Highlights
- The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado expertly blends retro design with modern technology for an adventurous driving experience.
- With a five-star ANCAP rating, the Prado prioritizes safety through advanced technology and comprehensive protection features.
- Offering spacious seating and efficient powertrains, the Prado stands out as a practical choice for those needing versatility.
Summary and Overview
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a mid-size SUV blending retro-inspired design with modern technology and enhanced safety. Drawing from the 1980s J60 and FJ Cruiser, it features a bold, boxy exterior with wide fender flares, block TOYOTA lettering, and two-tone paint options. Inside, it offers premium materials, seating for seven, advanced infotainment, and comfort features like ventilated leather seats and a large touchscreen. Powertrains include a 2.8L turbodiesel mild-hybrid, with a 3.3L V6 diesel and 2.4L turbo petrol anticipated. It retains full-time four-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with off-road enhancements on higher trims. Towing capacity reaches 3,500 kg.
Safety is a key highlight, with a five-star ANCAP rating and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping aids, driver monitoring, and extensive airbags. While praised for practicality, safety, and rear comfort, the third-row seating and pricing near the larger Land Cruiser 300 have drawn some criticism. Overall, the Prado remains a durable, well-equipped SUV combining heritage design with modern innovation.
Specifications and Exterior
The Prado offers a 2.8L turbodiesel with 204 hp and 500 Nm torque enhanced by a 48V mild-hybrid system, plus upcoming 3.3L V6 diesel and 2.4L turbo petrol engines. It uses full-time four-wheel drive with high/low range gearing and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims add differential locks and adaptive suspension for improved off-road capability. Dimensions are 4,925 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,925 mm tall, seating seven with a somewhat basic third row. Fuel economy is about 10.6 km/L, towing up to 3,500 kg.
Exterior design emphasizes ruggedness with a boxy stance, silver grille with block “TOYOTA” lettering, rectangular LED headlights, and all-terrain tires on 18- to 20-inch alloys. Features include wide fender flares, roof rails, side steps, mud guards, power-retractable mirrors, and eight color options.
Interior and Technology
The interior combines luxury and practicality with a 1980mm-wide cabin, a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen, and 4-zone climate control with advanced airflow. The second row offers ample space and stadium seating for better visibility, while the third row remains less comfortable. Premium ventilated Nappa leather and bespoke trim accents are available in higher packages. Practical features include larger door pockets, dual cup holders, wireless charging, and a convertible fridge in the central console. The cabin uses stain-resistant upholstery and is prepared for future autonomous driving technologies.
Technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated navigation, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Safety tech features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing connectivity and safety.
Safety
The Prado earned a five-star ANCAP rating with strong adult and child occupant protection and vulnerable road user safety. It includes eleven airbags, a centre airbag to reduce occupant contact, and structural reinforcements for impact absorption. Active safety features comprise autonomous emergency braking detecting vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, trailer sway control, and a 360-degree camera. Driver monitoring and fatigue detection support accident prevention. Child safety is supported by ISOFIX anchorages in the second row and indirect child presence detection.
Models, Market Availability, and Reception
The Prado is available in multiple trims, with the flagship Kakadu offering premium off-road and luxury features but reduced payload due to towing equipment weight. Lower trims like the GX and GXL provide better towing practicality. Variants vary by region, including First Edition and unique trims in GCC markets. The Prado launched in GCC countries mid-2024, Australia in late 2024, and Sri Lanka in early 2025. The U.S. offers three trims including the Land Cruiser 1958 edition with retro styling.
Reviews praise the Prado’s rear passenger comfort, safety technologies, and practicality, noting the roomy second row but less comfortable third row. Its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense suite and strong ANCAP scores appeal to families and fleet buyers. However, pricing near the larger Land Cruiser 300 and limited third-row comfort have drawn some criticism.
Competitors
The Prado competes with mid-size SUVs like the Ford Everest and GWM Tank 500, which offer similar off-road capabilities at more aggressive prices. Its premium positioning and reliable performance maintain appeal, but pricing close to the larger Land Cruiser 300 may deter some buyers. Despite competition, the Prado remains a solid choice for those valuing comfort, safety, and rugged versatility.
The content is provided by Blake Sterling, Scopewires
