All-new Toyota Prado will look a lot like the recently-launched Lexus GX when it arrives next year
The all-new bigger and bolder 2024 Toyota Prado has been previewed alongside the original 1960 Toyota FJ40 ahead of its unveiling in coming months and its Australian release next year.
As evidenced by its near-identical silhouette, which was teased overnight by both Toyota USA and Toyota Australia, the all-new Toyota Prado will be closely related to the recently-unwrapped Lexus GX that is also bound for Australia in the first half of 2024.
Apart from wearing the same bodyshell, the two new SUVs share the same new TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture that also underpins the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, which also donates its longer wheelbase.
In the US, where Toyota’s iconic off-road nameplate will return in 2024, the new Prado will be sold as the Toyota LandCruiser.
Underneath the blockier and more rugged design, the new platform will be key to unlocking the Prado’s full capabilities both on and off the road, while the dramatic improvement in powertrains and next-gen infotainment system should narrow the gap between it and more expensive luxury SUVs.
Set to replace the ancient but still hugely popular 13-year-old Toyota Prado 150 Series, the new 2024 Prado will be longer (+10mm), wider (+229mm) and taller (+45mm), with a wheelbase that has been stretched by 60mm.
This should mean more space and comfort on board compared to the current car, and space to accommodate a third row of seats.
Under the bonnet it’s thought Australia’s Prado will eschew the GX’s 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 for the LC300’s powerful 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6, although it could be limited to high-grade variants, making room for a less powerful four-cylinder hybrid unit – the 2.4-litre petrol-electric powertrain seen in the Lexus GX.
As far as tech goes, expect a far higher level of sophistication than the current Prado, with Toyota’s latest driver assist safety systems.
Two infotainment systems will be offered – an entry-level 8.0-inch touch-screen and a much larger 14.0-inch interface for more expensive versions. Ahead of the driver there will be a 7.0- or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, depending on spec.
Once introduced, expect the next-generation Toyota Prado to swiftly regain the full five stars for safety following ANCAP crash testing.
New tech set to make it one of the safest SUVs will include all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, proactive driving assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and much more.
Stay tuned because Toyota is expected to release numerous teasers in the build-up to the new Prado’s launch, which is expected by September.
Keyword: Next-gen 2024 Toyota Prado teased for the first time