Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Set to Launch in India in Late 2024
The recently unveiled Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is confirmed to arrive in India in the second half of next year, according to Autocar India. This latest-generation SUV, which made its global debut last year, is gradually being rolled out in international markets.
Land Cruiser Prado Details
– Coming to India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit)
– Positioned Below the Land Cruiser 300 (LC300)
– Offers Diesel and Petrol-Hybrid Powertrains Overseas
The new Land Cruiser Prado will sit below the larger LC300 in Toyota’s Indian lineup. Known as the Land Cruiser 250 in select markets, it serves as Toyota’s flagship SUV in places like North America and the UK, where the LC300 isn’t available. In India, it will most likely retain the **Prado moniker**, similar to the Australian and Middle Eastern markets, where both the Prado and LC300 are sold.
Improved Platform and Design
The new Prado boasts better on- and off-road capabilities. It continues with the ladder-frame construction but now offers 50% more chassis rigidity and 30% stiffer body-on-frame architecture compared to the outgoing model.
The new Land Cruiser Prado measures 4,920mm in length, 1,870mm in height, and has a 2,850mm wheelbase, making it slightly larger and more spacious than its predecessor. The interior has been redesigned with more features and tech, including chunky physical controls and switchgear borrowed from the LC300. Key features include multi-zone climate control, premium leather upholstery and a wraparound digital display powered by Toyota’s next-gen infotainment system. These upgrades aim to help Toyota compete with the Land Rover Defender ,the Prado’s main rival in global markets.
Off-Road Capabilities:
Toyota highlights that the new Prado delivers enhanced all-terrain performance, thanks to features like improved wheel articulation, an upgraded Multi-Terrain Monitor, and better off-road driving modes. One of the standout features is the disconnecting front anti-roll bar, which can be disengaged via a dashboard switch to maximize wheel articulation on tough off-road terrain.
Powertrain Options
In markets such as Europe, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East, the Prado is powered by the same 2.8-litre diesel engine found in the Fortuner. Paired with an 8-speed automatic, this engine will also be offered with a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system starting in 2025. Toyota has begun testing this MHEV setup with the Hilux, which shares the same engine.
In North American and Middle Eastern markets, the Prado is also available with a 2.4-litre petrol engine paired with a hybrid powertrain the same setup used across several Toyota and Lexus models globally.
India Launch and Availability
Like the LC300, the new Land Cruiser Prado will be imported to India as a CBU. Additional details specific to the India-spec model will be revealed closer to its launch date.