It’s now been six months since Toyota’s long-awaited, fifth-generation 250 Sequence LandCruiser Prado changed the top-selling, 15-year-old 150 Sequence, permitting sufficient time for the mud to settle.
Regardless of early complaints about excessive costs and issues that the hole to its extra luxurious Lexus GX sibling was too small, the Prado has managed to cement itself as Toyota Australia’s third finest promoting mannequin to date in 2025.
It’s behind solely the omnipresent RAV4 mid-sizer SUV chief and the HiLux ute within the Japanese model’s in depth native lineup. And after shedding its long-held giant SUV title to the Ford Everest through the mannequin changeover final 12 months, it has even out-sold its most direct rival within the first 5 months of this 12 months, and is effectively forward of the Isuzu MU-X.
The Prado has achieved that regardless of its lack of revolutionary gear underneath its angular sheetmetal, particularly its engine. It’s fitted with the identical electrified 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as discovered within the HiLux, which belongs to an engine household launched in 2015.
With 48V mild-hybrid help, it’s the one engine obtainable for the boxy off-road wagon in Australia. Abroad, it may be had with a handful of four-cylinder petrol powertrains, together with a hybrid, whereas its Lexus counterpart will get a buttery 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6.
WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude
Nonetheless, the Prado is loaded with tech and tools, even when a few of the nicer gear like adaptive suspension isn’t obtainable on the ‘Cruiser you see right here.
On take a look at is the seven-seat Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL, a preferred trim degree and the second most reasonably priced Prado variant at the moment on sale in Australia. It nonetheless isn’t low cost at a whopping $79,990 earlier than on-road prices, although even the bottom GX will value round $80,000 as soon as it’s parked in your driveway.
The GXL grade specifically lately grew to become just a little extra accessible with the addition of a five-seat possibility, bringing its beginning worth down by $1000. However it’s nonetheless significantly dearer than the Everest and MU-X.
How does it stack up now the hype has died down?
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado value?
The seven-seat Prado GXL is priced at $79,990 earlier than on-road prices, whereas its five-seat various shaves off $1000.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX | $72,500 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL | $79,990 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX | $87,400 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude | $92,700 |
| 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu | $99,990 |
Its most direct mainstream rivals are the Everest and MU-X, each of that are additionally giant, off-road succesful ladder-frame SUVs. In the intervening time, each fashions are additionally obtainable in cheaper rear-wheel drive guises, whereas the Prado is bought solely with four-wheel drive setup.
Everest 4×4 variants vary in worth from $59,240 to $81,200 earlier than on-roads, although they turn out to be more and more road-oriented as costs climb – bar the off-road-ready Tremor for $76,590 earlier than on-roads.
The 4×4 MU-X lineup, in the meantime, ranges from $54,400 to $75,100 earlier than on-roads, the latter making use of to the beefed-up X-Terrain off-road flagship.
GWM’s hybrid Tank 500 can also be cross-shopped in opposition to the Prado, and it ranges in worth from $66,490 to $73,990 drive-away. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, a historic Prado rival, was discontinued final 12 months.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s the Toyota LandCruiser Prado like on the within?
Utilitarian, however not as bare-bones as you may anticipate for a second-from-the-bottom mannequin grade.
Although the additions to the GXL over the GX aren’t in depth, they’re quality-of-life enhancements that do wonders to raise the cabin expertise.
Gone is the material seat upholstery, which is now changed with artificial leather-based that appears and feels premium.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel and equipment selector are additionally upgrades in comparison with the bottom GX, each of that are straightforward on the eyes if nothing else. It makes for a pleasing inside, and one which feels a lot nicer in actuality than the pictures would recommend.
A very powerful omission from the GXL is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which isn’t obtainable till dearer VX degree. We nonetheless assume the 7.0-inch partial-digital show is an effective various, however not one which screams $80,000.
