Yip, I am nicking Toyota’s hashtag for its new Land Cruiser Prado, but I feel it really does encapsulate this new vehicle. I was lucky enough to go to Mozambique (one of my favourite countries on earth) to attend the launch and gosh what a vibe it was. Not because of the R&Rs consumed, obviously (IYKYK).
Let’s start with a little history…
The Land Cruiser has been around for 72 years. It was known as the Toyota BJ (not sure who thought that was a great name). It became the first vehicle to successfully climb to the sixth station on the slopes of Mount Fuji. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that its enduring worldwide reputation has made it one of Toyota’s best-selling models, with more than 11.3 million sales to date, across more than 170 countries and regions. Development of the 2024 Prado has seen a conscious decision to bring the Land Cruiser back to its origins, focusing on its fundamental quality as a practical and affordable vehicle.
Consider that the Land Cruiser offers customers the 300 series which is its fancy luxury SUV, the 70 series which is more utilitarian, and then this, the Prado, which is a bit of both and targets a very distinct customer and has done since 1985.
Can you believe that it has been 15 years since the previous generation was launched locally. Let’s just say that it was certainly due an update. And boy oh boy has Toyota delivered. I am in love with the look of this Prado. I think it is timeless and I will still love it in years to come. It’s got that no-frills-no-fuss air about it. It’s built to go off-road after all, does it need to be precious about it? I say not! The parts have been designed to take on harsh conditions as well as to be easy to replace if they are damaged. Smart!
The trim levels include TX and VX-R, as well as a 1st Edition and 1st Edition Bi-Tone. The 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. Many colleagues at the launch preferred the round-eye. I would happy with either. Beggars can’t be choosers and all that jazz.
The exterior is not the only wow factor on this car. The cabin has seen a dramatic change. Thank goodness because it really needed it. Before I mention the features, something worth noting, is the visibility. From the enormous side mirrors to the rear window to the lower dash and swopped design of the bonnet, it is very easy to see out of this vehicle and everything around you. Even as a rear passenger. This would make for a great game viewing car.
When it comes to standard features across the range, you’re looking at Clearance and Parking Sonar, leather seats with lumbar support, dual zone auto air conditioner, seven USB ports, Toyota Safety Sense 3, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power back door and 18” Alloy wheels.
There is an HD touchscreen infotainment system (9 or 12.3-inch depending on trim level) as well as a digital instrument cluster which is also 9 or 12.3-inches. The physical shape of the switches and their operating methods have been unified – simple toggle or push controls – so the driver can operate them easily without having to look away from the wheel or change their posture.
As we know, off-roading can be quite tough on the body, ask me how I know (I had surgery two weeks before this trip, which was not, in hindsight, well planned), but never you mind because there are knee pads and padded door shoulders, plus the door panel has a scooped profile so the driver has space for free elbow movement. It has a new steering wheel design with wide spoke openings to help prevent fingers being injured in the event of steering kickback.
It is a well thought out cabin with everything seemingly having a purpose and functionality really being taken into account. The materials are quality-built and everything feels really solid. Functional areas are flat and hard and touch points are soft and thickly covered with a sense of volume.
There are seven seats available on the Prado. The seats have been redesigned and are also available with integrated heating and ventilation. The second-row seats are offered in a bench arrangement that divides 60:40, and on the seven-seat model the third row comprises two seats that can be folded flat manually or with power control.
So what’s the engine vibe?
Gone is the naturally aspirated 4.0l V6 petrol engine. I know, I know, devastation all round. It is a bit disappointing but not exactly a shock in this day and age, is it? The LC Prado is now exclusively powered by a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine. It is mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission and produces 150 kW of power and 500 Nm. This engine is known for its performance and efficiency but this has been taken a step further with a re-engineering of this motor. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.9l/100 km, but let me tell you somethign really impressive, we got a reading of just 7.1l/100 km. We were driving between 80 and 100 km/h through the roads of Maputo, but this is still a very impressive number, especially as this is a 4X4.
If I had to critique the Prado, and only because I am forced to as a motoring journalist, I would say that it might not feel as refined on the road as something like the Defender. With that said, however, it was more than comfortable and I would be more than happy on a long road trip in this. Even if I hate long road trips.
If the Prado was ever a match for the Defender, it is now! This car feels no pain off road. It can go anywhere. We did a lot of sand, gravel and even some mud driving. The Prado laughs in the face of any of it. If you do get yourself stuck in some soft sand, for example, the Crawl Control will have you out with a ridiculous amount of ease. The system tests each wheel for traction and then will attempt to free the vehicle at a very slow speed. You just need to be there to move the steering the wheel.
SHOULD YOU BUY A LAND CRUISER PRADO
You won’t be able to at this point because they have all been sold, but if you are willing to wait a rather long time, then the answer is a unanimous YES! It is a fantastic vehicle that is cheaper than most of its rivals. In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is incredibly well priced. You will have this car for decades, at least, because you know, when it comes to a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, you are getting superb quality. Ps. Can you tell I want one?
PRICING OF THE NEW PRADO
- Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD TX – R1 296 300
- Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX – R1 448 900
- Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R First Edition – R1 462 400
- Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R First Edition Bi-Tone – R1 472 600
