The Toyota Prado has long stood as one of Australia’s most beloved large SUVs. Known for its rugged off-road capabilities, reliability, and family practicality, it has built a loyal following in both city suburbs and remote bushlands. Now, the 2025 Toyota Prado enters a new chapter—reengineered, modernised, and loaded with advanced tech and powertrain options.
So, is the new-generation Prado truly the best off-road SUV for Australia in 2025? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.
1. What's New in the 2025 Prado?
Bold Redesign with a Retro Touch
The 2025 Prado shares its underpinnings with the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, moving to the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. Its design takes inspiration from the larger 70 Series and even earlier-generation Prados—boxier, more rugged, and built for serious terrain.
Key design features:
- Squared-off body and wheel arches
- Retro-inspired front fascia with LED headlights
- 18–20 inch wheels depending on the variant
- Increased ground clearance (up to 225mm)
- Modern tailgate design with available swing or top-hinged option
Interior Overhaul
The interior of the Prado is finally up to par with 2025 expectations, offering:
- A new 12.3-inch digital driver display
- Optional 14-inch touchscreen infotainment (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Enhanced ergonomics and soft-touch materials
- Dual-zone or tri-zone climate control
- Up to 7 seats with second-row slide and recline
- Available ventilated/heated seats
2. Engine & Drivetrain Options
Australia gets two confirmed engine options for 2025:
2.8L Turbo-Diesel with 48V Mild Hybrid (GDH System)
- Power: 150kW
- Torque: 500Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: ~7.9L/100km (claimed)
2.4L Turbo Petrol Hybrid (T24A-FTS, expected late 2025)
- Power: 243kW (combined)
- Torque: 630Nm
- Electric motor paired with lithium-ion battery
- Fuel Efficiency: ~6.4L/100km (projected)
Both are paired with full-time 4WD systems, centre diff lock, low-range gearing, and multiple terrain modes.
3. Off-Road Capability
Where the Prado shines most is in its off-road arsenal. Toyota has doubled down on making the 2025 model a beast for Aussie terrain.
Key Off-Road Features:
- Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) – Sand, Mud, Rock, Snow modes
- Crawl Control – Low-speed cruise for extreme terrain
- Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS) – Enhances wheel articulation
- Downhill Assist Control
- Improved approach (31°), breakover (25°), and departure (22°) angles
- 800mm wading depth
Whether you're tackling Cape York, the Simpson Desert, or towing a van across the Nullarbor, the new Prado has the tools for the job.
4. Towing & Payload
Towing is crucial for Aussie adventurers, and the Prado keeps its 3,500kg braked towing capacity intact. Payload capacity is slightly improved, depending on the variant and fit-out.
Key Specs:
- Braked Towing: 3,500kg
- Unbraked Towing: 750kg
- Payload: 650–750kg
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): up to 3,300kg
Toyota has improved trailer sway control and towing assist systems to enhance long-distance safety.
5. Safety and Driver Assistance
The Prado 2025 is packed with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 technology:
Standard Safety Suite:
- Pre-Collision System with pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Trace Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- 360° surround-view camera
- 8–10 airbags (depending on trim)
It’s expected to score a 5-star ANCAP rating once tested, thanks to the new platform’s crash performance and enhanced structure.
6. Infotainment and Connectivity
Toyota has moved past its clunky legacy systems with a new infotainment interface that feels fast and modern.
Features by Variant:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation (from mid-spec variants up)
- Toyota Connected Services
- Voice-activated commands
- 10-speaker JBL audio system (in top trim)
- Multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging pad
Rear passengers also get optional dual entertainment screens on higher trims.
7. Variants & Pricing in Australia (Expected)
Final pricing hasn’t been fully revealed yet, but here’s what we know based on Toyota’s strategy:
| Variant | Estimated Drive-Away Price (AUD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| GX | ~$72,000 | Steel wheels, cloth seats, basic infotainment |
| GXL | ~$79,000 | Alloy wheels, dual-zone A/C, larger screen |
| VX | ~$89,000 | Leather seats, digital dash, better stereo |
| Kakadu | ~$99,000 | Air suspension, panoramic sunroof, JBL audio |
| GR Sport (pending) | ~$100K+ | Blackout styling, off-road tuned |
Toyota will likely include 5-year/unlimited km warranty, capped-price servicing, and 10-year hybrid battery warranty on applicable variants.
8. On-Road Performance and Ride Comfort
Toyota has refined the Prado’s on-road driving dynamics to make it more comfortable without losing off-road credibility.
Driving Experience:
- Softer ride thanks to new suspension and damping
- Electric power steering improves urban maneuverability
- Reduced body roll through stabiliser upgrades
- Quieter cabin with better sound insulation
- Adaptive variable suspension (in higher trims)
While it's no sports SUV, the 2025 Prado is more refined than ever before and feels far less agricultural on highways.
9. Interior Space and Practicality
Passenger Space:
- More headroom and legroom across all rows
- 60/40 split second row
- Optional third-row (folds flat into floor)
- Rear air vents and USBs for all passengers
Cargo Volume:
- 600L (5-seat configuration)
- 180L (7-seat, all rows up)
- 1,900L (with rear seats folded)
Power tailgate and flat load floor add convenience for campers, families, and tradies alike.
10. Fuel Economy & Running Costs
With the inclusion of a 48V mild-hybrid system on the diesel variant and a full hybrid petrol option on the way, Toyota aims to make the Prado more efficient without compromising power.
Efficiency Numbers:
- Diesel Mild Hybrid: ~7.9L/100km
- Petrol Hybrid (Expected): ~6.4L/100km
Combined with Toyota’s long service intervals and capped-price servicing, running costs should remain low.
11. How It Compares to Rivals
Here’s how the Prado 2025 stacks up against key competitors in Australia:
| Model | Power/Torque | Towing | Off-Road Tech | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prado 2025 | 150kW / 500Nm or 243kW hybrid | 3,500kg | Full suite incl. MTS, Crawl | $72K–$100K |
| Ford Everest | 184kW / 600Nm V6 | 3,500kg | Selectable terrain modes | $60K–$85K |
| Isuzu MU-X | 140kW / 450Nm | 3,500kg | Traction control, rear diff lock | $55K–$75K |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | 221kW / 650Nm (D300) | 3,500kg | Air suspension, wade assist | $95K–$120K |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 210kW / 344Nm | 2,800kg | Quadra-Trac 4x4 | $77K–$115K |
Verdict: While pricier, the Prado combines Toyota reliability, serious off-road chops, and hybrid tech that few others can match.
12. Verdict: Is It the Best Off-Roader for Aussies?
The Toyota Prado 2025 brings significant upgrades in nearly every department—powertrain, tech, safety, comfort, and off-road equipment. For Aussies looking for a rugged, dependable, and now more fuel-efficient SUV that can tow, tour, and tackle the outback, the Prado makes a compelling case.
Pros:
✅ Advanced off-road tech
✅ Refined hybrid power options
✅ Improved comfort and space
✅ Toyota reliability and resale value
Cons:
❌ Premium pricing in higher trims
❌ Still large for tight city spaces
❌ Petrol hybrid not available at launch
Final Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
If you're an adventure-seeking Aussie family or remote worker who demands capability, comfort, and confidence—the Prado 2025 might be your perfect SUV.
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