2024 Toyota Prado off-road specs: Deep dive, comparison with 300 Series
Here’s everything we know so far about the dimensions and off-road capabilities of the new Toyota Prado – and how it compares to its predecessor, and the larger LandCruiser 300 Series.
The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (250 Series) has been unveiled this week, with a boxy appearance and plenty of new technology.
To read about the new Prado’s design, interior, technology, key features and engines, click here to read our full reveal story.
But for a deep-dive into every off-road and size metric Toyota has announced so far – and how the new Prado compares to its predecessor, the larger LandCruiser 300 Series, and its Lexus GX luxury twin – read on.
MORE: 2024 Toyota Prado unveiled, due in Australia mid next year
MORE: Why the LandCruiser Prado is Australia’s favourite four-wheel-drive
2024 Toyota Prado underpinnings
Whereas previous Prado generations used a distinct body-on-frame platform shared with the likes of the Toyota Tacoma pick-up and 4Runner 4WD sold in the US, the new LandCruiser Prado 250 Series uses the same foundation as the 300 Series LandCruiser.
The new platform is called TNGA-F, which stands for Toyota New Global Architecture, and ‘F’ to designate a body-on-frame construction. It continues to use a ladder chassis underneath, with strut-based independent front suspension and a live rear axle.
The new Prado uses the same 2850mm wheelbase as the 300 Series LandCruiser – an increase of 60mm compared to the 150 Series Prado it replaces.
Each generation of the LandCruiser Prado has grown, and it’s no different with the 250 Series. The new model is 100mm longer than the old Prado (4925mm), as well as 95mm wider (1980mm) and 20mm taller (1870mm).
This makes the LandCruiser Prado only marginally smaller than the 300 Series overall, and much closer in overall size in comparison to previous generations.
2024 Toyota Prado ground clearance, off-road angles and fuel tank
According to details published by Toyota USA, the LandCruiser Prado 250 has 221mm of available ground clearance (or 210mm running clearance), which is about average for a vehicle of this size – at least on paper.
Other clearance metrics are about average for the class, with 31-degree approach, 25-degree ramp-over and 21-degree departure angles.
It is yet to be confirmed whether the LandCruiser Prado will retain the option of a rear-mounted spare wheel, as offered on previous generations. The tailgate-mounted spare has historically allowed for up to 180 litres of fuel capacity.
So far Toyota has only confirmed a tailgate with a full-size under-slung spare. Considering the rear door of the Prado is now top-hinged (instead of side-hinged), there is a chance the rear-mounted spare wheel will be discontinued for this new-generation Prado.
However, the new model does appear to get the handy glass window that opens separately from the door.
In the outgoing Prado, opting for a rear-mounted spare wheel allowed the fitment of a second 90-litre fuel tank, for 180 litres of available fuel capacity. The fuel tank capacity for the new model is yet to be confirmed.
2024 Toyota Prado four-wheel-drive system
While Toyota has not confirmed the crawl ratio of the new LandCruiser Prado, the move to an eight-speed automatic transmission – replacing the old six-speed unit – places it in good stead to have gears suited to off-road use.
For reference, the current-generation LandCruiser Prado has a crawl ratio of 36:1 in first gear, low range.
Along with keeping a full-time four-wheel-drive system, it appears that the Prado has retained the same mechanical-style centre differential of the previous generation – a format with the LandCruiser 300 Series.
It puts the LandCruiser Prado at odds with other 4WDs – such as the Ford Everest, Land Rover Defender and Nissan Patrol – which use four-wheel drive systems that connect the front and rear wheels via electronically-controlled clutch packs.
Part-time four-wheel-drives – such as the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and most four-wheel-drive utes – allow for only rear-wheel drive on the bitumen, with four-wheel drive reserved for off-road use on loose surfaces.
Images show the next-generation LandCruiser Prado will offer a locking rear differential (e-locker), something which has been available on the current Prado from the GXL model up since 2018.
Prior to that, a locking rear differential was only available on the top-of-the-range Kakadu.
2024 Toyota Prado front sway bar disconnect
Another new detail is the inclusion of a front sway-bar disconnect, similar to what is offered on a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Gladiator Rubicon. This removes some restriction in the front suspension when engaged, and can allow improved off-road wheel articulation.
It is currently unclear whether this system uses similar components to Toyota’s so-called KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), which uses a hydraulic system to connect and disconnect the sway bars as needed.
The KDSS system – in its latest electronic ‘e-KDSS’ form – is available on the LandCruiser 300 Series in GR Sport trim, as well as the new Prado’s luxury Lexus GX twin (due in Australia next year) in off-road-focused Overtrail form.
KDSS is available as standard fitment or an option on the current-generation 150-series Prado, depending on specification.
2024 Toyota Prado engine
Toyota has continued with the trend of offering one diesel engine in the LandCruiser Prado in Australia, after the option of a petrol V6 was axed in 2017 – at a similar time to deleting similar V6 or V8 petrol engines in the LandCruiser 200 Series and HiLux.
The new Prado uses a carry-over 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, which quotes identical outputs of 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm at 1600-2800rpm.
However the engine is now connected to a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system – also bound for the HiLux SR5 and Rogue next year – which Toyota claims can trim fuel consumption in urban settings.
Available overseas is a hybrid combining a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, for outputs of 243kW and 630Nm.
Unlike Australia’s mild-hybrid diesel, the petrol-electric Prado is a ‘full’ hybrid that is expected to be capable of greater fuel savings than an equivalent petrol-only vehicle, though fuel economy figures are yet to be confirmed.
MORE: Toyota’s updated 2.8-litre diesel engine detailed
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