Right here you’ll discover fundamental journey info on a easy graphic design, which could be scrolled by means of utilizing buttons on the left of the steering wheel. The display screen is flanked by gauges for temperature and gasoline degree, and it’s usually a clear setup.
The bezelled plastic panel during which this show sits incorporates the 7.0-inch infotainment system. It appears to be like an identical to the screens you’ll discover in most different new Toyotas, headlined by clear graphics and sharp decision.
Down the precise is a ribbon for fundamental app shortcuts, which is simple sufficient to navigate however could be fiddly on the transfer. One other missed merchandise is the extra premium 14-speaker JBL sound system, however the usual setup within the GXL will get the job achieved properly.
You get wi-fi smartphone mirroring as commonplace, and whereas it may be thought of dependable, Melbourne’s toll gantries would constantly trigger it to drop out – this additionally impacts different Toyota merchandise.
There’s a bodily local weather interface beneath that contains an array of buttons and switches. It’s sturdy and simple to work with on the transfer, however we don’t like the usage of shiny black plastic for the higher buttons.
Extra shiny plastic is discovered on the large centre console, which is damaged up by boring plastic buttons and the big gear selector. This large, boxy part of the cabin is dominated by squares and laborious edges, however it ties in properly with the way in which every part else appears to be like.
All of the buttons listed here are giant and simple to search out too, which helps if there’s a small adjustment to be made on the transfer. The one hiccup is that the multitude of buttons means there’s loads to wrap your head round, although the clear labels assist.
Close by are additionally three USB-C ports, a wi-fi telephone charger, HDMI port, and two cupholders.
All of it makes for a sensible house – which gained’t turn out to be cramped when loaded with passengers and unfastened gadgets – to not point out luxe with the addition of the centre console chilly field.
You’ll discover extra hardy buttons on and across the steering wheel, and the extent of management supplied is spectacular. We additionally respect that none of those buttons are touch-sensitive, which suggests they need to stand the take a look at of time.
The utilitarian look doesn’t imply the GXL is uncomfortable inside, both. Its seats are plush and supply a superb vary of powered adjustment on the driving force’s aspect, whereas the leather-clad steering wheel feels good within the palms, and the primary contact factors are welly padded.
Not solely that, however there’s additionally loads of house throughout due to the Prado’s boxy stature. Although it’s tall, the sturdy aspect steps and inside A-pillar seize handles make it simpler to tug your self into.
There are additionally handles on the B-pillars, which assist to get into the second row. It’s the same story right here as it’s up entrance, with a handful of options added over the bottom GX that make it a nicer place to spend time.
Leather-based upholstery is one, when you get some reclining adjustment due to the folding mechanism fitted for third-row entry. There’s additionally a devoted second-row local weather management interface, with pared-back buttons to regulate just a few fundamental features – air is then fed by means of roof-mounted vents.
The seats themselves are pretty flat and don’t present world-class assist, which is one thing that turns into painfully obvious on lengthy drives. They’ll be tremendous for commuting and faculty runs, although.
It’s the same story for the third row, simply with a lot much less legroom. Headroom is sweet for each rear rows, whereas each third-row seats have devoted USB-C ports, cupholders, and a small central storage tray.
After all, boot house is nearly non-existent with the third row prepared to be used, however the boot was already compromised to start with. Bluntly, this stays the worst a part of the Prado’s cabin.
On this seven-seat mannequin, the third row sits atop the boot ground as a substitute of being built-in into it – because of the mild-hybrid battery and the spare wheel being positioned underneath the ground as a substitute of on the tailgate. There’s then an ungainly plastic field behind the load ground to create a flat load ground, however it sits method too excessive above the boot ground.
Moreover and annoyingly, neither the tow bar’s laborious carry case nor the body-coloured tow hitch cowl suits on this plastic container, regardless of being equipped with the automobile. There are additionally giant nooks across the seats and a container for issues to fall into, and the cargo field can’t assist a lot weight on high.
