
If you’ve been waiting for Toyota to give the Land Cruiser Prado a proper modern redo, 2025 is finally the year. The new 250-series lands with a sharper retro look, a mild-hybrid diesel, and more off-road smarts than ever — but it also comes with a price hike that’s turning heads. Here’s what you need to know before you decide if this new Prado is the right buy for you.
Standard Wheels: 18-inch alloy ·
Headlights: LED ·
Climate Control: Dual-zone ·
Keyless Entry: Standard ·
Push-button Start: Standard
Quick snapshot
- 2025 Prado is a new 250-series platform (WhichCar review outlet)
- 2.8L turbo-diesel with 48V mild hybrid (BabyDrive family site)
- Standard 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, dual-zone climate (CarsGuide buying-guide)
- Available in GX, GXL, VX, Altitude, Kakadu trims (WhichCar review outlet)
- Exact pricing for 2025 and 2026 models remains unannounced
- Official fuel economy figures still pending
- Specific changes for the 2026 model year are not yet detailed
- June 2025: DriveLife publishes 2025 Prado Adventure review
- 2025: CarsGuide publishes specifications for 2025 Prado
- 2025: Toyota Ireland features the new Land Cruiser
- Expected 2024: Toyota announces 250 series
- Official pricing announcement from Toyota
- 2026 model year minor updates expected
- Full availability across Australian and global markets
The standard equipment list is clear across all trims — here’s what you’re getting regardless of variant.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series |
| Body Style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Standard Wheels | 18-inch alloy |
| Headlights | LED |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone |
| Keyless Entry | Standard |
| Push-button Start | Standard |
How much is the new 2025 Toyota Prado?
Official pricing status
Toyota has not yet announced official pricing for the 2025 Prado across all markets. Australian pricing has been widely reported by automotive media through dealer order guides and industry sources. The entry-level GX starts at approximately AUD $72,250 before on-road costs, according to WhichCar (Australian automotive review outlet).
The price gap between trims is significant — moving from GX to Kakadu adds roughly AUD $36,000, which buys you a small hatchback’s worth of extra equipment.
Expected price range
- GX: AUD $72,250–$72,500 before on-roads (WhichCar review outlet)
- GXL: AUD $79,990 before on-roads (CarExpert review specialist)
- VX: AUD $87,400 before on-roads (CarExpert review specialist)
- Altitude: AUD $92,700 before on-roads (CarExpert review specialist)
- Kakadu: AUD $99,990–$108,130 before on-roads (CarsGuide buying-guide)
Compared to the previous generation, entry-level pricing has increased by over AUD $6,000, while top-spec models have risen by approximately AUD $12,000, per WhichCar’s price analysis.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Toyota Prado?
Design changes
The 2025 model introduces the new 250-series platform with a retro-inspired boxy design reminiscent of classic Land Cruisers, as WhichCar notes. The 2026 model is expected to receive minor styling updates based on previews of the GXL variant.
Technology updates
- 2025: New platform with advanced off-road technology — multi-terrain select, crawl control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims
- 2026: Likely incremental infotainment and safety suite updates, though exact changes haven’t been confirmed
Powertrain
Both model years are expected to share the same 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder with 48V mild hybrid technology, producing 150kW of power at 3000–3400 rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1600–2800 rpm, based on CarExpert’s review of the VX.
Is the 2025 Toyota Prado worth it?
Pros
Upsides
- Improved technology and off-road capability (WhichCar review outlet)
- Retained legendary durability and practicality (WhichCar review outlet)
- Standard 48V mild hybrid improves efficiency
- Largest infotainment screen in Prado history
Downsides
- Higher price compared to previous generation
- Smaller interior than full-size Land Cruiser
- 0–100 km/h in 10.7 seconds feels slow for modern SUV standards
- No hybrid-only powertrain option
The trade-off: you pay more for a more capable off-roader, but on-road acceleration lags behind key competitors like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.
Which is better: Toyota Land Cruiser or Prado?
Size and capability
The Land Cruiser 300 series is larger and more powerful, built on a full-size platform designed for heavy-duty global use. The Prado 250 series is a light-duty variant — still off-road capable but with smaller dimensions and lighter construction, according to Wikipedia (automotive reference).
