The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is not just another off-road vehicle, but a tribute to a 70-year history of reliability, quality and durability. Introducing the new generation, Toyota focuses on innovation, not forgetting the roots and traditions that have made this model an icon on the global market.
The Land Cruiser heritage
The first model, the “Toyota BJ”, debuted in 1951, and the Land Cruiser name appeared three years later. For more than seven decades, this car has won recognition on all continents, selling more than 10.4 million units in 170 countries. Land Cruiser is synonymous with off-road excellence – from the 70 series, famous for its simplicity and durability, to the luxurious Station Wagon models such as the Land Cruiser 300.
Modern and iconic design
The Land Cruiser Prado combines modernity with classic styling. The new GA-F platform provides greater rigidity and durability, while improving driving characteristics. The silhouette inspired by the iconic 40 and 70 series models retains proportions that classic lovers will appreciate. The very characteristic front with a rectangular grille and lamps constituting one line, a large Toyota emblem beautifully harmonizes with the simple lines of the sides, the spacious, slightly angular body.
The lines of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado almost immediately become a candidate for the cult status, precisely thanks to the references to historical models and the departure from the appearance of a modern off-road vehicle, which we know from the 120 and 150 models. The new Land Cruiser has not become a typical modern SUV, but has retained the character of a real off-road vehicle.
It may look more delicate at first glance than the 70 series models known for their durability, but appearances can be deceiving. We will check this during the first more specific tests in combat conditions.
Practical and fuctional interior
The interior, on the other hand, is as functional as it is elegant. A 12.3-inch digital cockpit, high-quality finishing materials, and a lot of work put into the functional design have made the interior of the Land Cruiser Prado not only spacious and modern, but also practical and at times even exclusive. The seat upholstery can be made of leather (natural or synthetic) or durable SUMITEX material.
An interesting gimmick is the addition of a voice command function. Just say “Hey Toyota” and the voice assistant will respond to your needs. The standard cloud-based navigation is also a joy. The navigation is supposed to present current information about road traffic on the route – its intensity, potential incidents, or difficulties.
Despite the rather luxurious feeling when sitting inside, the car does not lose its functionality and is not overloaded with “fireworks and bells and whistles”. The first impression remains positive, although there is no shortage of opinions on the Internet that draw attention to the potentially poorer quality of workmanship, not as solid as in its predecessors. Whether these fears will prove to be justified will become clear in a few years.
Luggage space
The new Land Cruiser offers more luggage space behind the rear row of seats. In the five-seater version, the boot offers a capacity of 742 liters, and in the seven-seater version, with the seats folded down, we can fit 556 liters of luggage. Folding down the additional seats reduces the space to 130 liters.
The boot in the new model has a flat floor, is deeper and wider than in the previous model. The boot lid can be opened manually or electrically, and the rear window is opened – you can tilt it and gain access to the boot without having to open the lid.
Engine and performance
The new Land Cruiser Prado debuted with a redesigned 2.8-liter turbodiesel, offering 205 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Thanks to the new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, it is to provide smooth acceleration and the ability to tow a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tons. The version with a 48V mild hybrid drive is to hit the market at the end of 2025, and its advantages are to be primarily lower exhaust emissions and greater economy.
In terms of savings, Toyota announces an average diesel consumption of 10.3-10.7 liters per 100 km. According to Toyota, the engine has been better silenced and the amount of vibrations it generates has been reduced. In short, the unit’s work culture has been improved.
The focus when working on the gearbox was on universal gear ratios – a shorter first gear is to improve acceleration and make off-road driving easier, while a longer last gear is to lower revs and reduce noise generated during faster, motorway driving and reduce fuel consumption. Gear changes themselves are to be 25% faster thanks to the use of new, lighter electromagnets than in the previous 6-speed gearbox.
Off-road technologies
The Land Cruiser Prado is the first model equipped with electric power steering, which improves maneuverability and reduces vibrations during off-road driving. The front stabilizer disconnect system (SDM) increases off-road capabilities by allowing for greater suspension travel. The Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system automatically adjusts the vehicle settings to the type of surface, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor allows you to see the terrain under the car.
Permanent four-wheel drive is of course the basis, but in the new Land Cruiser, the focus was also on refining the durability of the drive components. The differentials and the drive shaft have been redesigned. The shaft is supposed to offer higher durability, and the rear differential with electronic lock has increased durability. Thanks to the new solenoid valve, it is supposed to offer 85% faster response (about 0.15 s). All these numbers and percentages are impressive, but I guess there is no need to convince anyone that when it comes to drive components, users care most about durability and trouble-free operation.
New GA-F platform and stiffer frame
The construction of the Land Cruiser Prado is stiffer and more resistant to torsion thanks to the new GA-F platform and new frame. The torsional rigidity of the frame has increased by 50%, and the overall rigidity of the frame and body by 30%. This is due to, among other things, thick steel plate, the use of structural glue connecting the body elements and as many as 84 additional welding points. All these treatments will have a positive impact on the stability and strength of the structural elements, but also on the driving experience.
Comfort and safety
Toyota has focused on maximum travel comfort. The cabin has been silenced, and vibrations transferred to the body – reduced. The Toyota T-MATE package of systems, including the Safety Sense package, offers advanced functions such as the PCS early response system, DAC hill descent assistant, iACC adaptive cruise control, or PDA (Proactive Driving Assist) – an active driving assistant that helps avoid potential threats when driving slowly (pedestrians, other parked vehicles, etc.).
A useful new feature among electronic safety systems is the FCTA system, which warns the driver about potential cross traffic crossing the Toyota’s driving path. This can be very practical especially when we have to leave a place with limited visibility – the system will warn us when another car is moving across the road.
In turn, the Crawl Control system will allow you to maintain a constant, low speed when driving off-road and descending steep slopes. To do this effectively, the system not only controls the engine torque, but also helps itself with the brakes. Thanks to this, the driver can fully focus on maintaining the right direction of travel and observing what is happening around the car. The system works with the reducer in L4 mode, and the speed is selected using a practical knob on the console – we choose one of five available settings, depending on the terrain we are covering.
Full electronics package on board
The Land Cruiser Prado, as the flagship Toyota model currently available in Europe, has on board basically almost all available technical innovations that improve the comfort of use, increase convenience and safety on the road, and at the same time allow you to cope perfectly in off-road conditions.
It is worth remembering that the Land Cruiser Prado, also known as the Prado, belongs to the Light Duty category – utility vehicles for everyday driving, but with increased off-road capabilities. This means that the car performs perfectly both during regular use – daily errands, shopping, commuting to work or school; as well as when you have to leave the paved roads and cross a larger puddle or a field path trampled by tractors.
Limited First Edition version
For collectors, the First Edition version was prepared with classic details, such as round headlights and a two-tone body. Available in a limited number of copies – 8,000 worldwide, and 3000 for Europe – it was distinguished by more luxurious equipment, including a JBL audio system and a HUD display. All 120 units of this edition have already been sold in Poland, and preasumably all have been sold also worldwide, so it’ll be rather difficult to get this version.
Land Cruiser Prado – a new page in history
The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a perfect combination of tradition and modernity. Designed to meet the toughest off-road challenges, it also offers comfort and safety in everyday use. This is a car for those who value Toyota’s reliability and legendary quality, while also enjoying a subtle nod to the model’s more than 70-year history. The new Land Cruiser Prado will certainly write another page in the history of motoring.
Although it is still a relatively new car, manufacturers of accessories and parts such as ARB are already developing further modifications to this model. Over time, more and more of them will appear, and we will see the new Land Cruiser Prado on the streets more and more often.
