- Toyota Australia detailed the local lineup of the new Land Cruiser Prado with a little surprise.
- The off-roader features a unique grille and body-colored cladding in the high-spec VX and Kakadu trims.
- The only powertrain option Down Under is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel upgraded with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
What we know as the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has been introduced in Australia as the new generation of the Land Cruiser Prado. While it’s mildly interesting that the Prado remains exclusively diesel-powered in Australia, that’s not what piqued our interest. What stands out is the exclusive grille option reserved for high-spec trims, like the flagship Kakadu model depicted here.
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The Land Cruiser Series 250 has already hit the markets in North America, Europe, and Japan, boasting a nearly identical exterior design across all regions. Surprisingly, Australian buyers benefit from a special treatment, at least for the top of the range VX and Kakadu trims.
These trims boast a larger grille adorned with vertical slats, featuring a shiny finish and the traditional Toyota logo instead of the Toyota lettering, distinguishing them from the rest of the lineup. The updated design required modifications to the lower fascia, rendering it incompatible with other trims. Another notable feature is the 20-inch alloy wheels and the body-colored cladding on the bumpers, giving the VX and Kakadu models a more premium appearance.
Toyota hasn’t provided an explanation for why it chose to offer this unique grille option in Australia, but we suspect it’s related to the popularity of the previous Land Cruiser Prado, as they share similar design elements. Interestingly, the retro-inspired round headlights are absent in Australia, with all Prados Down Under featuring the slimmer rectangular LED units.
The Land Cruiser Prado Kakadu (left) compared to its predecessor (down) and the Altitude trim (up)
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Kakadu
Equipment is quite generous starting from the entry-level GX, with additional features being included as you move up the trim levels. The Kakadu model shown here comes fully equipped, boasting a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (upgraded from the standard 7-inch), a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a premium 14-speaker JBL audio system (an upgrade from the standard 10-speaker audio).
The flagship trim also features premium leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, illuminated side steps, heated and ventilated rear outer seats, heated steering wheel, and a wide selection of ADAS. As for the interior layout, the GLX, VX, and Kakadu are seven-seaters, while the entry-level GX and off-road-focused Altitude have five seats.
Mild Hybrid Diesel Is The Only Option
The Australian-spec Land Cruiser Prado is solely offered with a turbocharged 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 201 horsepower (150 kW / 204 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. This upgraded powertrain is paired with the Toyota V-Active mild-hybrid 48V system, aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. A similar engine configuration is expected to arrive in Europe next year, replacing the current non-electrified version used in the Prado.
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Power is channeled to all four wheels through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The standard permanent 4WD system incorporates low-range gears, a center differential, and Toyota’s crawl control system. In the Altitude trim, additional features include a stabilizer disconnect mechanism, rear differential lock, and distinctive 18-inch alloys fitted with Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires.
Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser Prado Kakadu enjoys the comfort-focused adaptive variable suspension (AVS), paired with a torque-sensing rear limited-slip differential, along with Drive Mode Select and Multi-Terrain Select systems.
Australian pricing for the new generation Land Cruiser Prado starts at AU$72,500 (US$47,984) for the entry-level GX trim, rising to AU$99,990 (US$66,178) for the flagship Kakadu. This represents an increase of AU$9,670-12,500 (US$6,398-8,272) compared to the outgoing model, but it includes a more generous standard equipment package. By comparison, the larger V6-powered Land Cruiser 300 Series starts at AU$108,552 (US$71,818) in the Australian market.
On a side note, those with access to the most personalization options for the Land Cruiser are buyers in Japan, thanks to a number of available upgrades offered by Toyota Genuine Accessories, Modellista and Jaos.
