Early mark for all-new 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado! Off-road icon will be here sooner than you think | reports

The long-awaited Toyota LandCruiser Prado could launch sooner than expected, with the international reports now pointing to a 2023 debut for the Japanese giant's off-road icon.

It was thought we'd have to wait until 2024 to see the new Prado on the road, but Japanese auto site Best Car Web reports the new model will almost certainly debut in its home market "by the end of 2023".

If that's the case, it means a long wait is almost over for those longing for the new Prado, with the current fourth-generation model launching in Australia way back in 2009.

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But the Prado drums are now beating louder than ever, with Toyota in the USA debuting a teaser image of the new model this week, essentially setting the countdown clock ticking to the model's official unveiling.

But while seeing the vehicle will be a welcome surprise, what will be powering it probably won't be. We know from the Lexus GX, for example, that a hybrid-petrol powertrain is all but a certainty for the 300 Series' little brother.

The Lexus GX will be offered Stateside with a 2.4-litre hybrid-assisted turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as well as with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6. One or both of which are expected to make it to the Prado.

The first is Toyota's 'Hybrid Max' powertrain – which debuted Stateside in the new Tacoma pickup truck. It pairs a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor on the rear 'eAxle' for a combined 243kW and 630Nm.

The second should be a genuine monster, with the twin-turbo V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic and designed to deliver "performance that furthers the Lexus Driving Signature".

Diesel remains on the table, too. Especially in Australia. Options include the 48-volt-assisted 2.8-litre turbo-diesel which will launch with the HiLux next year, while Japanese media have also pointed to the model getting a version of the LC300's 3.3-litre turbo-diesel.

Cliccar is also claiming the scoop on the new Prado's dimensions, quoting "multiple sources" who suggest the new model will grow by 75mm in length, 35mm in width and 50mm in height. According to the site, that means the new model's dimensions will be 4900mm (L), 1920mm (W) and 1900mm (H), and sit on a wheelbase of 2850mm.

One thing we do know for certain, though, is that the wait is almost over.