New Prado gains regulatory approval in Oz

FURTHER details of the hotly anticipated Toyota LandCruiser Prado have been revealed by government approval details published this week and brought to light by Australian media outlet Drive.

Sleuth work on behalf of the outlet shows the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel Prado will receive 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance – as per the recently updated HiLux – producing 150kW/500Nm and matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive.

Five model grades are expected to be available to Australian customers: GX, GXL, VX, Altitude and Kakadu.

Taking these into account, and in addition to seating capacity and wheel sizes, Drive estimates that 20 variations of the new four-wheel drive SUV will be available, including those with and without anti-roll bar disconnect and a sunroof.

Each variant is listed with a tare mass and gross vehicle mass (GVM), allowing the range-split to be deduced as follows:

As the article rightly suggests, the figures are yet to be confirmed by Toyota Australia, but do suggest a payload range of between 640-675kg, which is approximate to the values of the current model range.

For reference, the current generation Prado tips the scale from between 2215kg and 2325kg with a GVM of 2990kg across the line-up. A 3500kg braked towing capacity is confirmed as being again offered on the updated range.

Prices for the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado range have yet to be announced, however, GoAuto understands the flagship variants will move closer in price to the LandCruiser 300 Series, with some overlap expected.

The current Prado range is priced from $62,830 to $87,468 plus on-road costs.

As reported previously, the fifth generation LandCruiser Prado will be available with a choice of eight exterior colours including the new Altitude-exclusive Tanami Taupe and Ningaloo Blue, optionally available with a white roof.

Speaking to Australian media in February, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the all-new LandCruiser Prado will continue to resonate with Australian families and adventurers.

“Over decades the Prado has become a favourite for Australians in need of an SUV able to transport the whole family during the week and go off the beaten path on the weekend, all with signature Toyota reliability,” he said.

“The new-generation Prado will continue the legacy forged by its predecessors when it arrives here later this year, with the addition of 48-volt technology and the new Altitude grade making it more appealing than ever.”