You at the least get a powered tailgate with the GXL, however the compromised boot packaging nonetheless appears like a evident oversight – particularly in comparison with an Everest.
| Dimensions | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Size | 4990mm |
| Width | 1980mm |
| Peak | 1925mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Cargo capability | 182L (all seats up) 906L (third row folded) 1829L (third and second rows folded) |
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
All Prados are powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that’s largely the identical as what you get within the HiLux, Fortuner, HiAce and LandCruiser 70 Sequence, albeit with the addition of V-Lively mild-hybrid know-how throughout the vary. It additionally will get an eight-speed computerized transmission as a substitute of a six-speed auto.
| Specs | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel with 48V MHEV |
| Battery | 4.3Ah li-ion |
| Motor generator energy | 8.4kW |
| Motor generator torque | 65Nm |
| Complete system energy | 150kW @ 3000-3400rpm |
| Complete system torque | 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive kind | Full-time 4WD |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.6L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 9.0L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 200g/km |
| Gas tank | 80L essential tank 30L sub tank 17.4L AdBlue |
| Kerb weight | 2535kg |
| Payload | 615kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3150kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6600kg |
Our week with the automobile usually concerned long-distance cruising, together with freeway commuting. The latter concerned a number of stints in site visitors which, when mixed with moments of tougher acceleration, contributed to our barely larger gasoline economic system. Just like the Everest, the Prado requires AdBlue exhaust fluid.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado drive?
That is the place the GXL’s ‘base-spec’ leanings turn out to be clearer, because it lacks a layer of polish.
The diesel engine underneath the bonnet is an enormous a part of this, because it was with the outdated Prado, as a result of it doesn’t do the Prado any favours by way of luxurious or refinement, however you at the least get robust torque figures and confirmed sturdiness.
The trade-off is efficiency and effectivity. The Prado isn’t quick, and forcing it to maneuver rapidly may have it chugging by means of gasoline.
Sure, the Prado now has a mild-hybrid system, however it’s about as gentle because it will get. You gained’t discover any electrical energy help on the transfer, solely actually when the engine turns on and off at standstill.
It’s the identical as what you get in a V-Lively HiLux, which doesn’t scream refinement and isn’t as clean because the Everest’s biturbo-diesel 4 or optionally available V6 diesel (or the 300 Sequence LandCruiser’s oil-burning V6). Nonetheless, it’s extra environment friendly than earlier than, works a bit higher with the additional transmission ratios, and does a reliable job whether or not you’re driving within the suburbs, towing or on a long-distance journey.
Whereas the outdated Prado was famend for its trip consolation (for a ladder-frame automobile), we additionally discover the brand new mannequin’s suspension setup to be harsh on the street. It doesn’t appear to absorb bumps in the way in which we’d like, as a substitute exhibiting a bouncy trip a bit like a ute.
After all, the Prado remains to be a body-on-frame automobile, however there’s a drastic distinction between the GXL’s chassis setup and the Adaptive Variable Suspension damping system fitted to the Prado VX and up, which really feel extra like an Everest. It’s notably uncomfortable on tough rural roads, and passengers within the again will undergo the worst of it.
We anticipate this to enhance with a trailer connected, a totally loaded boot, or each. However trip consolation, or the shortage thereof, is what reminds you that the GXL isn’t a premium variant and, just like the smaller instrument show, it isn’t befitting of a giant SUV that prices greater than $80,000 on the street.
There are advantages to the firmer trip, although. One is that it ought to higher deal with an elevated load over the rear axle, like a trailer, with out upsetting the stability of the automobile as a lot.
Discover out extra
Discover out extra concerning the automobile
One other is that it’s surprisingly comfy as soon as the blacktop ends. In contrast to on the bitumen, the Prado GXL by some means soaks up small bumps on unsealed roads with confidence.
