All-New LandCruiser Prado Improves Off-Road Capability, On-Road Performance With Technological Advancements

The all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado will offer customers improved capability and comfort both on and off-road, thanks in part to the introduction of V-Active technology and a new flagship off-road variant.  The new-generation LandCruiser Prado will be launched in Australia in the fourth quarter of the year, with order books opening for customers end of August.

Underpinned by the excellent fundamental off-road ability of the LandCruiser Prado’s new platform, driveline and traction control systems, the newly introduced Altitude grade joins the LandCruiser Prado line-up as the most off-road-capable variant to date.  Like every new-generation variant, the Altitude adopts V-Active technology with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel powertrain help to improve fuel economy, combined CO2 emissions performance and powertrain smoothness of the proven engine.

Tailpipe emissions also stand to benefit from the adoption of AdBlue, stored in a 17.4-litre tank. This fluid additive – available at a range of public locations including Toyota dealerships – mixes with exhaust gases as they enter the catalytic converter, burning at very high temperatures to help break down harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new-generation LandCruiser Prado would bring more of what customers love about Australia’s favourite large SUV. 

“Australian buyers have always appreciated the rugged off-road performance of the LandCruiser Prado, which has proved to be the perfect overlanding platform for customers who want to travel all over the country without breaking the bank,” Mr Hanley said. “The new Altitude grade enhances the performance of the LandCruiser Prado, allowing customers to venture further off-road than ever before.  “Meanwhile, introducing V-Active technology brings welcome on-road improvements, with smoother powertrain operation that may also help reduce fuel bills.”

Distinguishable by several signature design touches, the all-new LandCruiser Prado Altitude offers multiple mechanical enhancements to make it the most capable member of the line-up when pushing the vehicle to its off-road limits.  The Altitude gains a stabiliser disconnect mechanism (SDM) function which allows for wheel articulation approximately 10 per cent greater than the previous-generation LandCruiser Prado equipped with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The SDM is manually triggered by a switch which can lock and unlock the front stabiliser bars to provide maximum articulation and ground contact for traversing rough terrain while also improving ride comfort on uneven ground surfaces.  Drivers can turn the SDM on and off manually via a button on the centre console, grouped with other important off-road functions for ease of use.  If the SDM is unlocked, it is designed to automatically re-lock once the Altitude reaches a certain speed in the interest of occupant safety.

While the SDM provides the Altitude with enhanced traction at the front axle, rear-wheel grip is also enhanced with the fitment of a locking rear differential unique to the Altitude. A solenoid actuator is used to engage thediff lock, which reduces the time it takes to engage the locking mechanism by 85 per cent compared to the outgoing LandCruiser Prado.  The Altitude comes with the standard fitment of 265/70R18 Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres, which offer a more rugged tread pattern compared to the tyres on the rest of the LandCruiser Prado range to provide excellent grip in wet or dry conditions.

Its unique features bolster the already impressive suite of off-road driver aids such as the six-mode Multi-Terrain Select offered on VX grades and up, allowing drivers to cycle through Auto, Mud, Sand, Dirt, Rock and Deep Snow modes to suit the driving situation at hand.  Toyota’s most advanced Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) to date offers a comprehensive range of camera views surrounding the vehicle, introducing the brand-first back underfloor (rear wheel) view which gives the driver a composite image of the rear undercarriage of the vehicle, including the placement of the rear wheels to help the driver safely navigate obstaclesCrawl control, downhill assist control, active traction control, a locking Torsen™1 centre differential and low-range gearing are offered across the LandCruiser Prado range, providing strong fundamental ground-covering ability worthy of the LandCruiser nameplate.

The driving improvements continue on the pavement with the fitment of V-Active technology across the range, augmenting the strong performance of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with improved fuel economy and the adoption of a stop-start function.  Consisting of a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, DC/DC converter and motor generator, V-Active technology helps reduce combined average fuel consumption from 7.9 litres per 100km in the outgoing LandCruiser Prado to 7.6L/100km2 on all variants.

The system helps make the newly introduced stop-start functionality exceptionally smooth, while also offering a long stop function which disengages the engine for as long as possible when the vehicle is stationary.  The 8.4kW/65Nm motor generator helps provide extra assistance when accelerating from a standing start, and when decelerating, the motor generator recoups energy and feeds it back into the 48-volt battery, helping to provide a feeling of gentle and natural deceleration.

The motor generator is mounted high in the engine bay to help retain the LandCruiser Prado’s strong 700mm wading depth, and is driven by a high-strength belt with a two-arm tensioner and layer of fabric on the rib side to help prevent slippage in wet conditions.  The enhanced powertrain drives all four wheels via a newly developed eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, offering a broader spread of ratios than the outgoing six-speed unit and a much lower first gear to provide more responsive start-up acceleration.

Underpinned by the rigid TNGA-F platform architecture, the all-new LandCruiser Prado supports a 3,500kg braked towing capacity3 – an improvement of 500kg over the outgoing model.  2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado pricing4:

1 Product & company names are trademarks of their respective owners. 2 Results achieved for LandCruiser Prado automatic 4WD SUV diesel in ADR81/02 combined drive cycle fuel consumption testing. Urban cycle results achieved 8.5L/100km & extra urban cycle achieved 7.0L/100km. Results produced in laboratory test conditions, using sample vehicles without fitment of accessories/customisation, & do not reflect real world driving. Figures should only be used for comparative purposes. 3 Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, and vehicle & equipment design limitations. Ask your dealer for more information, including Toyota Genuine Towbar capacity and availability. 4 Manufacturer's recommended retail prices provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included. On-road costs vary from State to State and can be found by contacting the relevant government authority. Optional colours or features at additional cost.