Rugged addition to line-up
Toyota’s latest Land Cruiser Prado has landed in New Zealand and the hybrid model promises better off-roading capability than its predecessors.
A new Prado has not been added to Toyota New Zealand’s line-up of SUVs since 2009 and the company is hailing the arrival of the 2024 model as a welcome milestone for the brand here.
Powered by a four-cylinder, 2.8-litre Turbo Diesel 48V hybrid engine, the vehicle delivers plenty of power through an eight-speed auto transmission.
Rated at 150kW with 500Nm of torque, the model returns fuel efficiency of 8.7l per 100km in combined urban and highway use, and can tow 3,500kg braked.
The electrified powertrain has been optimised to allow river crossings to a wading depth of 700mm, matching the wading depth of the previous generation.
Albertus Mulder, Toyota NZ assistant vice-president, says the new Prado is far from a compromise between suburban SUV and off-roader.
“The chunky styling, increased rigidity, wheel articulation and multi-terrain controls are clear signals to the Prado’s capabilities,” he explains.
“This is a vehicle that is designed to go on overland adventures. At the same time, it will be comfortable on the open road towing a boat or caravan. From the driver’s perspective the new Prado is a blend of luxury and proper utility.”
The Prado’s hybrid system consists of a 48V lithium battery, sat under the third-row seat, and the extra battery adds 65Nm of torque assist at a low speed and powers electrical systems such as air conditioning and the entertainment system when the engine is off.
In another move to improve the environmental impact of the diesel engine, the Prado is the first new Toyota model in New Zealand to utilise the AdBlue engine additive, which converts harmful nitrogen oxide in exhaust gases into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.
The Prado is available in four variants, the GXL, VX, VX Limited and Adventure. All have the same powertrain, automatic transmission, rugged exterior styling and three rows of seating for seven passengers.
Standard drive modes for all variants are Eco, Normal and Sport. The VX and VX Limited also have Sport S, Sport S+, Custom and Comfort modes.
Excluding the GXL, the Prado features a multi-terrain selection system that allows the driver to choose a setting for the surface they are facing. This includes for dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock
The GXL and Adventure ride on 18-inch dark or matte grey alloys shod in Yokohama Geolander tyres, while 20-inch versions feature on the VX and VX Limited.
Toyota has also confirmed two additions to the Prado line-up, a five-seat GXL or Adventure grade, will soon be available to New Zealand consumers.
Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ vice-president, says the addition of the Prado with a hybrid powertrain continues the strategy of offering hybrids across the marque’s portfolio.
“With the launch of the Prado hybrid diesel, we are getting very close to offering an electrified model in every segment of the broad vehicle market that we work in – from the Yaris hatchback to the RAV4, Highlander SUVs and now our commercial range with the Hilux ute,” he adds.
“Our goal is to reduce emissions from the vehicles we sell without compromising on the performance and utility that our customers really need.”
Pricing for the 2024 Land Cruiser Prado starts from $83,990, including on-road costs.
