New Generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Rumored For 2022

Revealed last June, the Land Cruiser 300 Series replaced the 200 Series after 14 years. But what is happening with the slightly smaller Land Cruiser Prado? Despite many updates, the current 150 Series model is already 12 years old, so a clean-sheet design might be in order.

The fourth-generation Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series originally introduced in 2009 has received numerous updates in its 12-year-long lifecycle with major facelifts in 2013 and 2017. The latest refresh including powertrain and equipment upgrades was unveiled in 2020, while the 70th anniversary special edition was launched in 2021.

Given that the 150 Series and the 200 Series premiered with a two-year difference, it makes sense to expect the 250 Series to be unveiled by 2023, two years after the 300 Series. Best Car Web expects a release in summer 2023 but there are also rumors about an earlier unveil in summer 2022 according to Creative Trend.

See Also: 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Loses Weight, Gains Twin-Turbo V6 And New GR Sport Variant

In any case, the all-new Prado will certainly retain the signature body-on-frame architecture. The exterior will feature evolutionary styling borrowing elements from the 300 Series with very similar dimensions to the current generation. Inside we expect a three-row, seven-seat layout with improved materials and more technology in line with modern SUVs.

The most plausible scenario is for the 250 Series to use a smaller version of the 300 Series ladder frame which has many components from the GA-F platform. This will not only make it lighter compared to its predecessor but also significantly improve on-road handling and ride quality, without sacrificing its famous off-road credentials. In this context, the higher trim levels of the Prado successor could inherit features like the sophisticated Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension (eKDSS) system from the Land Cruiser GR Sport, together with more advanced electronics.

Read Also: 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Brings Stronger Diesel, Optional Black Pack To Europe

Under the bonnet, we expect to find hybrid options for the first time in Prado’s history, in the form of an electrified 2.5-liter or 2.7-liter gasoline unit that is rumored for 2024 – similar to the RAV4 and the Highlander. As we reported a few weeks ago, Toyota is allegedly developing a hybrid diesel motor for future 4×4 models and commercial vehicles, which could potentially be used in the Prado.

When it comes to ICE powertrains, it is rumored that Toyota will keep the current 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in production. This motor has already been updated for the 2021 Land Cruiser Prado where it produces 200 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD system. The diesel also got a better fuel consumption rating of 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US / 40.3 mpg UK) and lower CO2 emissions of 192 g/km, numbers that could potentially be reduced even further with an update.

Read Also: Diesel Not Dead Yet As Toyota Is Reportedly Developing A Hybrid

There is also the chance that Toyota retires this motor in favor of the larger 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel which in the Land Cruiser 300 produces 304 hp (227 kW / 309 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. This one would be mated to the Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission which results in significant fuel savings and lower emissions, while 4WD would definitely remain standard.

We expect to learn more information about the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in the coming year, as we move closer to a reveal in 2022 or 2023. The same updates will be probably carried over to the next-generation Lexus GX 460, which is a rebadged version of the Land Cruiser Prado for South America.

*Note: The Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series is pictured (2009-present)