On August 1, 2023, Toyota is set to unveil the much-anticipated fifth-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, marking its first-time introduction in the US market. In other regions, the SUV will retain its Land Cruiser Prado moniker, but in North America, it will simply be known as the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The latest teasers provide exciting insights into the upcoming Land Cruiser Prado. While the SUV shares similarities with the previously revealed Lexus GX, it also boasts several distinctive design elements. The front fascia displays a rectangular grille with an ‘egg crate design,’ adorned with a prominent Toyota badge.
The angular headlights harken back to the appearance of earlier Land Cruiser models, notably the J60 generation. The teaser images also reveal robust and squarish front and rear fenders, reinforcing the vehicle’s rugged and tough image. At the rear, the upright tailgate and retro-styled tail-lamps with clear-lens elements complete the timeless yet modern aesthetics.
Interior and Seating Capacity
Though specific details about the interior remain scarce, the Land Cruiser Prado is expected to offer a spacious three-row SUV configuration with seating for up to seven passengers, providing ample comfort and versatility.
Platform and Powertrain
The new Land Cruiser Prado will share its platform and off-road capabilities with the third-gen Lexus GX SUV. While some body panels appear to have been redesigned, the SUV will still feature distinct Toyota styling cues. The powertrain options have not been officially announced yet, but Toyota is likely to offer a variety of engine choices, including petrol, petrol-hybrid, and diesel options, tailored to different markets. Multiple gearbox options are also anticipated.
North American Market and Availability
Toyota’s decision to introduce the Land Cruiser Prado to the North American market is a significant step. Positioned above the popular Toyota 4Runner SUV, the Land Cruiser Prado will appeal to SUV enthusiasts seeking a blend of off-road prowess and modern amenities. Notably, the full-size Land Cruiser 300, available in various markets like India and the Middle East, did not replace the Land Cruiser 200 in North America.
Prospects for Launch in India
The Land Cruiser Prado’s global launch and its availability in larger markets like North America are indicative of the SUV’s high demand. With Toyota experiencing unprecedented demand for its SUVs worldwide, including India, where the full-size LC300 already boasts a two-year waiting period, the launch of the new Land Cruiser Prado in India seems inevitable. Toyota has previously shown a trend of introducing models in India soon after their global debuts, as evidenced by the upcoming Vellfire MPV.
Conclusion
The fifth-gen Toyota Land Cruiser Prado promises to be an exceptional SUV, featuring a perfect balance of rugged capability, advanced technology, and modern design. With its upcoming global debut, enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await further details and confirmation of its availability in their respective markets.
