LandCruiser Prado : Toyota Australia has announced a significant expansion of its LandCruiser Prado lineup for 2025, reinforcing the model’s dominant position in the hotly contested mid-size SUV market. The move comes as demand for capable off-road vehicles continues to surge across the country, with waiting lists for premium 4WD models stretching into months at many dealerships.
The expanded range introduces several new variants aimed at different segments of Australia’s diverse 4WD enthusiast community, from urban families seeking weekend escape vehicles to hardcore off-road enthusiasts demanding uncompromising capability in the outback.
I had the opportunity to speak with several Toyota executives at their Sydney headquarters last week, where they unveiled the strategy behind this expansion and provided a first look at the new models that will be hitting showrooms in the coming months.
The Prado’s Enduring Legacy in Australia’s 4WD Culture
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado has been a fixture on Australian roads and tracks for decades, earning a reputation for reliability that borders on legendary status among 4WD enthusiasts. First introduced to Australia in 1996, the Prado quickly established itself as the thinking person’s 4WD—offering much of the capability of its larger LandCruiser sibling in a more manageable, family-friendly package.
“Australians have embraced the Prado like few other markets worldwide,” explained Sarah Mitchell, Toyota Australia’s Marketing Director. “It’s become part of our national identity in a way—that vehicle you see parked outside the school for drop-off that’s covered in red dust from a recent outback adventure.”
The statistics certainly support Mitchell’s assessment. Despite increased competition from newer rivals, the Prado has consistently maintained its position as one of Australia’s best-selling SUVs. Last year alone, Toyota delivered over 21,000 Prados to Australian customers, accounting for nearly 45% of the medium-large SUV segment.
This success is perhaps even more remarkable considering the model’s relative longevity between generational changes. The current model represents the fourth generation of the Prado, which underwent a comprehensive update in 2023 but retains the fundamental platform that has served the vehicle well for years.
Mark Davidson, a 58-year-old farmer from Dubbo who I spoke with at a recent 4WD show, summed up the Prado’s appeal: “I’m on my third one now. They just work. I’ve had mine through floods, dust storms, you name it. The missus likes it for running into town, and I can hook up the horse float or take it out mustering. Can’t ask for much more than that.”
What’s New for the 2025 Range
The 2025 expansion brings the total number of Prado variants to eight, up from the previous five, creating what Toyota calls “the most comprehensive Prado lineup ever offered to Australian buyers.”
The Urban Warrior: Prado Altitude
The new Prado Altitude represents Toyota’s recognition that many premium SUV buyers want the capability of a serious 4WD without sacrificing the comforts and technological features expected in a luxury vehicle.
Based on the well-equipped VX grade, the Altitude adds a panoramic sunroof, premium 14-speaker JBL sound system, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, and unique 19-inch alloy wheels with a dark finish. Interior touches include semi-aniline leather in a choice of black or a distinctive saddle tan color, open-pore wood trim elements, and illuminated door sills.
“The Altitude is aimed squarely at those customers who might otherwise look to European brands,” said Toyota Product Planning Manager David Wilson. “These buyers want the Prado’s capability but also expect a level of refinement and luxury that matches premium SUVs from Europe.”
The Altitude will be offered with the same powertrain options as the regular VX – either the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that’s been the mainstay of the range or the increasingly popular 2.4-liter hybrid system that combines improved fuel efficiency with enhanced torque delivery.
During a brief walkaround of the Altitude at Toyota’s Sydney event, the vehicle’s upmarket positioning was immediately apparent. The interior in particular feels significantly more premium than standard Prado models, with stitching details and material quality that wouldn’t look out of place in vehicles costing substantially more.
The Adventurer: Prado Trailhunter
Perhaps the most exciting addition to hardcore 4WD enthusiasts is the new Trailhunter variant. Following the success of the larger LandCruiser 300 Series Trailhunter introduced last year, Toyota has applied the same overlanding-focused philosophy to the Prado platform.
