2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Unveiled: A Paradigm Shift for Next-Generation SUVs

Next-gen 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado breaks cover, confirmed for NZ

New platform, new look

The wait is finally over, as Toyota has officially unveiled the next-generation Land Cruiser Prado. This marks the first all-new model in 14 years, and the 2024 Prado has undergone a drastic overhaul both inside and out. With a new TNGA-F platform shared with the J300 Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and Lexus LX, the Prado is expected to be an even more compelling off-roader.

The new Prado debuts a boxy appearance that takes inspiration from legacy Land Cruisers. While it shares some design cues with the Lexus GX, the Prado stands alone with cleaner lines and a more practical look. The highest variants of the Prado come with LED lighting, while the lower models settle for rounded lights behind rectangular clusters.

Rugged yet modern interior

Stepping inside the 2024 Land Cruiser Prado, you’ll find a flat, horizontal, two-tier dashboard with a massive touchscreen infotainment display. The interior also features a fully-digital instrument display behind a retro-looking steering wheel with button controls. Toyota has incorporated plenty of buttons and switches to delight analog fans, including toggles for the selectable drive modes and all-wheel-drive system. The interior strikes a balance between ruggedness and modernity, offering comfort and convenience for both on and off-road adventures.

Powertrains galore

The next-gen Prado comes with a selection of capable powertrain options. Petrol engines include a naturally aspirated 2.7-litre mill and a 2.4-litre turbo petrol, which is also available as a mild hybrid. The Prado also offers two 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine options, one standard and the other as a mild hybrid. The decision to retire the 4.0-litre V6 engine may be seen as a positive move, as it was becoming outdated.

New Zealand pricing and availability

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been confirmed for New Zealand, with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel mild hybrid variant (with a new eight-speed transmission) set to be available. Full specs and pricing are yet to be revealed by Toyota New Zealand. It is worth mentioning that all versions of the Prado will come in a three-row, seven-seater configuration. The new Prado SUV is expected to arrive in local Toyota showrooms in early 2024.

Editorial and advice

The release of the next-generation Land Cruiser Prado is an exciting development for off-road enthusiasts and SUV lovers in New Zealand. Toyota‘s commitment to enhancing the Prado‘s capabilities, both on and off the road, is evident in the use of the new TNGA-F platform and the updated powertrain options. The new design language brings a refreshing and practical look to the iconic Land Cruiser Prado, paying homage to its heritage while incorporating modern elements.

For consumers in New Zealand, the availability of the 2.8-litre turbodiesel mild hybrid variant is a promising option, offering power and efficiency. Toyota‘s decision to offer the Prado in a three-row, seven-seater configuration ensures that it remains a versatile and family-friendly SUV, catering to the needs of customers who require additional seating capacity.

Overall, the next-gen 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado appears to have what it takes to compete in the SUV market once again. Its combination of ruggedness, modern features, and impressive powertrain options positions it as a strong contender for those who seek adventure and reliability in their vehicles.