And given it now shares the identical TNGA-F ladder body and the same footprint to the LandCruiser 300 Sequence, the brand new Prado brings an uptick in stability and street holding, each off-road and on.
You even have first rate floor clearance to work with, so reaching these distant campsites with out damaging the automobile or its contents needs to be straightforward, and bigger obstacles and holes gained’t trigger issues.
If the going will get harder, you even have the benefit of off-road drive modes, low-range gearing, and an digital locking centre differential, all of which work as they need to. A surround-view digicam makes it straightforward to put and park the Prado, too.
The GXL lacks the locking rear differential, surround-view digicam, and entrance sway bar disconnect operate fitted to dearer variants, however it nonetheless has loads of off-road {hardware} to maintain you shifting on all however the steepest of hill climbs.
For a extra detailed overview of the Prado’s off-road capabilities, take a look at our video overview
Each on street and off, the Prado is a simple automobile to drive. Energy supply is clean and constant, and the eight-speed computerized works effectively in most use circumstances.
The steering is direct and whereas it has a strong really feel, it turns into heavier whenever you interact sport mode. Just like the outdated Prado, you’ll discover some physique roll round turns, however the automobile doesn’t really feel unwieldy in the identical method a number of giant SUVs can – doubtless a byproduct of its suspension tune.
The Prado can be outfitted with a complete suite of security gear, even from the underside of the vary. These methods are all dependable, together with the adaptive cruise management and lane-centring features that observe lanes and adapt to site visitors.
It’s reluctant to use extra aggressive steering lock although, which suggests it’ll doubtless ask you to take over when travelling on windy rural highways, and not one of the security gear is just too intrusive.
Visibility out of the cabin is sweet, although it’ll take a second to get used to the vertical aspect mirrors when you’re coming from a extra conventional SUV.
One factor that annoys us is the Prado’s requirement of AdBlue, which is housed in a 17.4-litre tank and must be refilled each 8000km on common. It’s the primary time a Toyota has wanted AdBlue in Australia, and it’s inconvenient that refilling the tank isn’t a service merchandise.
It isn’t essentially inconvenient to refill the AdBlue at a service station, however it’s a big switch-up for folks coming from older Prados. Like different Toyotas with this engine, it additionally conducts frequent diesel particulate filter (DPF) burn-offs whereas on the street.
These are solely small hold-ups within the grand scheme of issues, and general the GXL offers a good driving expertise. We’d simply slightly a Prado with adaptive suspension, which is the one actual issue that detracts from an in any other case well-behaved automobile.
| Off-road dimensions | Toyota Prado GXL |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1664mm entrance 1668mm rear |
| Floor clearance | 210mm |
| Strategy angle | 31º |
| Departure angle | 17º |
| Ramp breakover angle | 25º |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
Toyota gives 5 trim ranges for the Prado in Australia, and the GXL is second from the underside.
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX tools highlights:
- 5 seats
- 18-inch darkish gray alloy wheels
- Entrance grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering
- LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights
- Folding body-coloured mirrors
- Darkened entrance and rear bumpers, aspect sills, wheel arches
- Guide tailgate
- Cloth upholstery
- Rubber ground mats
- Six-way handbook driver’s seat adjustment
- 7.0-inch multi-function instrument show
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10-speaker sound system
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 4 USB-C ports
- Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Toyota related companies
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Downhill help management
- Crawl management with 5 pace settings
Prado GXL provides:
- Seven-seat capability
- Roof rails
- Rear privateness glass
- Silver entrance and rear bumper trim
- Energy tailgate
- Artificial leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-based-accented steering wheel and equipment knob
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Wi-fi charging pad
- Rear local weather management
- Two additional USB-C charging ports
Prado VX provides:
- 20-inch darkish metallic alloy wheels
- Bi-LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling
- Adaptive high-beam help
- Physique-coloured entrance and rear bumpers
- Over-fender (wheel arch) moulding
- Rear guard trim
- Leather-based-accented seats
- Energy lumbar and reminiscence operate for driver’s seat
- 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Energy-adjustable steering wheel
- Carpet ground mats
- Refrigerated centre console
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14-speaker JBL sound system
- Adaptive Variable Suspension
- 5 drive modes
- Multi-terrain choose
- Multi-terrain monitor
Prado Altitude provides:
- 5 seats
- 18-inch matte gray alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
- Locking rear differential
- ‘Stabiliser disconnect mechanism’ (instead of Adaptive Variable Suspension)
- Black door handles and tailgate trim
- Black wheel arch moulding
- Sunroof
- Two-tone colors obtainable
- Digital rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-up show
Prado Kakadu provides:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Illuminated aspect steps
- Heated and ventilated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Adjustable driver’s seat thigh assist
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Head-up show
- Torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
Is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado protected?
