In different markets, corresponding to North America and Europe, that is the Toyota LandCruiser – however for Australia, it’s the barely smaller sibling to the flagship LandCruiser 300 Sequence. That is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado 250 Sequence, and it’s an necessary automobile for the model.
Initially often called the Bundera, the Prado began off as a comfort-oriented variant of the 70 Sequence – a product line nonetheless in manufacturing in the present day.
However the Prado developed into its personal mannequin, launching right here in mid-1996 as a extra reasonably priced household SUV, however with the identical sort of off-road capabilities that Aussies had come to count on from the LandCruiser nameplate.
Beginning at $36,990, the Prado was virtually 26 per cent cheaper than the bottom LandCruiser 80 Sequence – with the range-topping LandCruiser Sahara being virtually thrice the value of the Prado.
As such, the Prado loved greater than 20 years because the best-selling SUV in its class, with its reputation barely waning regardless of an onslaught of competitors from each legacy and newcomer manufacturers.
Even with elevated costs, the newest technology noticed greater than 17,000 orders positioned earlier than the automobile had even launched in Australia – to say nothing of the brand new luxurious model being launched, badged because the Lexus GX.
Regardless of its widespread reputation, it nonetheless took me till the earlier 150-Sequence earlier than I actually ‘bought’ the Prado.
A protracted-termer assigned to me for a few months throughout one of many Covid lockdowns, it ended up being one of many few occasions I’ve reluctantly handed a automobile again – accompanied with a decent grip on the keys and a pressured smile.
The most recent Prado carries over the two.8-litre turbo-diesel from the earlier technology, however positive factors a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed computerized transmission with full-time four-wheel drive. Regardless of this, energy outputs stay the identical because the 2021 mannequin I drove, however the brand new one has gained round 140kg.
Other than a brief drive within the Lexus twin, this was my first actual likelihood to get to know the 250 Sequence – a automobile Toyota has deemed robust sufficient to badge because the LandCruiser abroad. An enormous name, albeit a strategic one.
So, as we method its thirtieth birthday in Australia (as a standalone mannequin), is the newest Prado a worthy successor within the dynasty? Let’s discover out.
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado price?
The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado begins at $72,500 earlier than on-road prices for the entry-level GX, with 5 variants accessible throughout the lineup.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX | $72,500 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL | $79,990 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX | $87,400 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude | $92,700 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu | $99,990 |
As with my long-termer, this explicit Prado is the range-topping Kakadu – priced from $99,990 plus on-road prices – and is the ultimate rung within the ladder earlier than the Lexus GX, accessible from $116,000 +ORCs.
In gross sales phrases, the Prado’s most direct competitor is the Ford Everest – an off-road SUV based mostly on the Ford Ranger ute – which begins from $58,990 +ORCs. Although arguably a extra direct comparability can be the V6 Everest fashions, which start from $66,990 +ORCs.
Whereas the range-topping Everest Platinum V6 is a good bit cheaper than the Prado Kakadu, at $83,490 +ORCs, the 2 fashions have by no means actually felt as in the event that they’re direct rivals on a philosophical degree. The now-defunct Fortuner, itself based mostly on the HiLux, was the true Toyota equal of the Everest.
The one actual rival to emerge has come from China, with the GWM Tank 500 – providing a twin-turbo V6 with hybrid know-how, and priced from $66,490 drive-away.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
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What’s the Toyota LandCruiser Prado like on the within?
There’s been a noticeable wind change in the best way Toyota has approached the Prado’s design, each exterior and in.
With the corporate realizing the Prado can be dropping the Prado moniker in lots of main markets, designers have given the automobile a extra rugged, muscular really feel all through – borrowing parts from the 300 Sequence, in addition to the Tacoma and Tundra pickups, and the US-market Sequoia off-road SUV.
And whereas it now feels extra trail-ready than ever earlier than – maybe except the early 70 Sequence Prado – the cabin doesn’t really feel as inviting or family-friendly as its predecessor.
Nevertheless, Toyota’s construct high quality and high-level supplies stay, making the Prado really feel each inch like a sibling to the LandCruiser 300.
