New Models / 6 November 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Toyota Prado VX-L launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Toyota has launched a new range-topping model for the fan-favourite Prado in South Africa.

Our sources at Duoporta Vehicle Information Specialists recently alerted us to the fact that a third Prado model has been added to Toyota’s website.

The new model, known as the VX-L, is positioned as the flagship of the series, slotting above the TX and VX-R with a starting price of R1,513,300.

It’s worth mentioning that the Prado used to have another top-end model called the First Edition but, as the name implies, this was a limited-edition unit for early adopters, which is no longer available.

Engine

The VX-L employs the same 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine as the rest of the series, giving it a sizeable output of 150kW and 500Nm.

This is transmitted to a full-time four-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 7.9l/100km.

It also has a rear limited-slip differential, Crawl Control (off-road cruise control), and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select function with settings for Rock, Dirt, Mud, and Sand.

Furthermore, the SUV has 216mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 30 degrees, and a departure angle of 17 degrees.

The Prado can also tow up to 3,500kg, and comes with trailer sway control for improved stability.

Features

Toyota has not made an official announcement about the new VX-L at the time of writing, but we can look at the spec sheet on the company’s website to see what the new model offers over its peers.

First off, it has larger 20-inch alloy wheels, compared to the 18-inch rims found on the TX and VX-R.

Most of the body accents, such as the wing mirrors, wheel arches, door handles, and bumpers, are now colour-coded to match the paint, when they previously had a black finish.

The new model also comes with illuminated side steps, paddle shifters for the leather multifunction steering wheel, and a 14-speaker JBL stereo (instead of 10).

It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the VX-L is only R13,100 more expensive than the VX-R, so it seems like Toyota elected to throw in a few extra features to sweeten the deal for fans of the SUV.

Of course, all of this is in addition to the equipment already found on the other Prado units, such as automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, electric front seats with lumbar support, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, dual-zone climate control, a moon roof, a wireless charger, and two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment displays.

The high-end SUV also features an extensive driver assistance suite with tyre-pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, hill descent control, traction control, brake assist, vehicle stability control, and lane-trace assist.