Toyota revealing next Prado soon, will offer hybrid – report

It’s been almost 14 years since Toyota launched the current-generation LandCruiser Prado, and according to the latest reports from Japan we won’t have to wait much longer for a new version.

Best Car Web reports the Japanese carmaker will reveal the next-generation Prado in the northern hemisphere autumn (September to November).

The Japanese news outlet had previously indicated the new Prado will debut in Japan this December.

It also reports the Prado will offer hybrid power for the first time, as well as a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Lexus GX

Given Toyota has a 2.4 turbo with hybrid power in its stable – producing total outputs of 197kW/450Nm in the Crown – this seems a likely inclusion for the Prado.

A non-hybridised 2.4-litre turbo is also found in a raft of Toyota and Lexus products, including the Kluger crossover.

The report also makes note of a turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6. Toyota has a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol-hybrid in its full-sized Tundra ute, called the i-Force Max, which produces 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque.

Given the continued popularity of diesel SUVs in markets like Australia, a turbo-diesel is expected to continue. It’s unclear whether this would be a version of the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder, or the 3.3-litre V6 of the LandCruiser 300 Series.

Toyota US LandCruiser teaser

A diesel hybrid powertrain has previously been rumoured, combining a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery.

The next-generation Toyota Prado, reportedly codenamed LandCruiser 250, is expected to be based on the boxy Lexus GX that’s now confirmed to launch locally in the first half of 2024.

Toyota US also recently teased its forthcoming LandCruiser that’s rumoured to essentially be a rebadged next-generation Prado.

It’s likely the new Prado will be built on a version of the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture that not only underpins the new Lexus GX, but the Lexus LX, Toyota LandCruiser 300, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Tacoma.

Current Prado

The Prado will reportedly change little in terms of dimensions, with a length of 4825mm, width of 1885mm, and a height of 1850mm on a 2790mm wheelbase – identical to the current car, albeit 40mm lower.

For context, the Lexus GX measures in at 5004mm long, 2114mm wide (inc. mirrors), and up to 1935mm tall, with a 2850mm wheelbase.

The company confirmed in 2021 that hybrid versions of the LandCruiser, Prado, HiLux and HiAce would be due before 2030, and local engineers would be playing a part in development.

Toyota most recently confirmed certain dual-cab 4×4 versions of the HiLux are receiving 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in the first half of 2024.

The current Prado has remained popular both here and abroad despite its age, and could retain its title of Australia’s favourite Large SUV this year – provided Toyota can shore up supply.

Regardless of when the next Prado launches, Toyota will have been beaten to market with a hybrid body-on-frame SUV as GWM readies its Tank 300 for Australia.

The more Prado-sized Tank 500 is also expected to follow, and could offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Ford’s new Ranger-based Everest also rides on a platform that supports electrification, with both Blue Oval models expected to eventually gain a plug-in hybrid.

MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser Prado