The Trailhunter comes factory-equipped with features that would typically require aftermarket modification, including:
- Reinforced front and rear bumpers with integrated recovery points
- A heavy-duty steel roof rack system with load rating suitable for a rooftop tent
- Upgraded suspension with an additional 20mm of lift and increased articulation
- All-terrain tires on 17-inch forged aluminum wheels
- Snorkel air intake as standard
- Front and rear differential locks
- Enhanced underbody protection plates
- Auxiliary battery system with integrated management
- Pre-wiring for additional lighting and accessories
“We’ve seen how enthusiastically the market has responded to the LandCruiser Trailhunter,” explained Wilson. “There’s a growing segment of buyers who are serious about remote area travel and overlanding adventures. The Prado Trailhunter gives them a vehicle that’s ready for those challenges straight from the factory, with full warranty coverage and none of the integration issues that can arise with aftermarket modifications.”
I spoke with Claire Johnson, President of the Australian Overlanding Association, who had been given an early preview of the Trailhunter ahead of the official announcement.
“This is exactly what many of our members have been asking for,” Johnson told me. “The Prado has always been a fantastic platform for building an overlanding vehicle, but until now that meant spending thousands at aftermarket suppliers and potentially voiding parts of your warranty. Having these features integrated from the factory, tested to Toyota’s standards, and fully warranted is a game-changer.”
The Trailhunter will be offered exclusively with the turbodiesel engine, reflecting the preference of remote travelers for the reliability and range afforded by diesel power.
The Efficiency Champion: Prado Hybrid+
While the standard hybrid Prado has been available since the 2023 update, the new Hybrid+ variant takes the electrification strategy further with a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack.
The system pairs the 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 134kW electric motor (up from 104kW in the standard hybrid) and a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery. The result is a combined output of 330kW and 630Nm of torque – figures that eclipse even the venerable turbodiesel.
Toyota claims the Hybrid+ can achieve fuel consumption as low as 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle – impressive for a vehicle of this size and capability – while also reducing emissions by approximately 25% compared to the diesel variant.
An interesting addition to the Hybrid+ is the inclusion of limited electric-only operation at low speeds, allowing for up to 2km of silent running in sensitive environmental areas or quiet campsites.
“We recognize that many of our customers are environmentally conscious and visit natural spaces specifically to enjoy their unspoiled character,” said Wilson. “The ability to move quietly through these environments without unnecessary noise or local emissions aligns with the respectful approach to nature that many Prado owners value.”
The Hybrid+ will be positioned at the premium end of the range and offered in either VX or Kakadu specification levels.
The Value Proposition: Prado GX+
At the other end of the spectrum, Toyota is also introducing a new entry-level-plus variant called the GX+, slotting between the basic GX and the mid-range GXL.
The GX+ aims to address feedback from customers who liked the workhorse nature and value proposition of the base GX but wanted a few additional comfort features without stepping up to the significantly more expensive GXL.
The GX+ adds satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter to the GX package. It retains the practical vinyl floor coverings and hard-wearing fabric seats that make the GX popular with those using their Prado for work or serious off-road adventures.
“The GX+ hits a sweet spot for many rural customers and tradies who use their vehicle for both work and family duties,” said Mitchell. “It gives them the essential comfort upgrades without the carpets and leather that might not survive daily work use.”
The GX+ will be offered in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations, with the diesel engine only.
Updated Technology Across the Range
While the new variants are the headline act, Toyota has also announced technology updates that will apply across the entire 2025 Prado range.
All models now receive the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense, which includes enhanced versions of the pre-collision system with intersection support, emergency steering assist, and adaptive cruise control that now works in conjunction with the navigation system to anticipate corners and junctions.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with faster processing and improved voice recognition. Models from the GXL upward also receive a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen (up from 10.1 inches).
A notable addition for off-road enthusiasts is the expanded camera system, which now includes a “transparent bonnet” view that uses cameras to show what’s directly under and in front of the vehicle – particularly useful when negotiating difficult obstacles off-road.
“The technology updates reflect our commitment to keeping the Prado at the forefront of both safety and convenience,” said Wilson. “Many of these features have filtered down from the larger LandCruiser 300 Series and luxury Lexus models, demonstrating how seriously we take the Prado’s position in our lineup.”
Australian Testing and Development
Toyota Australia was keen to emphasize the extensive local testing that has gone into the expanded Prado range, particularly the new Trailhunter variant.
“We’ve put these vehicles through over 100,000 kilometers of testing in some of Australia’s harshest environments,” explained Toyota Australia’s Chief Engineer, Robert Burgess. “From the Simpson Desert to the Victorian High Country, Cape York to the Kimberley – we wanted to ensure they could handle everything Australian customers might throw at them.”
