiser is by no means small. In fact, with a length of 4.92, it is only a few centimeters shorter than its bigger brother. Like the larger Land Cruiser (J300), the Prado stands on a ladder chassis of the GA-F family. This brand new Land Cruiser Prado, which is also coming to Nigeria (by late 2024), has even more in common technically with this recently presented brand new Lexus GX. The relationship with that car is evident when you look at the windows, the kink in the shoulder line, and the window styles. It is also striking that the new GX – actually Lexus’ version of this Land Cruiser – came earlier. Earlier generations of the Lexus GX always appeared after the Toyota original.
Measuring at 1.98 meters wide, 1.87 meters high and has a wheelbase of 2.85 meters. The ladder frame is 50 percent stiffer than that of the outgoing Land Cruiser Prado, the bolt-on body is stiffer and the frame itself is 30 centimeters higher. These are all things that, according to Toyota, contribute to more comfort and better-driving characteristics, both on and off the asphalt.
In addition, the Prado gets electrically controlled power steering for the first time, which according to the Japanese produces less recoil on rougher terrain. In addition, the new platform opens the gates for the arrival of new passive and active safety systems, including Lane Tracing Assist. Also new is a system that Toyota calls Stabilizer Disconnection Mechanism (DSM). This consists of a detachable anti-roll bar at the front that should make a contribution, especially in off-road conditions. Thanks to the Multi-Terrain Monitor you can also see what is going on under the car.
Design: Heritage
The Prado is – just like the Lexus GX – a strikingly angular and therefore chunky appearance. Unlike the Lexus, the Toyota is overloaded with retro elements. Luckily for Toyota, the Prado bloodline goes back far enough for a sizable pool of ideas to fish out.
For example, in both the front and the back we observe influences from the Land Cruiser J80 series in particular and to a lesser extent from the J60. In any case, that design cocktail of old and new gives it a completely unique look. The style is even somewhat reminiscent of the FJ Cruiser. That is not very strange, after all, that car was also quite peppered with classic Land Cruiser elements. In the unlikely event that you have damage, various body parts can easily be replaced with new ones, according to Toyota. Smart.
Interior
Straight, clean lines also dominate the interior. The only round elements are the air vents on either side of the dashboard, the steering wheel, the selector for the different driving modes, and small rotary knobs in the central air vents. The robust design is combined with a digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel and a large infotainment system high in the center console. You can turn to physical buttons for climate control, among other things. The new Toyota Land Cruiser will be available as a five- and seven-seater.
Mild hybrid
The Prado comes on the market in Europe with a 2.8-liter diesel engine. That power source is good for 204 hp. It seems to be the engine that was introduced in its predecessor in 2020 and which also serves in the Hilux. In those two models, the power source is good for 500 Nm. The 2.8 is always tied to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, with which it can pull a maximum of 3,500 kilos. The new Prado will also come to Europe with a mild hybrid powertrain later. It consists of the same 2.8, although the whole is equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology. A mild hybrid 2.8 gets the same 204 hp and 500 Nm strong powertrain. Elsewhere in the world, the Prado will also be available as a 326 hp hybrid with a 2.4 petrol engine and with a non-hybrid 281 hp 2.4. There is also a 163 hp turbo less 2.7 petrol engine on the international engine list.
First Edition
No new model without a special introduction version these days and so there is a Toyota Land Cruiser (Prado) First Edition. The order books for that variant will open in October. 3,000 units will come to Europe. You can recognize them by special round headlights – the regular models get flatter and rectangular ones – and by the two-tone color scheme Sand and Smokey Blue.
