Despite the availability of a hybrid option for the Land Cruiser Prado in other markets, Toyota Australia has not disclosed any plans to introduce it locally.
The much-anticipated 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is set to arrive in Australia soon, featuring an updated version of the current model’s 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
While overseas markets like North America offer the Prado with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, Australian customers shouldn’t expect to see it in showrooms anytime soon, according to Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president for sales and marketing. “Not right now,” stated Mr. Hanley during the launch event of the new C-HR crossover.
Mr. Hanley emphasized that hybrids are a significant part of Toyota’s sales, constituting 33.5 percent of total Australian sales in 2023, which has increased to 40.7 percent in the first two months of 2024. Despite this, Toyota Australia has not confirmed any plans regarding the hybrid drivetrain for the Prado.
The new Prado, scheduled for release in mid-2024, will be powered exclusively by the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, delivering 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, identical to the outgoing model. This powertrain will also be featured in the upcoming HiLux ute.
The vehicle will come with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. However, in markets like North America, the new Prado will offer an ‘i-Force Max’ 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid option with total outputs of 243kW and 630Nm.
This hybrid variant boasts a manufacturer-estimated combined cycle fuel economy equivalent to 8.7L/100km.
Toyota Australia has unveiled preliminary details of the local Prado range, which will consist of five variants upon launch, including the GX, GXL, VX, and Kakadu, with the Altitude grade making a return for the first time since 2017.
