By: Colin Windell
It is back to its roots for the latest iteration of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which was launched in South Africa recently with design cues harking back to earlier Cruiser models.
However, the new body-on-frame New Global Architecture GA-F platform enhances rigidity, responsiveness and handling, both on and off-road. Notably, it's the first Land Cruiser to feature electric power steering and a new disconnecting anti-roll bar system. It boasts a re-engineered 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Prado's design features a horizontal axis, long bonnet, upright windscreen, short front overhang and distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches. The overall dimensions are 4,925mm in length, 1,980mm in width and 1,935mm in height, with a 2,850mm wheelbase.
The 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine produces 150kW at 3,000rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1,600rpm and normal daily on-road use should achieve a fuel consumption around the 7,9 l/100 km mark for a fuel range around 1,300 kilometres - slightly less than previous editions since the spare wheel has now been moved from the rear door (now a tailgate) to under the body, losing 30 litres of tank size.
The overall consumption is helped by the eight-speed automatic transmission that now has a multi-plate lock-up clutch.
"We believe this Land Cruiser should be a practical and affordable off-roader, rooted in its origins. The new model embodies strong, authentic off-road performance, supported by the GA-F platform, enhanced visibility, and simplicity in design,” says Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu.
Chief Designer Yoshito Watanabe adds: "This design is not just a homage; it modernises the essence of Land Cruiser."
Looking back, the Land Cruiser's journey began as the ‘Toyota BJ’ in 1951, proving its capability by becoming the first vehicle to reach the sixth station of Mount Fuji and since then, Toyota's mission has been to create a vehicle capable of handling the harshest environments with safety and reliability. The Land Cruiser is one of Toyota’s best-sellers, with more than 11.3-million sales in more than 170 countries and regions.
South African buyers will have the choice of two grades – the base model TX that Toyota sees as being more of an ‘on-road’ version used daily, and less likely to head into the wonderful scenery of South Africa than the higher specification VX-R where the clever Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) is fitted as standard.
Selecting the type of terrain from the dashboard menu – sand, mud, dirt road, snow or auto – allows the engine and gearbox to work in conjunction to provide the best options to tackle the situation and the launch drive in Mozambique gave plenty of opportunity to try this out in deep beach sand and thick, sticky mud; with the Prado sailing through with a minimum of effort.
The silhouette and proportions draw from Land Cruiser’s heritage, featuring a bonnet with raised corners and a lowered central section for better driver visibility. The classic Toyota emblem graces the front, while the body is shaped to withstand harsh conditions and allow easy replacement of parts.
The lights are neatly integrated into this design, now elongated and rectangular and fitting within the body confines to minimise the chance of damage when venturing off-road.
The interior blends functionality with quality, offering a digital instrument display, the latest Toyota multimedia package on the VX-R and a smaller central screen on the TX version and there is seating for up to seven.
Extensive noise and vibration countermeasures, along with enhancements in body sealing and sound-absorbing materials, ensure a quiet and comfortable ride. The new GA-F platform and frame further enhance rigidity and ride comfort – and proved the point on the launch route.
Sadly, the highly-specced First Edition model that features stylish round front headlights is not included as the South African allocation has been fully sold out. However, Toyota SA did hint at the possibility of additional model special versions in the future and maybe even a GR-S variant.
What became immediately apparent as the launch convoy left the airport and crossed the magnificent Maputo/Katembe suspension bridge that spans the bay is, despite the actual size of the Prado, it weaves through traffic with ease – aided in no small way by the frontal expanse of glass and the highly visible corners of the car.
There is a little bit of low down rumble from the 2.8-litre engine but, even as it climbs the rev range and works its way through the gears, it remains muted and on the highway the most noise came from a bit of windrush around the large exterior mirrors.
It is very comfortable and feels solidly planted on the road with the suspension well set to absorb any odd bumps and ripples – all of which augered well for the approaching off-road activity mostly involving thick beach sand.
The TX version that Toyota has designated as most likely to be an ‘on-road’ vehicle has both low range and diff locks, while the VR-X comes with Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) that allows the driver to pre-select the type of road or track, thereby setting engine and gearbox up to handle the task.
Left in ‘Auto’ mode, the Prado reacts quickly to changing surfaces – but to do it properly and explore the huge capabilities the MTS pre-select makes the task easier and both the heavy dune sand and mud pit we traversed were handled with consummate ease.
The Toyota Prado comes with a nine-services/90,000km service plan and a three-year/100,000km warranty. Customers can additionally purchase service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the Toyota dealer network.
Toyota Prado Pricing (July 2024)
2.8 GD TX - R1,296,300
2.8 GD VX-R - R1,448,900
2.8 GD 1st Edition - R1,462,400
2.8 GD 1st Edition Bi-Tone - R1,472,600