Twin 12.3-inch shows for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment provide plenty of clear info, with the wi-fi Apple CarPlay working nicely all through our time with it. The 14-speaker JBL sound system supplied good, loud audio with loads of bass.
Toyota, in its infinite knowledge, has fortunately chosen to incorporate an array of actual buttons throughout each the steering and the dashboard. Although there’s a small studying interval earlier than you determine what every little thing does, after a few days, controlling issues just like the local weather management could be carried out shortly and with out taking your eyes off the highway.
The bottom-model Prado GX within reason nicely kitted out to start with, however every step up features a first rate swag of additional options, culminating within the peak Kakadu.
Nevertheless, it seems like not sufficient has been carried out to make the Kakadu really feel prefer it’s the range-topping variant. The sprint is a giant slab of plastic with some screens, and will use a little bit of the Gucci therapy to assist justify the $100K price ticket.
There are heated and ventilated leather-based seats entrance and rear, a heated steering wheel with energy adjustment, a panoramic sunroof, illuminated facet steps, a head-up show, a refrigerated centre console field, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and rear local weather management, to call just some.
The seating place is snug, although it’s really helpful to make use of the facet steps when getting into and exiting the Prado, as there’s a few foot between the sting of the step and the seat. Add in a little bit of top from the automobile, and also you’re higher off stepping up into the automobile relatively than throwing your self in. Or possibly I’m simply getting outdated.
Visibility appears to have decreased a bit, attributable to thick pillars and what seems to be the next shoulder line – although huge mirrors, a vivid and clear reversing digital camera, and blind-spot help imply it’s much less of a difficulty than it was prior to now.
As you’ll count on, there’s loads of room within the second row for adults, although the bench seat doesn’t provide a lot assist for lengthy distances. Being that it’s a seven-seater, there’s additionally a superb quantity of boot area with the third row of seats folded, accessed through an influence tailgate.
With all three rows of seats in use, baggage area may be very compromised, and finest used for varsity commutes or emergency conditions relatively than a devoted seven-seater. Our man Max Davies went into nice element concerning the baggage area, which you’ll be able to learn right here. But it surely’s price saying, you’re higher off transferring to the 300 Sequence or a devoted folks mover if it’s essential transport greater than 5 folks and their luggage.
| Dimensions | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Size | 4990mm |
| Width | 1980mm |
| Peak | 1925mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Cargo capability | 182L (all seats up) 906L (third row folded) 1829L (third and second rows folded) |
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
As talked about, the Toyota Prado continues with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine – the identical discovered within the HiLux, LandCruiser 70 Sequence, and HiAce – however this technology mannequin will get the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to assist scale back gas consumption and emissions.
| Specs | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel with 48V MHEV |
| Battery | 4.3Ah li-ion |
| Motor generator energy | 8.4kW |
| Motor generator torque | 65Nm |
| Complete system energy | 150kW @ 3000-3400rpm |
| Complete system torque | 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive sort | Full-time 4WD |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.6L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 8.7L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 200g/km |
| Gas tank | 80L principal tank 30L sub tank 17.4L AdBlue |
| Kerb weight | 2535kg |
| Payload | 615kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3150kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6600kg |
Energy is distributed to all 4 wheels by way of an eight-speed computerized transmission, with low-range and a torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential for off-roading.
Over a mixture of freeway, suburban, and metropolis driving, we noticed gas economic system figures of round 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres, which isn’t far off the mixed declare of 8.7L/100km.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado drive?
Everybody talks about reliability being the explanation why the LandCruiser and the Prado grew to become so in style amongst Australian patrons – however I’d argue it’s one thing else. One thing more durable to explain.
Positive, reliability is extremely valued inside our market, however the true attractiveness of the LandCruiser (and its prolonged household) comes from the sensation of solidity that comes throughout whenever you drive it. Many have tried, however there are few that match Toyota on this degree.
The Prado continues this. It’s quiet, the journey is snug, and the chassis feels prefer it has an dependancy to little blue capsules. Add to that the high-quality match and end of the inside, and also you get a automobile that each impresses whereas additionally offering an immense quantity of confidence to the motive force.
