The all-new Land Cruiser Prado is set to continue this iconic nameplates reputation for strength, reliability and the ability to cope with the harshest conditions, in all parts of the globe and it is now available in South Africa.
The development of the 2024 Prado was done along with the conscious decision to bring the Land Cruiser back to its origins, focusing on fundamental quality as a practical and affordable vehicle.
The all-new model offers a strong, authentic off-road performance, underpinned by its new GA-F platform and frame, excellent functionality for the carrying of passengers and cargo, enhanced visibility for the driver and simplicity with parts designed to be easy to repair or replace with customisable items.
The back to origins quality is evident in the vehicle design, which fuses Land Cruiser heritage with modernity. The robust styling projects reliability, a timeless look and functionality associated with solid quality.
Retro yet modern exterior design
The exterior design expresses authentic off-roader performance in a fusion of heritage and modernity while the silhouette and vehicle proportions reference the Land Cruiser’s design heritage with a strong horizontal axis, a long bonnet, upright windscreen, a short front overhang and distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches.
A powerful frontal design incorporates the classic Toyota emblem. Standard headlight options are a slim oblong triple-eye arrangement of LEDs, or a classic round-eye projector bi-LED alongside vertically arranged turn indicator and daytime running lights.
The design also prioritises the best view ahead and this resulted in a bonnet shape with raised sides and a lower section that improves the forward view.
The bodywork displays contrasting sharp hard and glossy curved surfaces for a simple, modern look. The overall effect is that of the Land Cruiser Prado being carved from a single lump of pure metal. A wide stance, flared front and rear wings and a tight body shape combine to emphasise stable performance.
An interior that ticks all the right boxes
The interior prioritises safety, functionality as well as quality and durability. The instrument panel and upper door mouldings have strong horizontal lines. The drivers instrument combi meter and multimedia display are set high for easy visibility and a wide console area keeps driving controls close at hand for quick and intuitive operation. The digital instrument display which measures nine or 12.3-inches according to the equipment grade offers gauges and data with sharp graphics that are clear to read in all lighting conditions.
The multimedia system is accessed via a high-definition touch screen (eight or 12.3-inch) while the physical shape of switches, and their operating methods have been unified.
There is a uniform look to the interior throughout, with consistent material quality, feel and appearance, communicating a strong character. Functional areas are flat and hard while touch points are soft and thickly covered with a sense of volume.
The interior is designed to seat seven passengers. The front seats feature a new design that provides ample support when driving off-road. Thinner seat backs allow for improved rear leg and knee room. Thicker urethane cushions disperse pressure over a wider area of the occupants’ body and are shaped to promote the optimum pelvis angle, reducing the load on the waist and muscles.
The second-row seats are offered in a bench arrangement that can split in a 60:40 fashion while the third row comprises two seats that can be folded flat manually or with power control.
Under the bonnet
The Land Cruiser Prado will be offered exclusively with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, which has been re-engineered for improved driveability and a stronger balance of fuel efficiency and performance. The in-line four-cylinder offers 150kW at 3000rpm and 500Nm from 1600rpm in this application. Key to the excellent performance of this engine in the Prado is a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission that offers seamless shifting while doing an excellent job of keeping the engine in the sweet spot.
The powertrain package has been engineered to provide linear acceleration with a strong initial response, while the lock-up function within the eight-speed automatic transmission suppresses surges in engine revs.
The driveline for the Prado’s permanent all-wheel drive features a revised prop shaft designed for durability and performance while the differentials have also been significantly enhanced and updated from a motor to a solenoid locking type.
Off-road pedigree
The essential quality of the Land Cruiser Prado to take you anywhere and everywhere and bring you back safely includes its ability to tackle extreme off-road conditions with consummate ease.
The Prado’s authentic off-road character is reflected in the retention of a body-on-frame construction and the new GA-F platform which it shares with the Land Cruiser 300. One of the biggest advantages of this platform is that the overall torsional rigidity of the frame has increased by 50%, while that of the frame and body has increased by 30%. The result is a vehicle that responds and moves just as the driver intends.
Permanent four-wheel drive is backed up by the option of low range as well as centre and rear differential locks, allowing drivers to customise the combination of traction and assistance needed according to the obstacle underfoot.
One of the most impressive new features is the Land Cruiser’s Crawl Control, which can be used to maintain a low speed during off-road and downhill driving conditions. The system controls engine torque and brake pressure, avoiding wheelspin and wheel locking and allowing the driver to focus on the steering. Crawl Control operates in the low range and the driver is able to select the appropriate speed using a dial selector, with five different speeds to choose from, appropriate for a wide range of different driving surfaces and inclines.
The front suspension features a new double wishbone system with extended stroke. At the rear the four-link rigid axle benefits from detailed revisions to achieve smoother, more linear performance. The Prado is also the first Toyota to use a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, which offers the benefit of enhancing off-road performance and offering a more comfortable ride on standard roads. By utilising a switch on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar and thereby increase suspension travel and unlock extended wheel articulation.
Multi-Terrain Select adjusts the vehicle’s steering, drive force and hydraulic brake control to meet the demands of different driving scenarios.
A Panoramic View Monitor provides a complete view of the area immediately around and using a Multi-Terrain Monitor function, beneath the vehicle, it helps with precise manoeuvring on challenging terrain, with the driver able to switch between four cameras.
One model three variants
The Prado TX is generously equipped with a wide variety of standard innovations and convenience features which includes a seat heater and ventilation, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Auto Headlamp Levelling and a six-speaker sound system.
The VX-R derivative adds a digital rear-view mirror, larger infotainment screen, five-mode drive selector, stabiliser disconnecting mechanism, power folding seats, heads-up display, wireless charger, fridge, heated steering wheel, 10-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, LED front lights and a moonroof.
The First Edition is the pinnacle of the Prado line up, with approximately 300 units earmarked for the South African market. While it shares similar specification to that of the VX-R, it is distinguishable by classic round headlamps, exclusive mono and bi-tone Sand exterior and First Edition badges. Inside front seats feature special upholstery accents along with embossing on the door panels.
Safety features
The safety arsenal includes a host of Toyota Safety Sense 3 features, including a Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Crash System, Safe Exit Assist, park distance control, wireless door lock and curtain, driver, passenger, driver knee, front side, passenger knee and front centre airbags.
Model range and pricing
All Prado models are sold with a nine-services/90 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.
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-Tone R1 472 600
