Monday, March 3, 2025

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude assessment


Discuss an attention-grabbing introduction to the market.

WATCH: Paul’s video assessment of the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude

The suggestions from current house owners hasn’t been that optimistic in regards to the new-generation Prado, with many potential consumers saying they’ve needed to rule out the seven-seat variants because of what most are calling “an unfinished boot space”.

The seven-seaters are notably odd in that regard, however on take a look at right here is the Toyota Prado Altitude, which is second from the high quality, and has 5 seats. 

Does it make extra sense than different fashions within the lineup? And is the brand new mannequin good to tow with? 

Learn on to search out out.

How does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado in opposition to equally sized autos.

Toyota

LandCruiser Prado

How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado price?

As a reminder, right here’s the rundown of all the vary of latest 250 Collection Prado fashions.

Mannequin Worth earlier than on-road prices
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX $72,500
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL $79,990
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX $87,400
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude $92,700
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu $99,990

These costs usually mirror a $10,000 bump over the past mannequin, which was on sale for about 14 years throughout a number of facelifts.

There’s heaps extra normal tech and spec on this J250 technology, however the actuality is that it’s now an even bigger leap right into a high-grade Prado, a lot so that you could be contemplate shopping for a “actual LandCruiser”, just like the 70 or 300 Collection fashions.

Otherwise you would possibly contemplate a Ford Everest, which – in case you have been spending $92,700 – would get you a diesel V6, seven seats, and a few higher options…

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

What’s the Toyota LandCruiser Prado like on the within?

There isn’t a denying the brand new Prado is a large step up when it comes to perceived high quality, presentation and expertise. It has nicer finishes, smarter touches and a delightfully trendy design in comparison with the previous model.

There’s a pair of 12.3-inch screens – one for the driving force, one other for infotainment. The previous is information wealthy, with configurability to mean you can soar by way of menus, modify settings and alter the design of the show.

The infotainment system options the requisite smartphone mirroring expertise, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly out there, in addition to sat-nav with linked mapping, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, and a variety of different options on the display.

A number of the menus take some studying, however largely it’s a easy setup that you just’ll come to phrases with simply sufficient.

What makes it simpler to reside with than another trendy fashions is the array of buttons, dials and controls which might be nonetheless bodily down under the display.

Triggers for dual-zone local weather, seat heating, seat cooling, steering wheel heating, demisters and temperature changes all fall simply at hand, with good grabability once you’re on the street, too. The one odd factor is the location of the quantity dial, which is a little bit out of attain.

There’s a wi-fi cellphone charger, three USB-C ports and a HDMI port all out there close by, and simply close by you’ll discover a drive mode selector, digicam view button and Idle Up controller.

Rearward there are good sized cupholders, a bunch of off-road controls on the driver’s resting hand place, and a lined centre console bin with a cooler perform. 

Door storage is nice too, and all the opposite controls are effectively laid out.

What would possibly take extra getting used to than something, although, is the view out from the driving force’s seat. It’s fairly a flat, upright and shallow windscreen, so in some methods it could really feel such as you’re peering out by way of a letterbox flap.

The sensation of crampedness is heightened by the usual darkish headliner, which makes it really feel very hemmed in up entrance.

And within the second row, it additionally feels as if the ceiling is creeping down on you – particularly in case you’re a taller grownup. 

The room isn’t dangerous within the again for grown-ups, nevertheless it’s possibly not as large as you would possibly count on will probably be. Some smaller SUVs provide extra legroom, for instance, and in case you’re in want of a heap of back-seat room, this pales compared to a GWM Tank 500.

The again seat has some first rate facilities, together with temperature and fan controllers, a few cost ports, directional air vents overhead, and seize handles for rear riders, too.

There’s additionally a flip-down armrest with cupholders, bottle holsters within the doorways, and map pockets on the seat backs.

