What came first the chicken or the egg, or in this case the Toyota Prado or Hyundai
Santa Fe?
Just like the Santa Fe that we previewed a few weeks ago, the all-new LandCruiser
Prado has adopted a tougher, more utilitarian look.
Due to arrive in Australian showrooms towards the middle of next year, it benefits
from significant mechanical upgrades, enhanced performance and rugged styling
changes.
Since its arrival in 1996, Prado has been one of Australia’s most popular large SUVs
thanks to its blend of capability, amenity and comfort.
The new-generation Prado adopts a new design direction that carries horizontal lines
inspired by early model LandCruisers, which combined with strong wheel arches,
gives a muscular appearance.
A low beltline improves visibility for occupants.
The front end is based around a rectangular grille and triple headlights, with a low-
set front cowl to improve forward visibility.
At the rear, the Prado features a vertically oriented tailgate and simple tail-light
signature to complement the front end, with silver lower bumpers at both the front
and rear of the vehicle.
Measuring 4920mm long, 1988mm wide and 1860mm high, it’s 95mm longer and
wider, and 10mm taller than before.
It also has a 60mm longer wheelbase at 2850mm, matching the LandCruiser 300
Series. In fact, Prado now shares its underpinnings with the 300 Series, riding on the
rugged and sophisticated TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis which is 50 per cent more
rigid than the current-generation Prado, helping to increase overall vehicle rigidity by
30 per cent.
The modern and stiff platform allows for improved suspension performance with
greater wheel articulation for off-roading and excellent handling and ride comfort on-
road.
Wheel articulation is improved further with Toyota’s brand-new stabiliser-bar control
system which allows the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected for excellent wheel
articulation, while enhanced functionality for the multi-terrain select and multi-terrain
monitor systems to improve Prado’s off-road capability.
The adoption of electric power steering provides a crisper steering feel and
enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability on-road, maximises control when off-roading,
and allows compatibility with active safety systems such as lane trace assist.
In Australia, the all-new Prado will be offered with the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel
four-cylinder engine enhanced by a 48-volt mild hybrid.
Producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, the 1GD engine drives all four
wheels via a new Direct Shift-8AT eight-speed automatic transmission which
replaces the existing six-speed unit.
The interior of new Prado has a clean, stylish and functional interior design with dual
digital screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system, and an intuitive
layout for the switches that group basic functions together.
Prado will be available with either five- or seven-seat layouts depending on variant
and will be offered with a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety
technologies.
Further details will be revealed closer to launch in 2024.
