For авто enthusiasts and adventure seekers in English-speaking markets, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado emerges as a compelling SUV, blending rugged off-road capability with modern daily driving refinement. This review, brought to you by Miller Toyota’s content team, dives deep into the experiences of a real owner who traded in their Toyota Highlander for the new Prado, highlighting why this vehicle could be the perfect choice for your photography expeditions and road trips. While the original article was written for a Vietnamese audience, we’ve tailored this piece for English speakers, ensuring SEO optimization and enhanced content depth, focusing on the keyword “Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024”.
This journey begins with a long-held aspiration for an off-road-ready SUV. The author, initially drawn to the Toyota 4Runner in 2015 for its design and robust nature, found its powertrain lacking. A Toyota Highlander AWD served as a reliable interim solution, handling more than typical SUV duties over seven years and 55,000 miles, including light off-roading and hauling cargo. However, the yearning for a true off-road machine persisted.
The desire for a rear-wheel-biased SUV with low range eventually led to considering the Land Rover Defender 110. However, rumors of the Toyota Land Cruiser’s return to the North American market – in Prado form – sparked renewed interest. Following updates, particularly from sources like TFL (The Fast Lane), anticipation grew.
The announcement of the Lexus GX550, the Prado’s luxury cousin, in early 2023, presented a powerful twin-turbo V6 option. Yet, its fuel consumption remained a concern for daily driving. The official unveiling of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (essentially the Prado for North America) in October 2023 was a pivotal moment. The boxier, more off-road-centric design of both the Prado and GX550 resonated strongly, promising enhanced capability and customization potential, especially with modular bumper designs accommodating steel bumpers without body panel modifications.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024: Key Differentiators
Understanding the nuances between the Lexus GX550 and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024 is crucial for informed decision-making. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
- Engine and Transmission: The GX550 boasts a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Land Cruiser Prado 2024 features a more fuel-efficient 2.4L turbo hybrid inline-four engine with an 8-speed automatic.
- Seating Configuration: The GX550 offers an optional third-row seat, whereas the Land Cruiser Prado 2024 is strictly a two-row SUV due to the hybrid battery placement.
- Fuel Economy: The GX550 achieves a maximum of 17 MPG, while the Land Cruiser Prado 2024 offers a significantly improved 25 MPG, making it a more practical daily driver.
Price was also a factor, with the Lexus commanding a $7,000 to $8,000 premium. However, the deciding factor for the author was the GX550’s full-width taillight design, deemed less appealing. The trade-off of occasionally needing to rent a van for larger groups was deemed acceptable for the gains in fuel efficiency and preferred aesthetics of the Land Cruiser Prado 2024. While power and torque figures are slightly lower than the GX550, the Prado’s hybrid powertrain offers a substantial advantage in fuel economy.
Securing an allocation for the Land Cruiser Prado 2024 involved placing a deposit at a dealership known for MSRP sales. Despite being 37th in line and facing markups from other dealers, patience and persistence paid off. The author even considered traveling across states to avoid inflated prices.
The anticipation was further heightened by the announcement of the Gen 6 Toyota 4Runner in May 2024. However, the new 4Runner’s styling, heavily resembling the Tacoma pickup, solidified the decision to stick with the Land Cruiser Prado 2024. The Prado’s distinct and more traditional SUV aesthetic proved more appealing.
After navigating initial production delays and color availability challenges for the desired Heritage Blue dual-tone, an allocation finally materialized. Despite factory-installed options like 20-inch wheels and a Premium Package (adding approximately 10-12% to the price), the vehicle was accepted. Japanese manufacturers’ build-to-stock approach contrasts with American and European brands’ custom ordering, requiring flexibility in option selection.
While the 20-inch wheels were initially considered detrimental to off-road performance, the author’s child’s preference led to keeping them, with plans to revert to 18-inch wheels later. The Premium Package, though adding cost, included appreciated features like a sunroof and side steps, enhancing accessibility given the Prado’s higher stance compared to the Highlander. The JBL sound system and console cooler, also part of the package, were considered less essential but still added value.
Other Premium Package features include digital key capability, digital rearview mirror, wireless charging, leather-trimmed power seats with memory, head-up display, and advanced safety systems like Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist.
