2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado vs Everest – Which Aussie 4x4 Wins?

Australia’s rugged landscapes demand more than just a city SUV. You need something capable of tackling the Simpson Desert, cruising the Great Ocean Road, and towing a boat or caravan to the coast. That’s where two of the country’s most revered 4x4s come in: the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the 2025 Ford Everest.

These diesel-powered, family-friendly off-roaders are built tough, loaded with technology, and engineered for harsh Aussie conditions. But which one gives you better value, capability, and comfort?

Let’s break it down category by category in this comprehensive comparison.
 

Prado vs Everest in 2025

Both models enter 2025 with refreshed designs, enhanced powertrains, and a clear focus on capability and comfort.

Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2025 Highlights:

• All-new generation
• Shares platform with LandCruiser 300
• Retro-styled exterior with boxier lines
• 2.8L turbo-diesel with 48V mild hybrid
• Upgraded 8-speed auto and full-time 4WD

Ford Everest 2025 Highlights:

• Carried over from 2023 redesign
• Strong Aussie-developed chassis
• Powerful V6 and inline-4 diesel options
• Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes
• Raptor-style trims add flair

Design & Styling

Toyota Prado 2025:

The new Prado blends heritage styling with modern cues. Think of it as a baby 70 Series with sleeker lighting, flared arches, and a more upright grille. It’s chunkier, more imposing, and finally looks as tough as it performs.

• Boxy retro design with LED tech
• 18–20-inch wheels depending on trim
• Rugged stance with roof rails and bash plates

Ford Everest 2025:

The Everest leans more toward urban polish with American F-Series-inspired looks. Bold C-clamp headlights, clean body lines, and an aggressive grille make it feel refined but capable.

• Sportier, more modern aesthetic
• Blacked-out trims on Wildtrak/Sport variants
• Built-in tow hook covers and high-mounted tail lights

Design Verdict:
The Prado feels more purpose-built for rugged outback duty. The Everest, while tough, has a more lifestyle and city-oriented look.

Engine & Performance

Prado 2025:

• Engine: 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel (1GD-FTV)
• Mild Hybrid: 48V tech boosts efficiency and torque
• Power/Torque: 150kW / 500Nm
• Transmission: 8-speed auto
• Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD with low-range

Everest 2025:

• Engine Options:
  • 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel – 154kW / 500Nm
  • 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel – 184kW / 600Nm
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD or full-time 4WD (on top trims)

Performance Verdict:
The Everest wins on outright power and torque, especially with the V6. However, the Prado’s new mild-hybrid system offers smoother delivery and better refinement.

Fuel Efficiency

• Prado (2.8L Mild Hybrid): ~7.9L/100km (combined)
• Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo: ~7.2L/100km
• Everest V6 Diesel: ~8.5L/100km

Fuel Verdict:
The Everest’s 2.0L diesel is the most frugal, but the Prado’s mild-hybrid setup offers a good mix of efficiency and performance.

Off-Road Capability

Prado:

• Full-time 4WD with Torsen centre diff
• Multi-Terrain Select & Crawl Control
• 235mm ground clearance
• Approach/Departure: 31°/22°
• Rear diff lock

Everest:

• Selectable Terrain Modes (4WD)
• Low-range gearbox on higher trims
• Optional rear diff lock
• 226mm ground clearance
• Approach/Departure: 30.4°/25°

Off-Road Verdict:
Both are serious off-roaders, but the Prado’s pedigree, full-time 4WD, and Multi-Terrain system give it a slight edge in challenging conditions.

Interior & Comfort

Prado:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Softer materials and better NVH insulation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Third-row space improved

Everest:

• Larger 12–13-inch SYNC 4 portrait display
• Digital instrument cluster
• Premium finishes in Platinum and Wildtrak
• Stronger second and third-row comfort

Interior Verdict:
The Everest edges ahead with more tech-forward design and better rear-seat comfort. Prado’s cabin is more robust and utilitarian.

Technology & Infotainment

• Prado:
  • Wireless smartphone charging
  • 12-speaker JBL sound system (upper trims)
  • 360-degree camera, off-road monitor
• Everest:
  • SYNC 4A infotainment system
  • Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker system
  • Over-the-air updates, off-road data display

Tech Verdict:
Ford Everest offers more advanced infotainment and digital integration. Prado focuses more on functionality.

Safety Features

Prado:

• Toyota Safety Sense suite
• Adaptive cruise, lane trace, AEB, blind-spot monitoring
• 5-star ANCAP rating expected (not yet tested)

Everest:

• 5-star ANCAP (2022 tested)
• Auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise, evasive steer assist
• Semi-autonomous parking assist

Safety Verdict:
Everest is loaded with advanced safety tech and already proven with ANCAP. Prado will likely match it, but final ratings are pending.

Towing & Payload

Prado:

• Braked Towing: 3,500kg
• Payload: ~700–800kg
• Tow package standard on most trims

Everest:

• Braked Towing: 3,500kg
• Payload: 650–750kg
• Tow Pro Brake Controller factory-installed on top trims

Towing Verdict:
It’s a tie. Both SUVs offer strong towing capabilities. Everest may appeal more with integrated towing tech.

Running Costs & Maintenance

• Prado:
  • Toyota capped-price servicing
  • 12-month/15,000km service intervals
  • 5-year unlimited km warranty
• Everest:
  • Ford Service Benefits program
  • 12-month/15,000km intervals
  • 5-year/unlimited km warranty (up to 7 years extended)

Running Costs Verdict:
Both brands offer similar maintenance costs. Toyota’s reputation for reliability might sway long-term owners.

Pricing & Value

Toyota Prado 2025 (estimated drive-away):

• GX: ~$74,000
• GXL: ~$81,000
• VX: ~$90,000
• Kakadu: ~$99,000

Ford Everest 2025 (estimated drive-away):

• Ambiente: ~$58,000
• Trend: ~$64,000
• Sport (V6): ~$74,000
• Platinum: ~$85,000

Pricing Verdict:
The Everest offers better value across trims, especially with the V6 Sport. Prado positions itself as a premium off-roader.

Verdict – Which 4x4 SUV Should You Buy?

Buy the 2025 Toyota Prado if:

• You want a rugged off-roader with full-time 4WD
• You value Toyota reliability and heritage
• You're heading deep into the bush and need serious gear

Buy the 2025 Ford Everest if:

• You want a better balance of comfort and off-road ability
• You need advanced infotainment and tech
• You prefer V6 grunt at a more competitive price

Final Verdict:
For pure off-road dominance and bulletproof build, the Prado remains a go-to. But for families needing an everyday SUV with weekend warrior credentials, the Everest is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, both the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest are better than ever – and your decision will likely come down to your lifestyle and priorities. If reliability and rough-terrain supremacy matter most, the Prado is worth the premium. If comfort, tech, and value are key, the Everest should be your choice.

Whatever you pick, both are brilliant examples of what a modern Aussie 4x4 should be.