Replacement for Australia’s favourite large SUV coming soon – and we hope it looks like this Tundra-inspired render
Official details remain thin on the ground as the unveiling of the next-generation 2024 Toyota Prado looms, but that hasn’t stopped the talented digital artists at Digimods DESIGN from imagining how it could look.
And if it gets Toyota tough-truck eye candy like this – inspired by the new Toyota Tundra pick-up that’s also expected on sale in Australia next year – the new ‘Son of LandCruiser’ will continue to be a smash hit.
Despite being released in 2009, making it one of the oldest new models on sale Down Under (but not as old as Toyota’s LandCruiser 70 Series, which dates back to 1984), the current Prado continues to command long customer waiting lists.
Indeed, the 14-year-old off-road wagon remains Australia’s most popular large SUV by a significant margin – despite the launch of the high-tech new Ford Everest – and continues to almost double the sales of its closest competitor, which is another large seven-seat Toyota SUV in the car-based Kluger.
Reliable reports from Japan suggest Toyota will unveil its new Prado later this year and we understand it could be released in Australia by the end of 2024, although Toyota is yet to confirm any details around its launch timing, let alone its design or engineering details.
But these latest renders are encouraging, blending the Tundra’s rugged new front-end design theme – including a bold grille and heavily stylised LED headlights – with the current Prado’s body to great effect.
Given the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series maintained a similar shape and dimensions to its predecessor – albeit with modernised design, technology, safety and comfort features – the same can be expected for the new Prado.
While Toyota is keeping mum on the details, it has promised to electrify its entire model range by 2030, which means hybrid power is coming for the next Prado – or possibly even a full battery-electric powertrain.
Indeed, one of the most hotly debated topics swirling around the next Toyota Prado is its powertrain and there are several possibilities, including what would be Toyota’s first diesel-electric hybrid system, based around a new turbo-diesel displacing 2.5 to 3.5-litres and potentially also destined for the next HiLux.
More likely for the new Prado, however, is a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and US reports suggest it will be the 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that pumps out 273kW/550Nm in hybrid form and 205kW/430Nm without electrification in vehicles such as Toyota Crown and Lexus RX.
Towing capacity is high on the checklist for Prado buyers and Toyota knows this, so it will need either a high-torque petrol or diesel engine – regardless of electrification – to keep its loyal customers happy.
Either way we expect the next Prado to stick with four cylinders, although there are continuing rumours of a six-cylinder version powered by the same lusty 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel as the 300 Series to rival the Everest V6.
Stay tuned for more details on the new Toyota Prado as we get them.
Digital images: Digimods DESIGN
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Keyword: 2024 Toyota Prado to bring tough new look