Price and efficiency
- Prado 2025: AUD $72,250+ entry, 2.8L mild-hybrid diesel, lower fuel consumption
- Land Cruiser 300: AUD $100,000+ entry, 3.3L V6 diesel (in Australia), higher fuel consumption
For daily driving and moderate off-road use, the Prado is more efficient and affordable. For extreme towing and expedition work, the full-size Land Cruiser remains the stronger choice.
Intended use
The Prado suits families, weekend adventurers, and light-duty touring. The Land Cruiser targets serious overlanders, mining fleets, and those needing maximum payload and towing capacity.
An Australian family buying a Prado saves roughly AUD $30,000 vs a Land Cruiser 300, but loses roughly 1,000kg of towing capacity and 30mm of ground clearance.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Prado?
Space limitations
The Prado is smaller than the full-size Land Cruiser — it’s a light-duty variant with less rear legroom and boot space. The third row in 7-seat configurations is best left for children.
Off-road capability
Classified as a light-duty vehicle, the Prado may be limited in extreme off-road scenarios compared to the full-size Land Cruiser or dedicated off-roaders like the Toyota Hilux. Its independent front suspension improves on-road comfort but sacrifices some articulation potential.
Cost considerations
While standard features are generous per CarsGuide, the price increase of AUD $6,000–$12,000 over the previous generation makes the Prado more expensive than some competitors, such as the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
“Built rugged, with the all-terrain capability to redefine what’s possible, Toyota’s iconic 4×4 is back; tougher, smarter, stronger.” — Toyota Ireland
What are the specifications of the 2025 Toyota Prado?
Engine and transmission
All Australian-market 2025 Prado models feature a 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 48V mild hybrid technology, as confirmed by BabyDrive (family-oriented automotive site). Power output is 150kW at 3000–3400 rpm, with 500Nm of torque at 1600–2800 rpm. Transmission is an 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
Exterior dimensions
The Prado 250 series is a full-size four-wheel-drive vehicle in footprint but a light-duty variant in the Land Cruiser family. Exact dimensions remain unconfirmed for all markets, but the wheelbase is longer than the previous generation to accommodate the new platform.
Standard features
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start, according to CarsGuide. Higher trims add a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather seats, and JBL sound system.
“The new retro-styled Prado performs better and is more technologically advanced.” — DriveLife review
“The 2025 Toyota Prado is well equipped as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control.” — CarsGuide
The 2025 Prado represents a clear generational leap in capability and design, but the price hike and stiff competition — both from Toyota’s own Land Cruiser and rivals like Ford — mean buyers face a genuine choice. For Australian families and adventurers, the decision is straightforward: if you want the latest off-road technology in a retro package and can stomach the AUD $72,000+ entry price, the 2025 Prado delivers. If budget is tighter or you need maximum space, the previous generation or a Ford Everest may be the smarter play.
drivelife.co.nz, youtube.com, exhaustnotes.com.au, youtube.com
For Australian buyers, a detailed 2025 Prado pricing and specs breakdown is available from local sources.
Frequently asked questions
What engine options are available for the 2025 Toyota Prado?
All Australian 2025 Prado models use a 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder with 48V mild hybrid, producing 150kW and 500Nm. No petrol-only option is confirmed for this generation.
What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Toyota Prado?
Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500 kg (3,500 kg braked) for most trims, matching the previous generation and competitive with the Ford Everest.
What safety features does the 2025 Toyota Prado include?
Standard safety includes Toyota Safety Sense: autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add a surround-view camera.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Toyota Prado?
Official combined fuel consumption figures are pending EPA certification. Expect approximately 8.0–8.5 L/100 km based on the mild-hybrid system and 2,535 kg curb weight.
How does the 2025 Toyota Prado compare to the 2024 model?
The 2025 model is an all-new generation (250 series), while the 2024 was a carryover of the previous generation (150 series). The 2025 offers a new platform, retro design, mild-hybrid engine, and larger infotainment screen.
Is the 2025 Toyota Prado available as a hybrid?
No full hybrid option is available. The 2025 Prado uses a 48V mild-hybrid system that assists the diesel engine but cannot drive the wheels on electric-only power.
What are the available color options for the 2025 Toyota Prado?
Color options vary by market but typically include white, silver, grey, black, and a heritage-inspired sand or bronze colour on select trims. Exact palette depends on regional availability.
What is the warranty for the 2025 Toyota Prado?
Toyota Australia offers a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for the 2025 Prado, with 7 years of capped-price servicing available.