Wait is over, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado returns to NZ

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is available in four variants, priced from $$83,990.  Photos:Toyota NZ

It’s been 15 years since Toyota New Zealand has offered a new Land Cruiser Prado so the launch of the 2024 version is a welcome milestone for the brand here. 

The 2024 Prado has just landed in New Zealand with better off-roading capability and more than a passing resemblance to the Land Cruisers of the past.

Despite the chunky retro-cool styling of the new Land Cruiser Prado, there is nothing old-fashioned about the technology and capability of this entirely new and rugged off-roading Prado.

From the hybrid electric powertrain to the exceptional in-cabin control over the off-roading technology, the new 2024 Land Cruiser Prado has it all and is a welcome return to the Toyota New Zealand line-up of SUVs. 

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a wading depth of 700mm.

Powered by a four-cylinder 2.8L Turbo Diesel 48V hybrid engine, the new Prado has plenty of power through an 8-speed auto transmission. Rated at 150kW with 500Nm of torque, the vehicle returns a 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.

Toyota New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says the addition of the Prado with a hybrid powertrain continues the strategy of offering hybrid powertrains across the Toyota portfolio, while at the same time introducing an exceptionally versatile vehicle to the local market.

“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. Our goal is to reduce emissions from the vehicles we sell without compromising on the performance and utility that our customers really need,” says Davis.

The seven-seater has a four-cylinder 2.8L Turbo Diesel 48V hybrid engine.

The hybrid system of the Prado consists of a 48V lithium battery, which is tucked away under the third-row seat. The extra battery adds 65Nm of torque assist at a low speed and powers electrical systems such as AC and the entertainment system while the engine is off, for example during the Stop & Start function, which greatly aids fuel efficiency.

In another move to improve the environmental impact of the diesel engine, the Land Cruiser Prado will be the first new Toyota model in New Zealand to utilise the AdBlue engine additive. A small amount of AdBlue added to the hot exhaust gases treats harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) and converts it into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.

The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado is available in four variants: the GXL, VX, VX Limited and Adventure. All have the same powertrain, automatic transmission, exterior styling and three rows of seating for seven passengers. Standard Drive modes for all variants are Eco, Normal and Sport. 

Standard Drive modes for all variants are Eco, Normal and Sport. 

The VX Limited is a luxury option with a heads-up display, panoramic roof and Torsen rear LSD. Adventure maintains the luxury interior while increasing off-road capability with a stabiliser disconnect mechanism and rear differential lock.   

The line-up starts from $83,990 for the GXL Hybrid to $105,990 for the VZ Limited.

Demonstration models of the new Prado are available for test drives at Toyota Stores throughout the country now, with the first custom