0–100: Welcome to LandCruiser country
Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado 4WD wagon delivers true go-anywhere capability in a familyfriendly package that builds on the nameplate’s near-30-year history.
The newly arrived fifth-generation Prado has been a long time coming and arrives with hefty price increases across the board, but the 250 Series Prado is roomier, better equipped, more refined and more capable than its predecessors.
Mention the words ‘Toyota LandCruiser’ and the image that likely springs to mind is the rugged 70 Series ute, or perhaps the burly 300 Series wagon. But there’s another LandCruiser that has established itself as a favourite with Aussie families over the course of its almost-30-year model run. That vehicle is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, the latest fifth generation of which, the 250 Series, arrived in late 2024 as a direct replacement for the ageing 150 Series.
Boasting a bold new look characterised by chiselled, militaristic lines and retro styling cues borrowed from earlier LandCruisers, the new Prado is based on the same sturdy ladder-frame chassis as its big brother the 300 Series, while its four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain is borrowed from the Toyota HiLux, albeit with additional refinements including a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system and more sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission.
Prado buyers can choose from five different trim grades: GX, GXL, VX, Altitude and Kakadu, in five- and seven-seat configurations, with prices ranging from $72,500 (RRP) for the five-seat Prado GX, to $99,990 (RRP) for the range-topping seven-seat Kakadu. That’s up to $10,000 more expensive than the equivalent 150 Series, but Toyota has countered by equipping all Prado grades more generously.
Priced at $79,990 (MRLP) the mid-grade GXL is the least expensive seven-seat variant and is forecast to be the best-selling Prado. It shares the GX’s 12.3-inch infotainment system, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-speaker sound system, but adds heated and ventilated front seats, artificial leather seat trim, electric driver’s seat adjustment, leather steering wheel and shifter, rear privacy glass, a powered tailgate, three-zone climate control and wireless phone charging.
With overall dimensions that closely mirror the 300 Series, the new Prado’s interior is roomy and comfortable, with the main gripe being a rather inelegant design for the third row of seats, which eats into cargo capacity. Like the GX and off-road-focused Altitude, the GXL rides on sensible 18-inch alloy wheels which don’t look as flash as the 20-inch units fitted to the VX and Kakadu but are less puncture prone when driving off-road.
Power and torque outputs are identical to the outgoing model but the new transmission and myriad other changes mean the engine feels entirely different, delivering smoother, quieter and more responsive performance across the board. There’s ample low-rev grunt to help deliver on the 250 Series’ expanded 3500kg towing capacity.
The specs
Make/model: Toyota LandCruiser 250 Series Prado GXL
Body style: Five-door 4WD wagon
Retail price: $79,990 (RRP)
Seating: 7 seats
Fuel consumption combined: 7.6L/100km (200g/km, CO2)
ANCAP safety rating: 5 star (2024)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, 48-volt mild hybrid (150kW/500Nm)
Transmission: Eight-speedautomatic
Drive type: Full-time dual-range four-wheel drive
Kerb weight: 2535kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked)/3500kg (braked)
0-100km/h: N/A
Visit the Toyota Website for more.