Toyota’s popular Land Cruiser Prado has received a significant upgrade with more power and torque as well as new multimedia technologies.

Power Up

At the heart of the revised range is an additional 30kW of power and 100Nm of torque derived from the switch to the new-generation 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo diesel engine, that is now mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission (previously five-speed).

Prado’s overlanding and towing credentials benefit from the higher-performance engine that now delivers a maximum of 150kW@3400rpm and 500Nm over a wider 1600-2800rpm band.

The latest generation 2.8 GD-6 engine (as debuted in the updated Hilux) has received a raft of upgrades including a new ball-bearing turbocharger with a larger turbine and impeller, and improved engine rigidity and cooling. Better fuel economy is realised through optimised pistons and piston rings, changes to the cylinder block and head, higher fuel-injection flow rate and the adoption of high-performance materials for the exhaust manifold.

A newly-fitted balance shaft helps smooth out engine vibrations, improving NVH performance and contributing to an even higher degree of refinement.

Enhanced Efficiency & Towing

Despite the substantially stronger outputs, fuel consumption improves to 7.9 litres/100km and CO₂ emissions are down to 209 g/km. Fuel capacity is 150 litres with an 87-litre main tank and 63-litre sub tank. Maximum braked towing capacity is increased to 3,000kg on 2.8 models.

New Infotainment

A new-generation multimedia system is fitted across the range, which now incorporates a larger 9-inch touchscreen display (previous 8-inch), enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Customers are able to utilise mobile-phone-services such as Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, SoundCloud etc. to enhance their driving experience – while providing enhanced telephony and messaging interfaces ‘on-the-fly’. 

Model Line-Up & Pricing

Prado 2.8L Diesel TX             – R 939,900

Prado 4.0L Petrol VX              – R 1,029,000

Prado 2.8L Diesel VX             – R 1,060,600

Prado 4.0L Petrol VX-L          – R 1,072,600

Prado 2.8L Diesel VX-L          – R 1,105,800

The model line-up and 4.0 V6 engine remains unchanged.