This local validation program included not just reliability testing but also calibration of systems specifically for Australian conditions. The electronic traction control, differential locks, and suspension settings have all been fine-tuned based on data gathered during this extensive testing program.
“No other market gets quite the same specification as Australia,” Burgess noted. “We recognize that our customers use these vehicles differently and expect them to perform in conditions that might be considered extreme elsewhere in the world.”
An Exclusive Australian Color Palette
In a nod to the unique Australian landscape, Toyota is also introducing three new exterior colors exclusively for the Australian market: Kimberley Sunset (a rich burnt orange), Kakadu Green (a deep forest green), and Uluru Red (a reddish-brown reminiscent of the iconic monolith).
These join the existing color palette and will be available across most variants, with the Trailhunter offering a unique matte finish option for Kakadu Green.
Pricing and Availability
While Toyota Australia has not yet announced final pricing for the new variants, they indicated that the expanded range will span from approximately $65,000 for the base GX to around $95,000 for the top-specification Kakadu Hybrid+.
The new models are expected to begin arriving in dealerships from April 2025, with the Trailhunter likely to be the last to arrive due to its specialized equipment.
Given the ongoing high demand for Prado models, Toyota Australia has warned that waiting lists are likely, particularly for the new Trailhunter variant, which they expect to be heavily subscribed.
“We’re working closely with our production partners to secure as much supply as possible for the Australian market,” said Mitchell. “We understand the frustration that comes with long wait times and are doing everything possible to minimize delays.”
The Competitive Landscape
The Prado’s expansion comes at a time when the mid-size premium SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive. Traditional rivals like the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport have been joined by new entrants including the Ineos Grenadier and a resurgent Land Rover Defender range.
Despite this increased competition, industry analysts remain confident about the Prado’s prospects.
“Toyota has timed this expansion perfectly,” said automotive industry analyst Michael Peterson. “The adventure travel and overlanding segments are booming post-pandemic, with more Australians looking to explore remote areas in capable vehicles. The Prado’s reputation for reliability gives it a significant advantage in this space.”
Peterson also noted that the expanded range allows Toyota to target specific sub-segments more effectively.
“Previously, they might have lost customers who wanted either more luxury or more off-road capability than the standard Prado offered. Now, with variants specifically designed for these different use cases, they can capture more of the market.”
The Future of Prado: Electrification and Beyond
Looking beyond the 2025 model year, Toyota executives hinted at the longer-term strategy for the Prado lineup, which will inevitably involve further electrification.
“The Hybrid+ is just the beginning of our electrification journey for the Prado,” said Wilson. “As battery technology continues to advance, we’ll see increased capability from hybrid systems and eventually fully electric options that don’t compromise the vehicle’s core mission.”
However, Wilson was quick to reassure traditional customers that diesel options would remain available for the foreseeable future.
“We understand that for many remote area users, particularly those traveling in the outback where charging infrastructure is limited, diesel remains the most practical option. Our approach is to offer choices that suit different customer needs rather than forcing everyone down a single technology path.”
A Prado for Every Purpose
With the expanded 2025 range, Toyota has deftly reinforced the Prado’s position as Australia’s most versatile and popular mid-size 4WD. By offering specialized variants that cater to different customer needs – from luxury urban warriors to hardcore outback explorers – they’ve ensured the Prado remains relevant in an increasingly diverse and competitive market.
The addition of the Trailhunter variant in particular shows Toyota’s willingness to embrace the growing overlanding trend and offer factory solutions for customers who might otherwise turn to aftermarket modifications.
Meanwhile, the continued development of hybrid technology demonstrates a forward-looking approach that balances innovation with the practical requirements of a vehicle that often operates far from urban infrastructure.
For Australian 4WD enthusiasts and family SUV buyers alike, the expanded Prado range offers more choice than ever before. And based on the enduring popularity of its predecessors, Toyota looks set to maintain its dominance in this crucial market segment for years to come.
As one Toyota dealer I spoke with put it: “The hardest part of my job isn’t selling Prados – it’s telling customers how long they’ll have to wait to get one.” With these exciting new variants, that wait just got a little more worthwhile.
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