The New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series
Toyota has once again asked its competition a question that is rather difficult to answer in the SUV market with the latest iteration of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The Land Cruiser Prado has long been a symbol of durability, off-road capability, and “OK” luxury, and the new model continues this tradition while incorporating modern technology, enhanced design, and powerful performance. This iconic SUV has been carefully crafted to meet the demands of both urban drivers and off-road enthusiasts, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of lifestyles. It comfortably sits between the all new 70 Series, sturdy durable, and the 300 Series, high-end luxury, making it a perfect crossbreed of durability and luxury.
Toyota introduced two models for the Kenyan market. The TX-L has since been replaced by the All-Rounder and the VX-L replaced by the Adventure Plus.
Exterior Design: A union of Tradition and Modernism
The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado stands out with its bold, modern design that exudes confidence and ruggedness. The box-like share draws its inspiration from the classic J70. The updated exterior features sharper lines, a more angular front grille, and sleek LED headlights that add to its aggressive stance. The vehicle’s large, imposing presence is unmistakable on the road, and it commands attention whether you’re driving through the city or navigating tough terrain. At first glance, one might not outrightly fall in love with it as it features a simplistic design. “Back to the basics,” was Toyota’s ambition with the L250, making a return to the light-duty model it was meant to be in the first place.
Toyota have availed six colour options for the L250, five monotone colours and the two-toned colour of the newly developed Sand colour with a Light Gray roof. Avant Garde Bronze Metallic and Smoky Blue are the newest addition to the L250’s colour spectrum.
The Adventure Plus boots on 20-inch alloy wheels while the All-Rounder boots on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior: Luxury and Comfort Meet Functionality
Step inside the new Land Cruiser Prado, and you’re greeted with a spacious, luxurious cabin designed with “Ok” materials and general great build quality. Toyota has focused on creating an environment that’s both comfortable and practical. The L250 offers two interior colour options, Dark Chestnut and Black.
There are some notable differences in the interior features between the Adventure Plus and the All-Rounder. The Adventure Plus boasts a 12-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric memory seats that are heated and ventilated, 360-degree surround camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, wireless charging, a cool box, and premium leather seats, features that are all lacking in the All-Rounder. The All-Rounder features a smaller 8-inch infotainment system, synthetic leather seats that are heated and ventilated.
The vehicle’s seating configuration is flexible, with options for up to seven passengers. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space, making it suitable for family trips, adventures, or everyday errands. Toyota has also made improvements in noise reduction, ensuring a quiet and serene driving experience, even on the roughest terrains.
Performance: Power and Capability
The new Land Cruiser Prado, both the Adventure Plus and the All-Rounder, hosts a 2.8 litre, 16 Valve DOHC 1GD-FTV, 4 Cylinder, Turbo-charged Diesel engine mated with an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, together generating up to 201 horsepower and 500Nm.
The 250 series has an excellent basic performance as an off-roader following the adoption of the GA-F platform that is used in the 300 series. The platform uses the latest non-linear tailor weld blank welding technology and ultra-high tensile strength steel plates with helps in achieving the necessary body rigidity.
A newly developed suspension system with high-mount double wishbone (front) and trailing link axle (rear) suspensions has been used to optimise the front and rear suspension geometry. This is such a huge boost for Toyota since it improves wheel articulation for better off-road performance. TORSEN LSD is used in the centre differential to control the front and rear torque distribution for even better driving stability.
The Adventure Plus has additional off-road support through the Multi-Terrain Select which can be selected from six modes depending on the terrain. Multi-Terrain Monitor uses four cameras to help the driver see around the vehicle when Multi-Terrain is in operation.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota’s commitment to safety is evident in the new Land Cruiser Prado, which comes equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection. These features provide an extra layer of security, making driving safer and less stressful in various conditions.
In addition, the Adventure Plus is equipped with a rear digital view mirror, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system, ensuring optimal visibility and protection, features that are absent in the All-Rounder.
What’s The Price?
Imports By Rigi announced the starting price of the All-Rounder as KES 16,720,000 while the Adventure Plus starts at KES 21,400,000.
Final Thoughts: Is It a Worthy Investment? The all-new Land Cruiser Prado is a well-designed car. Its not the most exciting design and neither the most boring. It’s a great SUV to consider if you are looking for well balanced on-road and off-road SUV. However, for the price, I would argue that there are more luxurious and capable SUVs especially in the Used-Car Market.
