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The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado looks set to shake off its 'little brother' tag, with the new off-road SUV to debut a high-tech powertrain not found in its bigger rivals, like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol, according to the latest reports.
The long-awaited replacement for the ageing Prado looks set to launch in late 2023 or early 2024, and the latest reports from Japan point to the 'junior' LandCruiser adopting hybrid technology that will increase performance and reduce fuel use.
Japan's Best Car Web says electrification is now locked in for the Prado, though the publication concedes it could appear on any – or all – of the new model's powertrains. The LandCruiser 300 Series was long thought to be on the list for a hybrid engine, but it would seem the Prado will soon beat it to the punch.
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Just where the electric motor appears in the lineup remains to be seen, with reports pointing to the new model receiving up to three engine options, two of those borrowed from the Lexus GX – a 2.4-litre hybrid-assisted turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as well as with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6.
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". In even more exciting news, the Japanese media suggest this powertrain could receive electrification on the Prado, too, meaning even more grunt is on the table.
Diesel remains a near-certainty, 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.
The brand says its 48-volt hybrid tech will actively improve on- and off-road performance, and increase fuel efficiency, without sacrificing capability, which sounds like a Prado-perfect combination.
Electrification of the brand's more rugged models has long been promised by Toyota, with the brand's vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, telling CarsGuide to expect it sooner rather than later.
"It makes sense that the LandCruiser, the Prado, the HiLux and other commercial vehicles are going to have to adopt some sort of electrification as we get closer to 2030," he's told us.
"When we say by 2030, I don't want people to interpret that as 2029 and 2030. On the journey to 2030 we'll start making those arrangements.
"Acceleration of electrification right now is clear in this market - we're seeing it. And as an agile company we need to be adaptable to those requirements."
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