2018 Toyota Prado leaked online

The internet has been filled with plenty of images of a facelifted Toyota Prado over the past few months that are rumoured to represent the 2018 model.

The popular 4x4 wagon last received a major refresh in 2009 when a reskin transformed the 120 Series in to the 150, but its underpinnings hark back to the launch of the 120 Series back in 2002. The most recent changes came in 2015 when the 2.8-litre 1GD engine was introduced to Toyota’s 4x4 fleet.

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It seems we’ll have to wait a while longer for an all-new Prado as these leaked images appear to show another facelift. The front end of the Prado gets the most attention with the drooping headlights being replaced by more slimline units, the chrome vertical design grille getting bolder, and the bonnet gaining LC200-like parallel bulges running its length.

The wheels on the vehicle shown are new to the Toyota Prado and the taillights are different, too. Photographs of Japanese-spec vehicles have again shown the spare wheel is tucked under the car. However, thankfully, these pics show the spare mounted on the rear door.

This allows for the large 150-litre fuel tank that is a major selling point for Australian Prado buyers.

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The interior photos reveal more changes inside with the transmission shifter moving up in to the dash alongside the steering column and an all-new centre dash with a bigger AV screen and revised HVAC controls.

There’s no word on powertrain changes, however, with the 1GD engine still being relatively new, we don’t expect anything major mechanically. There could be new safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking fitted to more models. Currently, only the top of the range Prado Kakadu gets the full suite of driver-aid technology.

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Toyota staff are the masters of saying nothing about future models and nothing has changed in that regard. But the pictures don’t lie and our mail suggests a fourth-quarter launch in 2017 for this updated Prado