However in all Prado fashions the second-row seats don’t slide fore and aft, so you may’t maximise the house for legs or baggage as required. And on that, the centre console and transmission tunnel additionally eat into the house for middle-seat riders relating to foot room.

The Altitude has the perceived benefit – in comparison with the extra compromised seven-seat variants within the Prado vary – of getting a extra usable boot space. In reality, there’s 954 litres of cargo capability on provide, based on Toyota.

However there isn’t a denying that the cargo zone feels half-done, or possibly a greater means of describing it’s “unfinished”. The lift-in load top is considerably larger than within the earlier mannequin, so get to the gymnasium and do these curls, ladies.

Fortunately, there are some usable storage choices under the false ground space, however it’s clear that the packaging of this SUV isn’t nearly as good because it could possibly be. Neither is it nearly as good as a Ford Everest, or an Isuzu MU-X.

I perceive and even admire the design of the tailgate. Having a pop-open window means you may park nearer to partitions in buying centres and nonetheless get entry to the world behind the third-row seats, and never having a side-swinging tailgate is a bonus for house effectivity too.

However current Prado clients are sad with the spare being below the physique of the car for just a few comprehensible causes. It will probably get broken or be extraordinarily soiled once you want it, and it’s simply plain tougher to get to in case you’re off-roading and, even worse, in case you’re towing. 

The boot may severely be one of many causes you resolve the brand new Prado gained’t fit your wants. Or not less than, possibly not till there’s a repair for it – by the use of Toyota, or the aftermarket.

Dimensions Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude
Size 4990mm
Width 1980mm
Peak 1935mm
Wheelbase 2850mm
Cargo capability 954L (5 seats)
1895L (2 seats)

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

What’s below the bonnet?

A carryover diesel engine, however completely different.

That’s the case with the new-gen Prado for Australians, who miss out on a few of the arguably extra fascinating powertrains provided in different markets.

Specs Toyota LandCruiser Prado 250 Collection
Engine 2.8L 4cyl turbo-diesel 48V MHEV
Motor generator 8.4kW
65Nm
Whole system outputs 150kW @ 3000-3400rpm
500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm
Battery 4.3Ahr li-ion
Transmission 8-speed auto
Drive kind Full-time 4WD
Gas financial system (claimed) 7.6L/100km
Gas financial system (as examined) 9.6L/100km (on-road)
16.3L/100km (towing)
CO2 emissions (claimed) 200g/km
Emissions normal Euro 5
Gas tank 80L fundamental tank
30L sub tank
17.4L AdBlue
Weight (kerb) 2520kg
Payload 580kg
Braked towing capability 3500kg
Gross car mass (GVM) 3100kg
Gross mixture mass (GCM) 6600kg

You will have to do the maths and calculate how a lot you’re planning to tackle board and tow behind, as a result of there are some limitations right here based mostly on the hefty kerb weight of this new-gen mannequin. For reference, the heaviest previous-generation Prado was 2455kg.

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

How does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado drive?

Regardless of this one being the off-road centered model, my take a look at of the Prado centered on native driving, however I additionally hitched up a caravan to the again of it.

Our mates at Avida helped out with the van – the Avida Topaz dual-axle unit is a giant one, at almost 9.0 metres lengthy, virtually 2.5m excessive, and weighing in at roughly 3200kg as towed. 

The car was fitted with an on-road towing package, however there’s a higher-set tongue in case you’re planning to go off the overwhelmed path, and I’d suggest it for towing a van like this. The hitch level was a bit low, making it a bit tougher to hook up this specific caravan, and it additionally exacerbated some bouncing behaviour on the street, particularly at decrease speeds.

The overall driving behaviour when towing, although, was first rate. That is in all probability as massive a caravan as you’d wish to tow with a Prado, however the heft of the new-gen mannequin actually helps it on this regard.

I had no important issues with the ability and torque on provide, and I believed the gearing was principally fairly agreeable. It was working fairly laborious up just a few steeper hills, however the transmission shifts have been largely easy and sensible at tempo.

