Our extra-large ultimate Aussie deep-dive review (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2025 Review)

The new-generation Toyota 250 Series Land Cruiser Prado is the biggest launch of 2024. And for our first drive of the new Prado in 15 years, we’ve rustled up a big video review.

Chasing Cars’ Iain Curry conducts a thorough inside and out test of the new Prado in both GXL and flagship Kakadu variants, that latter - naturally - in and around Kakadu National park in the Northern Territory.

On road, off road, features, pricing, safety, towing…it’s all here. Including the controversial addition of AdBlu and that ‘small’ fuel tank and how it might affect touring range.

Is Australia ready for the new Prado? And is the 250 Series ready for the best and worst of a sunburnt country? Let’s get bull-dusty and find out in Prado: The Movie!


Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Line-up/pricing
1:46 - Exterior
2:52 - AdBlu
3:40 - Spare wheel mount
4:09 - Rear access/boot
5:25 - Dust isolation
6:28 - Interior
7:25 - Tech
7:56 - Seats
8:41 - Row two
9:17 - Row three
10:03 - Chassis
11:12 - Ride comfort
11:47 - Electric steering
13:12 - 2.5 tonnes
14:02 - Visibility
15:06 - Adaptive suspension
16:45 - Climate control
17:05 - Full-time 4WD
17:29 - 2.8L turbo-diesel
17:50 - Fuel economy
18:27 - Drive modes
19:44 - Articulation
21:06 - Multi-terrain select
21:55 - Fun factor
22:19 - 4x4 competency
22:42 - More luxury
25:08 - Ground clearance
25:42 - Braking
26:28 - Active safety
28:07 - 110-litre tank
29:42 - On-road handling
31:10 - Running costs
32:01 - Wait times
32:55 - Verdict

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Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[doneB]

How can it be classified as more capable than the old one when it’s slower, heavier and has a smaller fuel tank.

[bertiebeetle]

I cancelled my GXL order after seeing the boot setup. It’s hopeless. Such a pity as the rest of the car is fabulous. How about a 5 seat version of the GXL, Toyota? I’d place a new order immediately.

[darrenprior]

They had 15 years to get this right. You’d think they would have put some of that time into figuring out a better way to fit that 48V and back seat

[leoalexander]

I’m so glad I held off from getting a new Prado. Going to wait until they release a refreshed and updated version after all the complaints pile up 😅

[forzer]

Waiting for all the complaints about the boot, price, and engine 😂

[arash]

Is it the most biased review I ever seen ?

[wolfgang]

It will be hard to look past the Patrol with that Price tag

[jpjbassking]

I'm so glad I went with the 300 instead. Looks good on the outside and that's about it.

[blee]

The rear 220 v outlet is only 100w. Will not support a coffee machine. The 220 v outlet has nothing to do with the48v system. My 2016 prado has the same 220v outlet

[Paulrd]

For what ever reason there is alot of envy and hate over this vehicle but after owning the altitude for for days i couldn't be happier.

[kdd]

I"ll buy an altitude if round headlights make it to Australia.

[robstone]

Waiting for someone who has not been given an all expenses paid trip to Kakadu to do a review of this car so we can get an honest opinion.

[jamesm]

Got the VX and couldn’t be happier. Sold the 150, 150 feels like a relic compared to the 250.

[jamesdowning]

Good luck getting any reasonable range with AdBlue use when towing.

[Marks.Reviews]

That’s a shame you weren’t able to film very much at all the more serious off stuff you guys did. That would have been interesting to watch. Did Toyota have a restriction on what could be filmed?

[danusually]

Could you post any feedback on dust getting in the wrong side of the airbox like the 150's and hilux's pls 🙏🏽

[svinatraktore]

There's a 100W 220V socket. Are you sure 100W is enough for a fridge or a coffee machine? 😄

[Levi-cf]

The boot’s a deal killer. I’ll be going for the GX; more than good enough as a family vehicle and weekend off-roader

[whackyworld-dsyu]

What is in the air down under? All this whining from people who've been lapping up the toyota recipe since time immemorial.

1) toyota is a value not luxury brand. Expect intentionally underpowered simple powertrains, cheap hardwearing components like interior plastics and outdated technology. They are the kings of constraint for the sake of reliability and longevity.
2) Its 2024 everything is overpriced, who are they not to appropriately position their pricing according to the market. Yes there is a premium for that badge but it's not the end of the world.
3) Your country is seriously regulated, a blessing and a curse. That battery has to be there for the mild hybrid technology (if we can even call it that) as well as the swarm of safety features to pass regulation now and far into the future. Unfortunately this ramps up weight, pricing and complexity.

Maybe just continue to buy Toyotas in astounding numbers quietly, find aftermarket solutions for the boot as you've always done with all other toyota shortcomings.
They are still as reliable as ever, dont kid yourselves. Once they sort out a few teething problems as expected they'll run forever. If they can endure Africa's potholed roads with dirty fuel, cheap knockoff parts, minimal service all while overloaded 2 to 3 times if not more what they are rated at and still outperform most things on the road they'll be more than manageable in Australia.

[paulkazzer]

Beautifully shot. Kakadu almost out shone the Prado. Great review.