Off-Road Prowess and On-Road Manners
The Land Cruiser Prado 2024 is equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, a torsion center differential, low range gearing, center and rear differential locks, a front stabilizer bar disconnect, CRAWL control, and Multi-Terrain Select. This comprehensive suite of off-road technologies ensures capability across diverse terrains. The full-time 4WD system provides added confidence in varying weather conditions, simplifying driving for those less experienced with 4WD engagement.
Compared to the Highlander and a previous Duster 110 VGT, the Prado delivers a surprisingly composed ride for a ladder-frame SUV. While exhibiting a slightly floatier feel, it remains planted and absorbs road imperfections effectively, surpassing the Gen 5 4Runner in on-road refinement.
Stadium-style seating and good visibility contribute to a commanding driving position. The switch to electric power steering (EPS) in this generation enables safety and auto-parking features. Driver attention monitoring and trailer brake controller are standard. The dashboard design is functional and vertically oriented, complemented by physical controls for key functions. A surround-view camera system, customizable meter console, and soft-touch vanity lights add modern touches. Thoughtful details like auto-adjusting mirrors in reverse and power-adjustable front seats enhance convenience, although some features like automatic seat and steering adjustments upon parking can be customized to driver preference.
The Prado features black leather seats and a 12-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s latest infotainment system, incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear passengers benefit from roof-mounted AC vents, a welcome feature in ladder-frame SUVs.
While the US-spec Prado is a two-row SUV, rear “passengers” still enjoy cupholders, AC vents, and USB chargers. A standout feature is the standard 2,400-watt inverter with a 120V outlet, ideal for powering appliances during camping or road trips. The second row offers adjustable seatback angle but does not fold completely flat for sleeping, though an air mattress can easily address this.
i-FORCE MAX 2.4T Hybrid Drivetrain: Performance and Efficiency
The Land Cruiser Prado 2024 is powered by Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX 2.4T hybrid system, featuring a 2.4L inline-four turbo engine and an electric motor integrated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system provides seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power during normal driving. While the electric motor assists at lower speeds, it’s most effective in stop-and-go traffic, enhancing fuel efficiency.
Despite not matching the GX550’s 3.4L twin-turbo V6 in outright power, the Prado’s hybrid powertrain delivers impressive low-end torque (465 lb-ft at 1,700 RPM), minimizing turbo lag and providing a diesel-like pull from a standstill. Highway cruising at 80 mph requires minimal throttle input. The engine sound is described as truck-like, distinct from the Highlander and Grand Highlander models that also utilize this engine. City driving initially felt sensitive due to the responsive throttle, requiring adjustment from the Highlander’s more linear acceleration. The hybrid system contributes to comparable MPG in both city and highway driving.
The Prado incorporates Toyota Safety Sense 3 (TSS3), including Lane Keep Assist, which actively intervenes to keep the vehicle within lane markings, even during lane changes without signaling.
Initial drives, including a fully loaded trip to Santa Cruz, revealed slightly more wind noise than the Highlander, expected given the Prado’s boxier shape. Premium fuel is recommended, although some owners report using regular fuel. The 17-gallon fuel tank provides an approximate 300-mile range.
Future plans include swapping the 20-inch wheels for 18-inch OEM wheels, a common modification among Land Cruiser Prado enthusiasts seeking enhanced off-road performance.
Highlander to Land Cruiser Prado 2024: Gains and Losses
Missing from the Highlander:
- Third-row seating for occasional use and generous second-row legroom.
- The smooth and quiet 3.5L V6 engine and its distinctive sound at higher RPMs.
Not Missing from the Highlander:
- The sluggish 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Poor city fuel economy, sometimes as low as 12 MPG.
Gains with the Land Cruiser Prado 2024:
- Fulfillment of a long-held desire for a ladder-frame SUV, inspired by classic off-road vehicles.
- A highly capable off-road SUV perfectly suited for photography and road trips, offering a reassuring sense of capability even for light off-roading. (Upgraded tires and wheels are planned for even greater capability).
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado represents a significant upgrade for those seeking a blend of off-road prowess, modern features, and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional SUVs. For photographers, adventurers, and anyone desiring a capable and stylish SUV, the Prado is a compelling contender. Explore more insights and owner experiences in BHPian comments.
