All-New 2024 Toyota Prado vs 2023 Prado: SPEC BATTLE!

Toyota has revealed the all-new 2024 LandCruiser Prado 250 Series. Let’s investigate what's changed from its predecessor.

JUMP AHEAD

• Dimensions
• Chassis and towing
• Engines
• Interior and cabin design
• Pricing

The new Prado arrives 14 years after the popular 4X4 SUV's last generational change, so logic goes it must be in for some big changes.

For those who own a current '150 series' Prado, or are considering buying one, is it worth holding off your purchase until the new model lands in Australia in mid-2024? Let’s take a look at the key changes that the 2024 LandCruiser Prado will bring.

In 2009, the fourth-generation Prado landed in Australia with 14 variants, one of which – a three-door wagon – was scrapped after four years in the market.

The current version of that Prado has rationalised its range down, deleting manual transmission grades and petrol-engined offerings.

The line-up, however, remains the same with four equipment grades: GX, GXL, VX, and the range-topping Kakadu. All are powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

8

Dimensions

In its new form, the '250' Prado has marginally increased in size from its predecessor. Sharing the same TNGA-F platform as the 300 Series LandCruiser, it adopts that off-roader's 2850mm wheelbase – 60mm up on the 150 Series.

The new Prado (when compared to the flat tailgate option) is 100mm longer than the old car, and 95mm wider though its roof is 20mm closer to the ground.

The size changes are small – just like the differences between the 200 and 300 Series – with the new Prado getting a slightly shallower departure angle of 22 degrees, and one extra millimetre (according to USA specs) of ground clearance.

8

Chassis and towing

Toyota promises “dramatically improved off-road performance”, due to a 50 per cent increase in frame rigidity, projected to enhance the Prado's overall stiffness by 30 per cent compared to the 150 series. These improvements bode well for ride comfort and handling.

Additionally, the Prado comes equipped with a new 'stabiliser disconnect mechanism' (SDM), a first for Toyota. It’s a switch-operated feature that allows drivers to disable the front sway bar, offering optimal roll resistance on the road, and increased axle articulation off-road.

8

In Europe, the new Prado will have a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that can tow "up to 3500kg".

The Prado for our market will use the same drivetrain, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

In 2018, the 150 Series Prado had its braked towing capacity increased from from 2500kg to 3000kg for all automatic models. This enhancement brought it in line with the towing capacity of major competitors at the time.

With major players today such as the Ford Everest holding a 3500kg rating, the Prado will need to come close in order to remain competitive for buyers who require the capability.

8

Engines

The new Prado will feature the familiar '1GD' 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, configured this time around as a 48-volt mild-hybrid. The same diesel engine will also be found under the hood of future Toyota HiLux variants.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (previously six) it will produce 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque and promises improved fuel economy and quieter start-up noise.

*based on European specifications

8

Interior design

An awful lot of work has gone into bringing the Prado's cabin into the modern day.

Following in the footsteps of its platform and silhouette twin, the Lexus GX, the Prado's cabin and dash are a combination of sleek and rugged.

Two 12.3-inch multimedia screens have been adopted for the instrument cluster and the multimedia screen has grown from its outdated 9.0-inch size.

8

2024 Toyota Prado pricing

Toyota has not yet confirmed local pricing, but given the significance of the update from the outgoing Prado, we can expect a higher entry point – around $70-75K.

In the US, the new Prado will kick off in the “mid-$50,000 range” translating to about A$83,000. That being said, the US hasn’t historically introduced entry-level GX versions.

An increase of about $9-$10k will position it in line with the LandCruiser 300 series, which saw a similar update in late 2021.

⬆️ Back to top