But it surely’s not all sunshine and reward. Regardless of the mild-hybrid system presumably taking some load off the engine, the acknowledged efficiency is identical. In the meantime, the automobile itself has gained some 140kg, which is sufficient to take the sting off.
Whereas the previous-generation Prado felt prefer it had sufficient efficiency, the brand new one comes throughout prefer it’s misplaced a little bit of health – which turns into extra obvious whenever you encounter a hill or have to get forward of site visitors. It additionally raises some minor issues about heavy towing, giving the V6-powered Ford Everest the benefit for these contemplating ‘The Lap’.
Not serving to the scenario is the pedal tuning. There appears to be little or no distinction between 50 per cent throttle and 100 per cent throttle, as a result of the engine doesn’t actually appear to have any extra to present. Given there’s a little bit of poke accessible within the first half of the pedal, it virtually lures you right into a false sense of safety that there’s extra on faucet. So whenever you do lean on it, you come up empty.
Braking additionally doesn’t fairly match the remainder of the automobile for confidence, with the primary 15 per cent of the brake pedal feeling too gentle and never delivering the extent of assuredness required for a giant and heavy automobile. The brakes are there, thoughts you, it simply requires a little bit extra strain earlier than they signal onto the job.
However give your self sufficient of a niche in site visitors and cruise alongside, and also you’ll discover your groove with the Prado. Journey the torque from the turbo, let the transmission shift by way of its cogs, and the large lady wafts alongside properly.
The superior driver help techniques weren’t the worst we’ve skilled, and truly did what they are saying on the field for probably the most half, by which we imply they didn’t distract with fixed bings and bongs.
The steering weight is within the candy spot for one thing this dimension, delivering a superb stability of lightness and route to the entrance wheels, although there isn’t an enormous quantity of communication again to the motive force. But when that’s what you’re after, purchase a Porsche.
Dealing with is fairly good for a giant bus, and whereas it’s inferior to its predecessor, the journey within reason nicely sorted for an SUV using on 20-inch alloys with lower-profile tyres. The adaptive suspension does really feel competent, although it may be overwhelmed on rougher terrain. With out driving the 2 side-by-side, it’s tough to know whether or not this was a deliberate option to make the Lexus GX the extra snug model.
We didn’t have a chance to take the Prado to the bush on this event, however now we have coated its off-road functionality beforehand (see Paul Maric’s video on the high of this story). Whereas the Kakadu isn’t essentially the one you need for such issues – given its wheel and tyre package deal – there’s little question the automobile itself has sufficient outdated and new know-how to sort out absolutely anything thrown at it.
Regardless of its rugged appears to be like, it’s little greater than a mild large – merely desirous to scoop you up and set you down safely at your vacation spot.
| Off-road dimensions | Toyota Prado GXL |
|---|---|
| Monitor entrance and rear | 1664mm entrance 1668mm rear |
| Floor clearance | 210mm |
| Method angle | 31º |
| Departure angle | 17º |
| Ramp breakover angle | 25º |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
The bottom Prado GX takes a comparatively no-frills method, however the usual options maintain piling on as you progress up the vary, culminating within the top-tier Kakadu variant on check right here.
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2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX gear highlights:
- 5 seats
- 18-inch darkish gray alloy wheels
- Entrance grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Folding body-coloured mirrors
- Darkened entrance and rear bumpers, facet sills, wheel arches
- Guide tailgate
- Cloth upholstery
- Rubber ground mats
- Six-way guide driver’s seat adjustment
- 7.0-inch multi-function instrument show
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10-speaker sound system
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 4 USB-C ports
- Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Toyota related providers
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Downhill help management
- Crawl management with 5 pace settings
Prado GXL provides:
- Seven-seat capability
- Roof rails
- Rear privateness glass
- Silver entrance and rear bumper trim
- Energy tailgate
- Artificial leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-based-accented steering wheel and equipment knob
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Wi-fi charging pad
- Rear local weather management
- Two further USB-C charging ports
Prado VX provides:
- 20-inch darkish metallic alloy wheels
- Bi-LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling
- Adaptive high-beam help
- Physique-coloured entrance and rear bumpers
- Over-fender (wheel arch) moulding
- Rear guard trim
- Leather-based-accented seats
- Energy lumbar and reminiscence operate for driver’s seat
- 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Energy-adjustable steering wheel
- Carpet ground mats
- Refrigerated centre console
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14-speaker JBL sound system
- Adaptive Variable Suspension
- 5 drive modes
- Multi-terrain choose
- Multi-terrain monitor
Prado Altitude provides:
- 5 seats
- 18-inch matte gray alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
- Locking rear differential
- ‘Stabiliser disconnect mechanism’ (rather than Adaptive Variable Suspension)
- Black door handles and tailgate trim
- Black wheel arch moulding
- Sunroof
- Two-tone colors accessible
- Digital rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-up show
Prado Kakadu provides:
- Seven seats
- 20-inch alloy wheels with freeway tyres
- Panoramic sunroof
- Illuminated facet steps
- Heated and ventilated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Adjustable driver’s seat thigh assist
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Head-up show
- Torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado protected?