It’s the engine noise that will get to you most, although. It’s loud and unrefined once you’re asking loads of it, and in case you’re contemplating a Toyota 4×4 and also you’re at all times going to be towing, I’d recommend the 300 Collection as a result of its larger-capacity and higher-output V6 diesel is a extra agreeable choice.

One massive benefit of the Prado is its everlasting four-wheel drive system. You’re in high-range four-wheel drive on a regular basis, and which means you will have extra assured traction and surefootedness in combined floor eventualities, albeit on the expense of effectivity.

There was some evident bobbing from the rear suspension at decrease speeds, nevertheless it settled fairly effectively at freeway tempo. The hardcore tow-driver would possibly contemplate upgrading to rear airbag suspension, anyway. Physique management was agreeable on the kinds of speeds you’ll seemingly be cruising at whereas towing one thing this massive, from 80 to 100km/h.

It was considerably much less satisfying on rougher nation again roads at 50-80km/h, although, with some shaky moments over imperfect surfaces.

Nonetheless, it was the low-speed moments that turned a bit extra irritating, because the Prado seemingly didn’t register that it had one thing on the hitch. There’s a system within the new Prado that’s designed to recognise once you’re hauling one thing, however on this occasion, it didn’t.

What that led to was a variety of moments when the reverse auto braking system jammed the brakes on to cease me from reversing into the caravan that I wasn’t bodily capable of hit. Unnerving.

That auto-braking system additionally made it laborious to again as much as the caravan when hitching up, because it jammed the brakes on as a result of it thought I used to be going to hit it then, too.

When not towing, I used to be impressed with the final liveability of the Prado’s driving.

The trip is comfy sufficient to maintain the youngsters from whinging, and whereas the steering is extra direct and responsive than within the final model, it isn’t a sporty factor to drive.

The engine is as much as the duty with passengers on board, with ample torque to assist hold issues shifting in case you encounter an overtaking alternative. The brand new eight-speed computerized transmission does a commendable job in sustaining momentum, too. 

However the 48-volt mild-hybrid system would possibly take some getting used to. That fuel-saving tech is designed to make it smoother in start-stop conditions when the engine shuts off and refires, and it’s comparatively easy for a diesel, however the massive letdown is the quantity of noise the diesel engine makes. 

And I’m not simply speaking about these start-stop moments – it’s usually very loud, and doesn’t really feel anyplace close to as premium a drive expertise in consequence.

Off-road dimensions Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude
Monitor entrance and rear 1664mm entrance
1668mm rear
Floor clearance 221mm
Method angle 32 levels
Departure angle 17 levels
Wading depth 700mm

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

What do you get?

It’s necessary to contemplate whether or not the Altitude is de facto the one it’s good to go for. It has some {hardware} enhancements that could be engaging for the hardcore off-roaders, however there’s a likelihood one of many cheaper variants could be a greater match for you.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX tools highlights:

  • 5 seats
  • 18-inch darkish gray alloy wheels
  • Entrance grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering
  • LED headlights
  • LED daytime operating lights
  • Folding body-coloured mirrors
  • Darkened entrance and rear bumpers, aspect sills, wheel arches
  • Guide tailgate
  • Material upholstery
  • Rubber ground mats
  • Six-way handbook driver’s seat adjustment
  • 7.0-inch multi-function instrument show
  • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • 10-speaker sound system
  • Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • 4 USB-C ports
  • Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Toyota linked providers
  • Twin-zone local weather management
  • Downhill help management
  • Crawl management with 5 velocity settings

GXL provides:

  • Seven-seat structure
  • Roof rails
  • Rear privateness glass
  • Silver entrance and rear bumper trim
  • Energy tailgate
  • Artificial leather-based upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated entrance seats
  • Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Leather-based-accented steering wheel and kit knob
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Wi-fi charging pad
  • Rear local weather management
  • Two additional USB-C charging ports

VX provides:

