The next generation Land Cruiser Prado was announced globally today.
When considering how to further take the Land Cruiser Prado forward into its next generation of technology and design, the engineers at Toyota decided on revisiting the original DNA of the Land Cruiser. The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado will be a high quality, extremely capable off-roader, while maintaining great value, says Toyota.
Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Executive, says the next generation Prado will offer truly unique design in the Toyota line-up, and he’s excited for it to arrive here.
“The new Prado is going to make a statement for the customers who purchase it. It’s an iconic design and will be a significant game changer that will continue to light up our line-up and I am excited for it to arrive in New Zealand,” says Neeraj.
“The Prado has a direct connection to the original roots of the Land Cruiser heritage that spills out in the design of this next generation. Toyota’s design decisions are around making the cars appeal to our customers rather than making them all look the same. This new Prado is an absolute knock out. Its strong, and it’s tough.”
“By going back to its roots, we have focused on encapsulating the unique Land Cruiser design, the expected Land Cruiser functionality that safely transports people and luggage anywhere, the manoeuvrability and great off-road handling, and simplicity for repair and modification,” Neeraj says.
According to Toyota, the next generation Land Cruiser Prado harks back to its core values and simplicity, in design, features and performance, while still taking the nameplate into the future, with new technology and the new 48V hybrid electric powertrain.
“Our SUV range is now largely available in a hybrid electric powertrain, as we continue to transition to electrified models where we are able to with a focus on capability, safety and affordability,” says Neeraj.
“We are focused on ensuring that we offer the best possible mobility solutions to all of our customers, and this includes those that need a vehicle that is very capable off road to get around our geographically diverse country.”
With the introduction of the new Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota New Zealand’s SUV line-up will be almost fully electrified, with only the Land Cruiser 300 and Fortuner not available as a hybrid-electric powertrain. The Toyota Yaris, Corolla, Camry, CHR, RAV4 and Highlander ranges are all now solely available in HEV offerings.
Toyota claims the new Prado is a completely modern design and is focused on securing off-road performance and improved visibility for the driver and passengers. The increased wheelbase – up 60mm to 2850mm – provides better stability combined with improved ground clearance, a lower beltline for improved visibility, and reduced hood blind spots so the driver has a better sense of where they are on and off the road, adds to the new generation’s capability.
New Zealand will receive one engine option – a 2.8L turbo diesel coupled with a 48-volt hybrid electric system that will apparently deliver more linear acceleration and reduced carbon emissions. The automatic transmission has also been updated from six speed to eight speed. The new Prado will boast improved towing capacity from 3100kg to 3500kg.
“The new powertrain should realise an average carbon saving of around 5% compared to the current model, which will continue to support Toyota New Zealand’s target of a 46% reduction in tailpipe emissions across our entire product portfolio by 2030,” says Neeraj.
Based on customer demand and previous sales history, all variants of the Land Cruiser Prado will have a three-row, seven seat configuration.
The Land Cruiser Prado will be available in New Zealand in early 2024 and more information will be available closer to the launch.
