2024 Toyota Prado imagined: Best look yet, everything we know so far
This is our best look yet at the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado, based on its Lexus GX luxury sibling. Here’s everything we know so far.
After 14 years of the current model, a new 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado four-wheel-drive wagon is finally around the corner – due to be unveiled later this year ahead of showroom arrivals next year.
Last week’s unveiling of the new-generation Lexus GX – the Prado’s luxury twin – is our best look yet at Toyota’s newest 4WD, and previews a boxy new look, more advanced technology, and the introduction of hybrid power.
While the new Toyota Prado isn’t due to be unveiled for a few more months, Drive commissioned Photoshop whiz Theottle to illustrate what the new Prado could look like, based on the new Lexus GX, and sketches of the Prado from Japanese magazines based on inside sources who have seen the final design.
For everything we know so far on the new Toyota Prado, continue reading through the sub-headings below.
MORE: 2024 Lexus GX unveiled: Toyota Prado luxury twin in line for Australia next year
2024 Toyota Prado design photos: Boxy styling coming
The previous two generations of Lexus GX since 2002 have been closely related to the Toyota Prado models they were based on, differentiated through new front and rear fascias, different wheels and light signatures, and unique interior appointments.
If that trend continues – as Japanese media outlets predict – the new Prado looks set to inherit its boldest exterior design since the original 1990 model, which was based on the now-38-year-old, box-shaped LandCruiser 70 Series.
Although the Lexus GX provides a clear indication of the new Toyota Prado’s side profile, front and rear end styling are yet to be revealed.
However, reports published by Japanese magazines Best Car and Mag-X corroborate a design represented in Theottle’s illustrations in this story, blending cues from the current model with mild inspiration from the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series.
Best Car reports there may be multiple front-end designs available for the new Prado, including one with circular 70 Series-inspired headlight internals. It is unclear if these will be available in all markets.
The future of the ‘barn door’ tailgate – with a mounted spare wheel – is unclear, as the new Lexus GX ditched its barn-door design for a top-hinged tailgate similar to the full-size Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.
If the spare wheel is mounted under the vehicle in all models, it may spell the end for the secondary fuel tank – which can hold 63 litres in today’s model, in addition to the 87-litre main fuel tank.
2024 Toyota Prado engines: Diesel or hybrid power?
While we now have a good idea of how the Toyota Prado will look, speculation out of Japan varies on what will sit under the bonnet.
The Lexus GX is available with petrol power only: a 3.4-litre (often marketed as a 3.5-litre) twin-turbocharged, non-hybrid V6 or a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid.
The Toyota Prado is expected to retain some form of diesel power – as it is sold in more markets where diesel is popular – but it is unclear what engine from the Toyota family will be fitted.
The front-runner – according to the latest reports from reputable Japanese magazines – is an evolution of the 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder in today’s Prado, plus the HiLux ute, Fortuner 4WD and HiAce van.
In the current model it develops 150kW and 500Nm, following an update in 2020 – but it could be upgraded to match the 165kW and 550Nm of the inbound Toyota HiLux GR Sport off-road ute.
Some form of hybrid power is expected to feature in the new LandCruiser Prado range, but it remains unclear in what form electrified technology will be made available.
Japanese media have pointed to the 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system bound for the new Lexus GX (as the GX550h), as well as the Toyota Tacoma pick-up in the US.
In the Tacoma this hybrid system – which is also available in select Toyota and Lexus family SUVs – develops 243kW and 630Nm, however Drive has previously reported the GX550h may quote closer to 260kW and 650Nm, a tune that could flow onto the Prado.
Toyota inside sources have told Drive there are no plans to add a hybrid twin-turbo petrol V6 to the Lexus GX – a decision expected to apply to the Prado.
Overseas reports have also suggested hybrid assistance may be coming to the 2.8-litre diesel engine.
