The Toyota Prado has long been a mainstay in Australia’s off-road and family SUV market. Known for its reliability, ruggedness, and ability to blend city life with remote adventures, the Prado has been a top choice for drivers who demand more than just urban commuting. Now, with the 2025 Toyota Prado, we’re witnessing the most comprehensive update in its history — a complete generational leap that combines advanced technology, premium comfort, and legendary off-road capability.
This in-depth review covers everything from design changes and performance updates to safety, technology, and real-world usability. If you’re wondering whether the new Prado still earns its place in Australian garages, keep reading.
A Bold New Exterior Design
Toyota has given the 2025 Prado a tougher, more modern look that balances heritage cues with contemporary styling. The boxier silhouette harks back to earlier Land Cruiser designs, but with a sharper, more aerodynamic approach. This design isn’t just for show — the squared-off lines improve forward visibility on trails and enhance practical cabin space.
Key highlights of the exterior include:
- New LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam technology
- A more upright grille with heritage-inspired vertical slats
- Muscular wheel arches housing 17–20-inch alloy wheels
- Stronger approach and departure angles for off-road performance
- Redesigned tailgate with split-opening options for easier cargo access
Toyota offers an expanded range of colour options for 2025, including earthy tones that blend with Australia’s outback scenery and high-contrast finishes for urban appeal.
Interior Comfort & Space
Step inside the 2025 Prado and you’ll immediately notice Toyota’s commitment to making it a more refined space for long journeys. The cabin layout is more intuitive, with a focus on comfort and technology integration.
Key interior upgrades:
- New 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Premium upholstery choices including leather-accented trim on higher grades
- Improved seating ergonomics for driver and passengers
- Increased second-row legroom and better third-row accessibility
- Dual-zone climate control (tri-zone on higher models)
- More storage solutions throughout the cabin
Toyota has made the Prado quieter inside with improved sound insulation, perfect for those long highway stretches between cities or during touring holidays.
Powertrain & Performance
The biggest talking point in the 2025 Prado lineup is the introduction of a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This setup boosts fuel efficiency and provides a smoother, quieter drive without sacrificing towing power.
Performance specs:
- Engine: 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
- Power: Approx. 150kW
- Torque: 500Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Towing capacity: 3,500kg braked
The hybrid assist system delivers extra torque during low-speed acceleration, which is especially useful when towing or tackling steep inclines. Off-road modes, low-range gearing, and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system ensure that the Prado still dominates in the dirt.
Off-Road Capability – Still the Benchmark
Australians love the Prado for its ability to handle both city life and extreme terrains, and the 2025 model doubles down on its off-road reputation. The updated suspension, enhanced approach and departure angles, and improved electronics make challenging trails easier to conquer.
Off-road highlights:
- Full-time 4WD with centre differential lock
- Multi-Terrain Select with sand, mud, rock, and snow modes
- Crawl Control for slow, steady progress over rough ground
- Hill Descent Assist for steep declines
- Improved wading depth up to 800mm
- Underbody protection plates for added durability
Whether you’re towing a boat to the coast, exploring Cape York, or crossing the Simpson Desert, the 2025 Prado has the hardware to back you up.
Technology & Infotainment
Toyota has modernised the Prado’s tech suite without overwhelming the user. The infotainment system is more responsive, with improved graphics and better smartphone integration.
Tech features include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Satellite navigation with off-road mapping options
- 14-speaker JBL premium audio system on higher trims
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Multiple USB-C charging ports
- Digital rear-view mirror
- 360-degree camera system
Safety – Now Smarter Than Ever
Safety has always been a strong suit for Toyota, but the 2025 Prado raises the bar with the latest Toyota Safety Sense package.
Safety tech includes:
- Pre-Collision System with pedestrian & cyclist detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with curve speed management
- Lane Departure Alert with steering assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Road Sign Assist
- Trailer Sway Control
- Enhanced parking sensors with automatic braking
This comprehensive safety suite aims to make the Prado as safe on the school run as it is capable on the roughest track.
Fuel Efficiency
Thanks to the mild-hybrid system, the Prado now returns improved fuel economy figures compared to its predecessor. Toyota estimates a combined cycle of around 7.5–8.0L/100km, depending on the variant and driving conditions. For a large, ladder-frame 4x4 with serious off-road capability, these numbers are impressive.
Variants & Pricing (Expected)
While Toyota Australia hasn’t finalised all local pricing, the 2025 Prado is expected to follow the familiar GX, GXL, VX, and Kakadu trim structure. Buyers can expect entry-level models to start around the mid-$70,000 range, with fully loaded Kakadu variants pushing towards $100,000.
Ownership & Running Costs
Toyota’s ownership package includes a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, extendable to seven years for the engine and drivetrain if serviced within the Toyota network. Servicing intervals remain at 10,000km or 12 months, and Toyota’s capped-price servicing keeps costs predictable.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Toyota Prado?
The 2025 Prado remains one of the most versatile vehicles in the Australian market. It’s perfect for:
- Families who need space, comfort, and safety
- Adventurers who want genuine off-road capability
- Towing enthusiasts needing 3.5-tonne capacity
- Rural and regional drivers tackling unsealed roads daily
Final Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Prado represents a significant leap forward for one of Australia’s favourite SUVs. By blending heritage off-road toughness with modern comfort and tech, Toyota has created a 4x4 that feels just as at home in the city as it does hundreds of kilometres from civilisation. With better fuel economy, stronger safety tech, and refined styling, the Prado is set to remain a top pick for Australians for years to come.
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