The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado has a five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on testing performed by ANCAP in 2024.
| Class | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 84 per cent |
| Security help | 82 per cent |
Security tools highlights:
- 9 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Stability management with energetic traction management
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane hint help (lane centring)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking assist brake (stops the automobile if a static object is detected)
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Trailer sway management
- Trailer pre-wiring harness
- 360-degree digicam
The VX, Altitude, and Kakadu grades acquire tyre stress monitoring.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado value to run?
Toyota Australia backs its vehicles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing for the Prado is required each six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), which is extra typically than all of its rivals.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Toyota Prado |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | Purchasable, $99 or $139 per 12 months, relying on plan |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 3 years, $390 every |
| Complete capped-price service value | $2340 |
For context, the Ford Everest and Isuzu D-Max each require servicing each 12 months or 15,000km, whereas the GWM Tank 500 is due each 12 months or 10,000km.
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL
The newest iteration of the Prado is a usually robust providing, however there are just a few hiccups that detract from the nameplate’s fame.
There are fairly just a few positives, particularly in its powerful styling, sturdy engine, and rock-solid Toyota construct high quality. There’s loads of house in all three rows, which is suitable for a household automobile that’s meant to be able to long-distance mass transport.
It’s additionally first rate off-road, even when this GXL grade misses out on a handful of off-road methods reserved for higher-spec grades. Its inside is lightyears forward of the outdated Prado and the GXL gives a significant improve over the GX too, punching effectively above its place within the Prado pecking order.
However its diesel engine remains to be gruff and lacks the grunt for a automobile this measurement and weight, and the trip on its commonplace suspension is just too ute-like for our tastes. Because the engine is identical throughout the vary, the suspension is the one factor holding the GXL again on-road – main us to suggest the VX as a substitute.
Then there’s the boot scenario, which is as unappealing, inconvenient and appears like an uncharacteristic afterthought by Toyota. Sadly, that is one thing ingrained into the J250 Prado’s DNA, and its extra luxurious Lexus GX sister mannequin does higher with the identical packaging limitations, though it’s not excellent both.
The Prado has brief service intervals and isn’t low cost both, and we don’t assume the GXL does sufficient to justify its worth place. VX pricing makes a bit extra sense, however there’s no getting across the reality the Prado is mostly an costly automobile.
Sure, it feels extra premium than the Everest and MU-X, however these autos are a lot better-rounded packages regardless of being cheaper.
On the finish of the day, it’s laborious to argue with the 13,406 individuals who purchased a brand new Prado to the top of Might this 12 months. In the identical interval, Ford has managed 9589 Everest deliveries and Isuzu has shifted 5785 examples of its MU-X – making the Prado the clear favorite amongst Aussies buying on this section as soon as once more.
There’s little question the higher-spec Prados get the job achieved higher as a result of they tick extra of the chassis {hardware} containers, though they’ve the identical compromised packaging, so it stays to be seen whether or not the GXL continues to be the preferred Prado within the vary.
Thinking about shopping for a Toyota Prado? Let CarExpert discover you the most effective deal right here
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