Drive has previously reported on plans to introduce a “mild-hybrid” version of the 2.8-litre diesel engine in the current, eight-year-old HiLux and Fortuner next year, but the new Prado – as an all-new vehicle with a decade in showrooms ahead of it to amortise any investment– could justify more advanced hybrid tech.
It is unclear if there are plans to fit the 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 from the LandCruiser 300 Series, as reported overseas through much of last year.
Just as the 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 was detuned for the Lexus GX to avoid stepping on the toes of the larger Lexus LX with the same engine, the diesel V6 could be less powerful in the Prado than the 300 Series, if Toyota elects to fit it.
Other options floated in overseas reports include new 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre diesel engines, a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, and a 2.7-litre petrol engine.
2024 Toyota Prado size: Growth spurt inbound
Underpinning the new Toyota Prado will be the same TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture as the Lexus GX, as well as – in a larger format – the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Lexus LX, as well as the Toyota Tacoma and larger Tundra pick-ups.
Official dimensions for the Lexus GX lend weight to reports out of Japan the new Prado will be larger than the current model – and close the gap to the LandCruiser 300 Series.
According to Best Car, the new Prado will measure 4900mm long, 1920mm wide and 1900mm tall, riding on a 2850mm wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles).
Those figures make it 75mm longer overall, 35mm wider, 10mm taller and 60mm longer in wheelbase than today’s model.
Compared to a LandCruiser 300 Series, the new Prado is said to be 80mm shorter in overall length, 60mm narrower and 50mm lower, with an identical wheelbase.
The wheelbase reported by Best Car – before the GX was unveiled – is identical to the new Lexus GX. The publication’s dimensions make the new Prado 50mm shorter in overall length, 60mm narrower but, oddly, 35mm taller than the GX.
Seven seats are expected to remain available, mirroring the Lexus GX.
Will it still be called the Toyota Prado?
Reports out of Japan in recent months have claimed the new Prado could ditch its long-running name in favour of the ‘LandCruiser 250 Series’ badge, referencing the expected model code of the new Prado (today’s model is the 150 Series).
However, there has been no word of this change happening in Australia, where the Prado name has been used since the vehicle was introduced to local showrooms in its second generation in 1997.
There is some precedent for a name change, as the Prado is today sold just as the ‘LandCruiser’ in much of Europe – as the full-size model is not sold there.
North American reports have suggested the new Prado could be introduced in the US simply as the ‘LandCruiser’, to lead a return of the iconic badge to the US after it disappeared with the end of 200 Series production in 2021 – as the 300 Series is not sold there.
2024 Toyota Prado technology and interior
The new Toyota Prado is expected to benefit from many of the technology and comfort upgrades in the Lexus GX – as well as other new Toyota vehicles, including the Tacoma pick-up in the US.
Inside this is expected to include a widescreen 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch or 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and over-the-air updates.
The current model is available with a 9.0-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s previous-generation infotainment software – not the new system in the Tacoma and GX – and a small 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster.
Features available in the new Lexus GX – many of which may reach the Prado – include power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a power tailgate, wireless phone charging, a sunroof, 360-degree cameras, a premium stereo, and a digital rear-view mirror.
Under the skin, the GX is available with Toyota’s Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) – its first use on a Lexus.
It also receives a locking rear differential, adaptive damping, Multi-Terrain Select off-road modes, hill-descent control, and front and rear off-road cameras.
New Toyota Prado release date in Australia
According to the latest information out of Japan, the new 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is due to go into production in Japan this October ahead of first overseas showroom arrivals in April 2024.
Drive has been told similar information by Toyota and Lexus sources overseas. The new Lexus GX is due to commence production at a similar time to the global Prado, it is believed.
Australian showroom arrivals for most new Toyota vehicles in popular market segments typically commence up to six months after Japanese deliveries begin, suggesting the new Prado could be in local showrooms from the middle of next year.
Meanwhile, its new Lexus GX twin is yet to be confirmed for Australia, but Drive expects it to arrive in local showrooms by the middle of 2024.
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