First look at the next-generation Toyota Prado in South Africa – Photos

Toyota has confirmed that the next-generation Prado is making its South African debut in April.

It has been redesigned from the ground up to offer superior performance, capability, and comfort over its predecessor in all key metrics, so there certainly is a lot to look forward to in the new SUV.

At launch, local buyers will have the choice between TX and VX-R specification levels, and there will also be a handful of Prado First Edition variants on offer to lucky customers – though Toyota didn’t divulge how many of these it has been able to secure.

Leon Theron, vice president of sales and marketing at Toyota South Africa, warned those who are interested in the SUV that there will likely be stock shortages early into the launch cycle as waiting lists around the globe are chock-a-block, but it should become more readily available with time similar to what happened with its larger sibling, the Land Cruiser 300.

2024 Toyota Prado First Edition

What to expect

The new Prado sits on the same GA-F platform as the Land Cruiser 300, resulting in 50% better frame rigidity, “radically refined” suspension, and better wheel articulation which vastly improves its on-road and off-road capabilities.

It boasts a square silhouette inspired by the Land Cruisers of old in addition to a modular design, the latter of which is intended to improve the ease of parts replacement, said Theron.

With dimensions of 4,925mm in length, 1,980mm in width, and 1,870mm in height, the new Prado is longer, wider, and taller than the current generation, and it now has a 60mm-longer wheelbase of 2,850mm thanks to its new architecture.

It was also on the receiving end of a revised electric power steering system and an all-new Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism that enables the front stabilizer state to be changed, delivering heightened driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and better handling stability when on-road, according to the manufacturer.

In our market, the new Toyota will be driven by the brand’s battle-tested 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine churning out 150kW and 500Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that delivers power to all four corners.

A rear and central differential lock is also included on the VX-R derivative that Toyota had on show to local media, as are a Tow/Haul drive mode and downhill crawl control.

While Toyota hasn’t unveiled the features of the new Prado for South Africa just yet, our short hands-on with it revealed that there will be plenty of amenities that will satisfy even the most discerning of buyers.

The VX-R has heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an around-view camera system, a wireless phone charger, voice control, tri-zone climate control, a large digital driver’s display and central touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, and automatic LED lights.

There is also an “Idle Up” button that increases the revs at idle when the engine is cold to help it warm up faster.

The complete specifications and pricing for the next-generation Prado will be announced closer to its launch date. As a reference, the current model starts at R1,168,400.