The impartial government-funded automobile security outfit, ANCAP, awarded the Prado a full five-star security score again in 2024.
| Class | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 84 per cent |
| Security help | 82 per cent |
And the massive Toyota did nicely throughout all 4 classes, scoring a minimum of 82 at its worst (security help), and as excessive as 89 for baby occupant safety – making it a best choice for households that take into account security a precedence.
Security gear highlights:
- 9 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Stability management with energetic traction management
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane hint help (lane centring)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking assist brake (stops the automobile if a static object is detected)
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Trailer sway management
- Trailer pre-wiring harness
- 360-degree digital camera
The VX, Altitude, and Kakadu grades achieve tyre strain monitoring.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado price to run?
Toyota gives a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee on the Prado, with roadside help plans accessible to be bought from $99 yearly.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | Purchasable, $99 or $139 per yr, relying on plan |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years, $395 every |
| Complete capped-price service price | $3950 |
Since we final drove the Prado, Toyota has elevated its capped-price service plan from three years to 5 – however costs have additionally gone up by 5 bucks to $395 per go to. Which will likely be pretty usually, given the automobile’s upkeep schedule requires visiting your dealership each six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).
Examine that to most different massive turbo-diesel SUVs, which usually solely require servicing each 12 months or 15,000km.
However though it’s possible you’ll need to take into account the extra inconvenience of taking your automobile in twice as a lot (relying on what number of miles you are inclined to rack up), there’s additionally an argument that extra common servicing will assist with longevity and reliability. So, if you happen to plan to carry onto your 4×4 past its guarantee, the additional money and time spent may find yourself being a smart funding.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota LandCruiser Prado
The most recent Toyota Prado has a robust legacy to reside as much as, and whereas it hasn’t set a brand new benchmark for the nameplate, it stays a robust contender for these needing a cushty SUV with actual off-road functionality.
The final mannequin was clearly ageing out and wanted to get replaced, and there’s little question the brand new Prado delivers all the newest know-how that patrons are in search of. With maybe the one main exception being its utilization as a devoted seven-seater.
On the highway, it delivers that cocooned robustness that’s synonymous with the LandCruiser title, which can be simply the factor loyal Prado homeowners are trying to find. However though it does quite a bit proper, we did have some minor grievances.
Then there’s the value. The Prado is a compelling choice at $72,500, however one other $30K on high of that for the Kakadu and – all of the niceties that include it – makes for a harder argument. Which could have our gaze wandering to the cheaper Ford Everest Platinum, or, if you happen to don’t want the additional package, the entry-level LandCruiser 300 Sequence.
Whereas the brand new Prado has all of the components to make it an ideal automobile objectively, there’s a little bit one thing that appears to be missing, which has it simply fall wanting being actually particular just like the earlier technology.
It didn’t have us clutching the keys fairly as tightly after we had been handing it again, because it wants that last 5 per cent to make it an distinctive expertise – each by way of the cabin, in addition to the driving expertise.
But as a relaxed hauler, the Prado stays an ideal selection for households, significantly those that reside out within the nation and wish the peace of thoughts from their automobile that comes with being extra distant – in addition to the flexibility to get the place they should be after a storm.
Enthusiastic about shopping for a Toyota Prado? Let CarExpert discover you the very best deal right here
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