2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado launches in Australia

Toyota is presently launching its 2025 Prado up in the Northern Territory and we’re driving it through Kakadu National Park, but we can’t tell you about that just yet! Check back at 7pm on November 21 for those details.

What we can give you now as we jump into the cars is a refresher of what they told us already, and that is that the 250 Series Prado will ride on a variant of the same TNGA-F chassis that underpins the LandCruiser 300 Series, the Lexus GX550 and the Toyota Tundra pick-up.

It’s a bigger car than the 120/150 Series Prado and more akin to an 80 Series Cruiser in size. Styling-wise the boxy body takes many cues from the 60/62 Series Cruisers of yesteryear to give it a retro appearance, with the Australian models all featuring the FJ62-like rectangular headlights; while the round headlight as seen on the 250 in some other markets will not be offered here on any grade.

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The new Prado will be sold here in five grades starting from the GX, then the GXL, VX, Altitude, and top-of-the line Kakadu models.

The Altitude model is now a full-time model rather than a limited edition, and it is the most offroad-focused of the new Prados. It is the only variant that comes with a locking rear differential and front sway bar disconnect mechanism, to give it better traction at the rear axle and more wheel travel at the IFS. It also comes on 18-inch all terrain Toyo tyres and is only offered as a five-seater, leaving more room in the back for cargo by ditching the third-row seats. Leaving the rear seat out also helps with payload.

Inside, all models get the premium 12.3-inch multimedia screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has Bluetooth connectivity and cloud-based in-built sat-nav. The levels of trim vary with the model grades, but all seem to be very well-appointed and laid out. We were impressed with the dash layout and functionality of the LX550 when we tested it, and the Prado carries over most of that design. We’ll verify how well it all works (or doesn’t) next week.

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All 250 Series Prados are powered by the 1GD 2.8-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, boosted by Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active technology. The tech doesn’t increase engine outputs and the mill still makes the respectable 150kW/500Nm we are familiar with from the previous Prado and current LandCruiser 70 models, HiLux and Fortuner variants. The engine is backed by a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time/dual-range four-wheel drive system. The new Prado offers a 3500kg towing capacity with an integrated towbar that is pre-wired and ready to use.

Toyota has developed a range of bullbars and steel front bumper locally for the new Prado, offering both steel and alloy bullbars and semi-looped and loopless front bumpers. The local arm has also created 8000kg rated recovery points for the front of the new Prado and offers a rated recovery point that fits in the rear tow hitch receiver. For more recovery security, you can also get a Warn winch that fits in behind the front bumper and has been officially tested and approved by Toyota Australia.

For roof storage, Toyota has developed two- and three-bar rack systems for the 250 Prado, depending on the grade, with up to 90kg capacity. These are available with a range of accessories to carry all sorts of gear and sporting equipment.

Read our review on November 21, at 7pm!