The unveiling of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in South Africa has been a year in the making since its global debut in 2023. Last month, we travelled to Ponto Do Ouro in Mozambique, where the Prado’s eagerly anticipated blend of heritage and innovation was on full display. It’s been a long wait for some, but the new Prado is everything it promised to be, and then some.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is an icon of almost unmatched stature. Over the decades, it has morphed from a rugged off-roader into a sophisticated, multi-purpose vehicle that has carved out an enviable niche in the South African market. Appreciated for its reliability and robust performance, the Prado has always been the go-to for those who need a vehicle that can easily handle both the urban jungle and the untamed wild.
Prado’s reputation for durability and off-road capability has been built over many generations, each iteration improving upon its predecessor.
The legacy of the Prado can be traced back to the Toyota Land Cruiser lineage stretching as far back as the 1950s. Initially designed for military use, the Land Cruiser evolved into a civilian favourite known for its ruggedness and reliability.
Over time, the Prado emerged as a more refined version of the “Light Duty” Land Cruiser, offering a balance between comfort and off-road prowess and forming the transportation foundation for millions of adventurers from around the world
BOLD DESIGN AND MODERN AESTHETICS
The latest Prado is a testament to how far Land Cruiser design has evolved while (intentionally) staying true to its roots. The exterior – now even more assertive, with a larger, bolder grille and muscular lines that exude strength and sophistication – assimilates features from several iconic LC models from the past.
The octagonal theme in the design symbolises strength and rigidity, which is evident from the front headlights to the rear. This design choice gives the Prado a distinctive look and improves aerodynamics and vehicle stability at higher speeds.
Inside, the Prado offers an ergonomic and luxurious experience. The dashboard has been redesigned for better visibility and ease of use, featuring a TFT Multi-Information Display and a head-up display system.
Despite some critiques about the tactile quality of the interior materials, the build quality is solid, and the interior does not want for modern conveniences that enhance the driving experience for all passengers.
The seats are designed for maximum comfort, with options for heating and ventilation to cater to different climate conditions. The spacious cabin provides ample legroom and headroom, making long journeys more comfortable for all occupants.
True to being more refined than before, the attention to detail in the interior design extends to the smallest features. The placement of controls and buttons is intuitive, ensuring drivers can focus on the road without unnecessary distractions. The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin enhances the overall sense of luxury, while practical elements like additional storage spaces, cup holders, and door pockets ensure that everything needed for a journey is within easy reach.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Trace Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. These features provide peace of mind and enhance overall driving safety. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to ensure safe driving. Lane-Trace Assist helps keep the large SUV centred in its lane, reducing the risk of unintentional lane departures. Blind-spot monitoring alerts drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes, making lane changes safer.
The Prado’s infotainment system, with a central touchscreen, offers seamless connectivity options. It supports navigation, music, and smartphone integration, and includes wireless charging on certain models. The system is intuitive and easy to use, with voice recognition capabilities that allow you to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. The high-resolution display ensures that maps and other information are clear and easily read, even in bright sunlight.
INNOVATION UNDER THE HOOD
The 2024 Prado comes loaded with many new features to enhance on- and off-road performance. Chief among these, for many buyers, is the choice of powertrain. The good news is that the Prado, on par with the refreshed Lanc Cruiser 70 Series, is now (only) available with Toyota’s proven 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine delivering 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. This is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which is easily one of our favourite transmissions in this segment. With longer ratios ideal for highway driving, and a low 1,600 rpm peak torque starting point for tackling rough terrain, this engine/transmission combination will go far in establishing the new Prado’s dominance as an all-terrain favourite.
The new Multi-Terrain Select system also transforms the Prado into an absolute beast off-road by adjusting the drive force, steering, and brakes to suit various off-road conditions. Replacing the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) with the Stabiliser Disconnecting Mechanism (SDM) improves wheel articulation and manoeuvrability, making the Prado a formidable off-roader.
SMOOTH AND UNSTOPPABLE
The Ponto Do Ouro, Mozambique launch event provided a perfect backdrop to test the Prado’s capabilities. On-road, the Prado impressed with its refined and stable ride, with handy features such as the electric power steering making urban navigation effortless, while the overhauled suspension system ensured a comfortable drive over varied surfaces. The Prado’s ability to absorb bumps and provide a smooth ride is a testament to the engineering excellence behind its design. The vehicle’s high ground clearance and robust suspension make it ideal for tackling rough roads and uneven surfaces without compromising comfort.
Off-road, in mostly sandy conditions, the Prado showcased its legendary prowess. The challenging dunes of Mozambique tested the vehicle’s mettle, and it passed with flying colours. The powerful turbodiesel engine and the advanced Multi-Terrain Select system allowed the Prado to easily handle the demanding terrain.
The Prado’s off-road capabilities are further enhanced by Crawl Control, which automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes to maintain a consistent low speed, allowing you to focus on steering through challenging terrain.
TOUGH CHOICE BETWEEN TX AND VX-R
In South Africa, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is available in two variants: the TX and the VX-R. A limited-release “First Edition” derivative (based on the VX-R, but with a handful of distinctive cosmetic enhancements) was also launched when the new Prado first went on sale in June of this year. However, Toyota has confirmed that all 300 units allocated have already been spoken for, leaving the TX and VX-R derivatives as the only two variants available locally.
Both models have the same robust build quality and off-road capability but cater to different needs and preferences.
The TX is powered by the same 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine as the VX-R, ensuring strong performance across the board. The TX features electric seats with heating, climate control, and a subtly updated centre console.
Although the cabin is by no means less practical or comfortable, some luxury elements found in the VX-R are absent or amended. These include a smaller touchscreen and instrument display, fewer speakers (six on TX and ten on VX-R),
Standard safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Trace Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring. The TX does without the Multi-Terrain Select system and a lockable centre diff, but makes up for this in weight, tipping the scales at 180 kg lighter than its VX-R sibling.
The VX-R steps up in luxury with features like a moonroof, wireless charging, and a drinks cooler between the front seats. The interior materials are upgraded for a more premium feel. It includes all the safety features of the TX, plus additional systems such as Safe Exit Assist to prevent accidents when exiting the vehicle. Enhanced with a superior Stabiliser Disconnecting Mechanism (SDM) and a more advanced Multi-Terrain Select system for varied off-road conditions, the VX-R model is a more luxurious and advanced variant.
Both models come with a host of standard features that enhance comfort and convenience. While more focused on practicality, the TX does not compromise on essential comforts and safety features, making it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and capable vehicle for daily use and occasional adventures. With its added luxury features, the VX-R caters to those who seek a higher level of comfort and sophistication without sacrificing the ruggedness and capability that the Prado is known for.
The choice between the TX and VX-R ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. For those prioritising practicality and value, the TX offers a compelling package with all the necessary features for urban and off-road driving.
TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION
It is hard to fundamentally fault the new Prado or to challenge the notion that it embodies a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. With its bold design, advanced features, and proven off-road capability, it continues to be a top contender in its segment. As new Prado rolls out in South Africa, with its sales success hampered only by global availability at this point, there will undoubtedly be substantially more demand than available supply.
LAST WORD
In conclusion, the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is more than just an SUV; it is a statement of reliability, strength, and versatility. Its comprehensive suite of practical and luxurious features ensures that it meets the needs of a wide range of drivers. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a family looking for a reliable vehicle, the Prado offers something for everyone.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA
