In a dazzling worldwide premiere, Toyota has pulled back the curtain on the highly anticipated next iteration of the Land Cruiser Prado family SUV. This dynamic newcomer is armed with a host of exhilarating mechanical enhancements, elevated performance capabilities, and bold design modifications, all set to grace the streets of South Africa in the forthcoming year.
Ever since its debut in the 1990s, the Prado has reigned as a revered titan among South Africa's expansive SUV landscape. It has earned its lofty status by flawlessly merging rugged capability, opulent comfort, and a passenger-centric experience. And now, with the all-new model, Toyota continues this illustrious tradition, intertwining its time-honored Land Cruiser DNA with boundless performance possibilities, all wrapped in a design that epitomizes the essence of the Land Cruiser heritage.
A Visionary Aesthetic Blend
The dawn of the new Prado heralds an exhilarating design departure, merging the past and the present in a harmonious union. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Land Cruisers of bygone eras, the design ethos is a poetic symphony of traditional and contemporary cues. The infusion of horizontal lines, reminiscent of classic Land Cruisers, resonates with the concept of functional aesthetics.
The front fascia takes center stage, featuring a bold rectangular grille flanked by tri-beam headlights. The low-slung front cowl elevates forward visibility, while the chiseled wheel arches and commanding horizontal strokes exude an aura of sheer strength. The low beltline contributes to enhanced visibility for all occupants, ensuring a panoramic view of the world outside.
The Tailored Dimensions
Standing tall with dimensions that command attention, the all-new Prado measures 4,920mm in length, 1,988mm in width, and 1,860mm in height. This marks an expansion by 95mm in length and width, and an additional 10mm in height, compared to its predecessor. The extended 2,850mm wheelbase, an augmentation of 60mm, now mirrors that of the Land Cruiser 300.
Fortified by Ingenious Engineering
Beneath its bold exterior lies the heart of innovation, with the new Prado sharing its robust foundation with the Land Cruiser 300. It takes the helm of the TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis, a symphony of ruggedness and sophistication, boasting a 50% increase in rigidity compared to the previous-generation Prado. This leap in structural strength elevates the overall rigidity of the vehicle by a substantial 30%.
This modern and fortified platform begets a suspension that dances between extraordinary off-road articulation and impeccable on-road handling and comfort. Toyota's groundbreaking stabilizer-bar control system further enhances wheel articulation, with the front stabilizer bar disconnecting seamlessly to ensure unparalleled agility. This is complemented by advanced multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor systems, propelling the Prado deeper into the realm of off-road exploration.
Steering into the Future
Incorporating electric power steering, the new Prado delivers a heightened sense of control, fusing precision with low-speed maneuverability during on-road endeavors, while simultaneously augmenting mastery during off-road escapades. This innovation is not only a testament to performance but also paves the way for active safety systems like lane trace assist to shine.
The Power Within
Under the hood, the new Prado will harness a diverse array of turbocharged petrol and diesel powertrains. This versatile lineup caters adeptly to the distinctive demands of global markets, accommodating diverse operating conditions with panache.
Elegance Meets Intuition
Inside the Prado's cabin, the ambiance is a blend of sophistication and functionality. A clean and stylish interior design takes shape, boasting dual digital screens that oversee the instrument cluster and multimedia system. The layout of switches emphasizes intuitive ease, clustering essential functions for effortless access.
Anticipation Builds
As the excitement builds, a sense of anticipation envelops automotive enthusiasts and Land Cruiser aficionados alike. While the finer points of the all-new Land Cruiser Prado, including localized specifications, remain tantalizingly close to the chest, the stage is set for its grand entrance to South Africa's roads in the second quarter of 2024. Stay tuned for a revelation that promises to redefine exploration and invigorate the spirit of adventure. The journey into the new era of automotive excellence begins with the Land Cruiser Prado.
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado cost in South Africa?
Toyota hasn't released official pricing for the new Prado yet, but expect it to start around R900,000 for the base model when it launches in 2024, with top-spec variants likely pushing past R1,200,000.
Q: Is the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado worth buying?
Absolutely, the new Prado combines legendary Land Cruiser reliability with modern tech and improved comfort, making it worth the premium price if you need serious off-road capability and family space.
Q: What engine options will the new Land Cruiser Prado have in South Africa?
Toyota will likely offer a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel producing around 150kW and a hybrid petrol option, though final engine specifications for the South African market haven't been confirmed yet.
Q: When will the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado be available in South Africa?
The new Prado is expected to hit South African dealerships in the second half of 2024, with pre-orders potentially opening earlier in the year.
Q: How does the new Prado compare to the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X?
The new Prado will be significantly more expensive than the Everest (from R750,000) and MU-X (from R650,000), but offers superior build quality, better resale value, and more advanced off-road systems.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you have deep pockets and need the ultimate family adventure machine. The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will likely start around R900,000, making it pricier than alternatives like the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, but you're paying for bulletproof reliability, exceptional resale value, and unmatched off-road prowess. The best premium SUV under R1,000,000 in SA will probably be the entry-level Prado when it arrives. However, if budget is tight, consider waiting for the current-generation Prado's price to drop or look at the excellent Ford Everest, which offers 90% of the capability at R200,000 less. For those who can afford it though, the new Prado represents the pinnacle of rugged luxury and will likely hold its value better than any competitor.
