The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is due to launch in South Africa in April 2024, but we’ve already uncovered details of the local range. Here’s what you need to know…
The J250-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was revealed back in August 2023, riding on a fresh platform and boasting a new retro-inspired exterior design. Now, ahead of this ladder-frame SUV’s highly anticipated touchdown in South Africa in April 2024, Cars.co.za has unearthed several details of the local line-up.
According to our information, the local Prado range will shrink slightly – from the current 5 derivatives to 3 variants – largely owing to the removal of the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine from the line-up. As such, all models will employ the Japanese firm’s familiar 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
In J250-series Prado form, this well-known 1GD-FTV motor will again deliver 150 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 corners, though will switch from the outgoing model’s 6-speed automatic transmission to an 8-speed self-shifting gearbox. Braked towing capacity will remain at 3 000 kg. All derivatives will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65 R18 tyres.
The Prado 2.8 GD TX will again serve as the entry point to the range, though we understand this derivative will lose its centre limited-slip differential. The TX is, however, in line to score a more comprehensive anti-theft system, as well as added safety features such as tyre-pressure monitoring, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-trace assist, adaptive cruise control and extra airbags.
Like all variants in the new range, the 2.8 GD TX derivative will come with a black finish for its front bumper, grille, side-mirror caps, rear bumper and wheel-arch mouldings. Inside, however, it will switch from a leather-and-fabric combination to straight leather (while also dropping its traditional handbrake lever in favour of an electric version).
With the VX and VX-L trim levels set to be scrapped, the new Prado 2.8 GD VX-R specification is up next. This grade will add items such as a moonroof, a heated steering wheel, a cooler box, wireless smartphone charging and adaptive high-beam headlamps. It appears set to do without adaptive variable suspension but will score a rear and centre torque-sensing limited-slip differential.
Finally, there is the Prado 2.8 VX-R First Edition, which Toyota SA Motors says will arrive a little before the TX and VX-R. As we understand it, there will technically be 2 versions of the First Edition (1 in monotone form and the other in bi-tone guise), each based on the VX-R specification. First Edition models will be easily recognisable thanks to their circular headlamps.
In South Africa, First Edition variants will be offered in a choice of 4 exterior paint colours: Platinum Pearl White, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, Sand and Sand Bi-Tone (the latter featuring a white roof). Meanwhile, TX and VX-R models will also be available in Platinum Pearl White and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, along with Glacier White, Attitude Black, Black and Smokey Grey.
As a reminder, the new 7-seater Prado is underpinned by the same TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis as employed by the Land Cruiser 300. Our information suggests the SA-spec version will measure 5 105 mm from nose to tail, making it a considerable 95 mm longer than its predecessor. Also note the old hydraulic power steering will make way for an electric system.
Check back closer to the local launch date in April for pricing. For the record, the outgoing range is currently priced from R1 168 400 to R1 376 400. In the meantime, why not browse our selection of used J150-generation Prado listings?
New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado line-up for South Africa
Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD TX
Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R
Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R First Edition (also available in bi-tone)
We expect the new Prado to ship standard with Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
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