Posted in Vehicle Reviews
The all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado has finally landed, and after years of speculation and months of teasers, leaks, and endless spec breakdowns, you might think you know everything there is to know about this legendary off-roader.
But here at Motorama Toyota, we’ve dug a little deeper to uncover a few hidden gems that you might have missed.
From clever waterproofing tricks to a bumper that’s smarter than you think - here are four things you didn’t know about the new-gen Prado.
The new Prado is built to handle muddy crossings with even more confidence, thanks to some serious waterproofing upgrades.
The new 48V motor-generator has been thoughtfully positioned to enhance water resistance, and the system’s belt has been reinforced with high-strength ribs to prevent slipping when submerged.
The 48V battery and DC-DC converter have also been moved inside the cabin to keep them dry, ensuring the hybrid system stays protected in wet conditions.
The result? A wading depth of up to 700mm at low speeds – perfect for tackling a few outback creek crossings with peace of mind.
Ever had a run-in with a rogue kangaroo or a wayward tree branch?
Toyota knows that minor front-end damage is common for off-roaders, which is why the new Prado features a modular front bumper and grille design.
Instead of replacing the entire bumper after an impact, you can now swap out individual sections, saving time and money on repairs.
This design isn’t just great for keeping costs down – it also makes customisation easier. Aftermarket manufacturers are already working on modular bumpers that can accommodate winches, light bars, and other accessories, so you can tailor your Prado to your exact needs.
Toyota has introduced a new Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM) that gives you the best of both worlds – improved off-road articulation and stable on-road handling.
At the push of a button, you can disconnect the front stabilizer bar, allowing for greater suspension movement (around 10% more than the previous Prado!) and better traction on rough terrain.
When speeds exceed 30 km/h, the system automatically locks the stabilizer bar back into place to maintain stability on the road.
This system is not only more reliable than hydraulic-based alternatives but also ensures a smoother, more controlled ride whether you're tackling rocky trails or cruising down the highway.
Owning a Prado isn’t just about adventure – it’s also about reliability and peace of mind.
Every scheduled service for the first 10 services is capped at just $390, so you won’t be hit with any unexpected costs.
The standard warranty runs for five years with unlimited kilometres, and if you service the vehicle on schedule, Toyota extends the engine, electric motor, and driveline warranty to seven years. The hybrid traction battery is covered for up to 10 years with annual health checks.
That’s a level of confidence you don’t often see in the industry.
Now that you know a few of the Prado’s best-kept secrets, it’s time to see it in action.
Drop into Motorama Toyota today or book a test drive to experience the new generation Prado for yourself.