The Toyota Prado, the baby LandCruiser, is one of the most popular full-size SUVs in Australia, renowned for its rugged durability and wide breadth of capabilities. Bookings for the 2025 Prado, also known as the LC250, are expected to open soon, with the new generation of the Toyota SUV to hit Australian shores by the end of the year. Featuring a range of upgrades, the Prado is a perfect match for off-road aficionados, merging rugged looks and tough performance with fancy interiors for memorable driving adventures.

Wrapped with modern upgrades, furnished in nice interiors, and brimming with exceptional off-roading capabilities, the LC250 is a rugged gift to you! Here are 7 exciting things you should know about the upcoming 2025 Toyota Prado:

1. Significant rise In prices

The 2025 Toyota Prado prices are set to climb by up to $12,500 over its predecessor when it hits the market later in 2024. Toyota Australia has revealed the local pricing for this highly anticipated SUV, and it's clear that the new Prado is coming with a premium. The base GX will start at $72,500 before on-road costs, marking a $9,670 jump from the outgoing 150 Series. For those eyeing the Prado GXL, expect to pay $79,990 before on-roads, an increase of $10,460. The Prado VX will kick off at $87,400 before on-roads, up by $10,552, while the top-tier Kakadu will begin at $99,990 before on-roads, a hefty $12,522 more.

The Toyota Prado lineup will now also include the Prado Altitude, positioned between the VX and Kakadu, with a starting price of $92,700 before on-road costs.

2. Only one powertrain

All Toyota Prado variants come equipped with the familiar 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, still delivering a robust 150kW and 500Nm, but now enhanced with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for even more efficiency. Coupled with a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission- two gears more than before- this powerhouse offers seamless shifting and superior performance as a cruise mobile. With low-range gearing and a full-time four-wheel drive system, the Prado is set to tackle any terrain.

3. An off-road beast

While the new Prado may look more sophisticated than the outgoing version with its clear lines and sharp creases, it’s still an off-road capable SUV with its full-time 4WD system, 220mm ground clearance and high water wading depth. In case the regular Prado variants weren’t rugged enough, Toyota is introducing the new Prado Altitude variant, specifically crafted for off-road adventures thanks to the locking rear differential and stabiliser disconnect mechanism (SDM).  It also comes with an advanced Multi-Terrain Select system and a new camera view that helps you see the rear undercarriage, making it easier to tackle tricky terrain

4. Improved towing capacity

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado comes with an increased braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, a notable upgrade from the previous model. This enhancement makes the Prado even more capable for hauling heavy loads, whether you're towing a caravan, boat, or trailer. This boost in towing capacity complements the Prado's rugged design and advanced features, ensuring it’s well-equipped for both adventurous off-roading and practical towing needs.

5. Key updates for the cabin

Inside the new-generation Toyota Landcruiser Prado, you will find it has been given a major overhaul. The dashboard is the focus of most updates, bringing it up to the current era of styling and technology. Still, overall, the cabin retains the basic principles of a simple yet comfortable design, the same as the outgoing Prado. With this one, you get a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit sitting atop the dashboard, integrated into the housing of the instrument cluster, which also has a 12.3-inch display for the driver. The driver’s display can even showcase off-roading information like vehicle tilt, pitch, differentials, etc. The block-ish exterior design is also carried into the cabin, with clear lines and good visibility outside. However, it does miss out on the traditional Landcruiser Prado detail of wood grain inserts around the cabin.  

In terms of comfort features, the LC250 gets electronically adjustable front seats, with heated and ventilation functions for both front and rear outboard seats. The exact equipment list for the new Australia-spec Prado is yet to be confirmed, but expect premium leather upholstery, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, multi-zone climate control, and a premium sound system. We know it will be offered in both five and seven-seat configurations, and hopefully, it will have the rear-glass hatch function and hands-free gesture control to open the powered boot lid.

6. Top-notch safety features

While the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is still awaiting its official ANCAP safety rating, it comes packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to keep you secure on the road. Standard equipment includes nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking, stability control with active traction control, and adaptive cruise control. The Prado also offers lane trace assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear parking support brake that halts the vehicle if it detects a static object. Front and rear parking sensors, trailer sway control, and a trailer pre-wiring harness further enhance its safety credentials. Plus, a 360-degree camera provides an all-around view, and the VX, Altitude, and Kakadu grades come equipped with tyre pressure monitoring to ensure you stay informed and in control.

7. Wide range of colours

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado will be offered in eight vibrant paint colours, with premium hues available for an additional $675. For those opting for the Altitude model, there are exclusive two-tone finishes like Tanami Taupe and Ningaloo Blue, each paired with a light-grey roof, available for a $1675 upgrade. Stay tuned for the full range of colour options.

The 2025 Toyota Prado is shaping up to be a standout release, blending rugged off-road capability with modern upgrades and luxury touches. With significant price increases, enhanced engine performance, improved towing capacity, and a range of advanced features, this SUV is set to impress both adventurers and everyday drivers. We still do not have official dates for its arrival, but bookings are set to open soon, with the market launch in the final quarter of 2024. Given its popularity, it might even suffer from long waiting times for those put in their orders towards the end of the year.