2021 Toyota Landcruiser Prado sees power and price increases

John Law

Contributor

Toyota has updated the much-loved 150 Series Landcruiser Prado for 2021. Power and torque are up, while Toyota has added safety equipment across the range, and addressed concerns with the dated infotainment system.

However, the price of entry has jumped significantly; the refreshed $59,840 GX commands a $2,850 premium over the outgoing model.

Prado fans will be pleased to know that the Prado is mostly unchanged underneath, so its reputation for dependability and reliability should remain intact.

2021 Landcruiser Prado Camping — *The Prado gets the Hilux’s power bump*.

If vital engine specifications 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque from a 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder sound familiar, there’s a reason for that.

Fans will know the Prado shares its D4D engine with the Hilux ute, and it was only a matter of time before the full-size off-roader felt the benefits of that car’s upgrades. And welcome they are, the Prado will be all the better for that motivation, though towing remains the same at 3-tonnes.

Power and torque are bumped courtesy of a new turbocharger with larger impeller and turbine than before. The engine has also received updates to the cooling system, EGR valves, cylinder head and piston rings to optimise the power unit.

2021 Landcruiser Prado front — *But it hasn’t changed outside.*

While power is up, fuel consumption is down to 7.9L/100km. Combined with the vast 150L fuel capacity, the Landcruiser Prado should retain its famed traits of dependability.

The Prado’s interior is now just a little bit more contemporary; the small 8-inch touchscreen gives way to a larger unit, now 9-inches diagonal. There is the new software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, as well as the ability to install apps like Accuweather and Waze.

Additionally, Toyota has equipped the Prado with the Safety Sense suite standard on all grades, while adding day and night pedestrian detection and day-time cyclist detention functionality.

2017 Toyota Prado Altitude interior — *This is the old 8-inch screen – its gone in favour of a 9-inch item.*

Rain-sensing wipers are now standard, as is a speed sign recognition system. The lane-keep-assist now works by gently braking individual wheels to restrain the big off-roader to its lane.

This extra equipment supplements 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, reversing camera, rubber floor mats and satnav on the entry-level five-seat $59,840 (driveaway pricing TBA) GX. Third-row seating can be optioned for an extra $2,550 on top.

For $66,540 is the seven-seat GXL which adds side steps, Bi-LED headlights, roof rails, tri-zone climate control and rear parking sensors to the standard features list.

2017 Toyota Prado Altitude white rear tailgate — *Business as usual back here, too.*

A premium interior can be optioned onto the GXL for $3,470 and adds heating and ventilation to the electrically adjustable and leather-accented front seats. Seat heating is added to the second row, too.

Second front the top is the $76,380 VX which gets the premium interior but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, carpeted floor mats, automatic headlights, terrain monitors, and a 14-speaker JBL stereo. The VX also adds necessary active safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The range-topping Prado Kakadu rounds out the specification with rear-seat DVD players, rear-axle air suspension, crawl control and other off-road aids, and a panoramic sunroof for $87,030.

The only remaining option box to tick is $600 for premium paintwork, which includes the new Espresso Brown hue.

2021 Toyota Landcruiser Prado pricing

GX 2.8 Auto 4×4: $59,840 (up $2,850)
GXL 2.8 Auto 4×4: $66,540 (up $2,850)
VX 2.8 Auto 4×4: $76,380 (up $2,754)
Kakadu 2.8 Auto 4×4: $87,030 (up $2,804)