  • 20-inch darkish metallic alloy wheels
  • Bi-LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling
  • Adaptive high-beam help
  • Physique-coloured entrance and rear bumpers
  • Over-fender (wheel arch) moulding
  • Rear guard trim
  • Leather-based-accented seats
  • Energy lumbar and reminiscence perform for driver’s seat
  • 4-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat
  • Energy-adjustable steering wheel
  • Carpet ground mats
  • Refrigerated centre console
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 14-speaker JBL sound system
  • Adaptive Variable Suspension
  • 5 drive modes
  • Multi-terrain choose
  • Multi-terrain monitor

Altitude provides:

  • 5 seats (as a substitute of seven)
  • 18-inch matte gray alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
  • Locking rear differential
  • ‘Stabiliser disconnect mechanism’ (rather than Adaptive Variable Suspension)
  • Black door handles and tailgate trim
  • Black wheel arch moulding
  • Sunroof
  • Two-tone colors out there
  • Digital rearview mirror
  • Heated steering wheel 
  • Head-up show

Which model would you choose? Tell us within the feedback. On this author’s opinion, the VX could possibly be the candy spot in case you can justify the additional over the bulk-selling GXL.

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

Is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado protected?

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado was awarded the utmost five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on 2024 testing.

Class Toyota LandCruiser Prado
Grownup occupant safety 85 per cent
Little one occupant safety 89 per cent
Weak street person safety 84 per cent
Security help 82 per cent

Customary security tools contains:

  • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Pedestrian detection
    • Bike owner detection
    • Junction detection
    • Backover prevention
  • Stability management with energetic traction management
  • Adaptive cruise management
  • Lane hint help (lane centering)
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear parking assist brake (stops the automobile if a static object is detected)
  • Entrance and rear parking sensors
  • Pace signal recognition
  • Driver consideration monitoring digicam
  • Trailer sway management
  • Trailer pre-wiring harness
  • 360-degree digicam

The VX, Altitude, and Kakadu grades acquire tyre stress monitoring.

All Prado fashions have 9 airbags – twin entrance, driver knee, passenger knee, entrance centre, entrance aspect, and full-length curtain protection, with head safety for third-row occupants in fashions with seven seats.

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

How a lot does the Toyota LandCruiser Prado price to run?

The 2025 LandCruiser Prado is roofed by a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee as normal.

In the event you keep your Prado on time, based on the logbook, you may lengthen the powertrain guarantee out to seven years – and it doesn’t have to be serviced by Toyota, both. 

The electrified parts of the powertrain will even be lined by as much as 10 years of guarantee in case you do service with Toyota.

Nonetheless, the model has continued on with shorter six-month/10,000km service intervals with the Prado 250 Collection, not like rivals which have 12-month/15,000km intervals.

It’s important to pay an additional $99 per 12 months for roadside help, and whereas the Prado has Related Companies, you’ll solely get one 12 months of free knowledge included at buy. You’ll get roped into paying a further subscription price thereafter.

The capped-price servicing plan is three years or 60,000km because of these quick intervals, and the entire price over that quick interval is $2340, which means the typical price per go to is $390.

To see how the Toyota LandCruiser Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota LandCruiser Prado

There may be good purpose why the brand new Prado has attracted a lot anticipation, and in most methods it lives as much as expectations. It tows fairly effectively, has a spread of various choices for consumers to select from, and whereas the appears of it could be revolutionary, the general expertise is extra of an evolutionary change.

There are some essential issues, although. The packaging and practicality on the rear of the car is rightfully below query by journalists and clients alike, and the mild-hybridised diesel engine is hardly a momentous second in automotive historical past. 

However in case you suppose you may make it work in your scenario, we predict you’ll be joyful together with your determination.

Thanks once more to our mates at Avida RV in western Sydney for the mortgage of the Topaz dual-axle caravan.

Keen on shopping for a Toyota LandCruiser Prado? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

Click on the photographs for the complete gallery

MORE: Every little thing Toyota LandCruiser Prado



Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles