Divyanshi

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Set for India Comeback: Rugged Luxury Returns in 2025

By the end of 2025, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado—a vehicle known for its luxury and toughness—will make a significant comeback to the Indian market. This action follows its 2020 discontinuation as a result of strict BS6 emission standards. The next vehicle is expected to appeal to both off-road enthusiasts and luxury SUV connoisseurs by combining traditional design features with contemporary upgrades.

The brand claims that the new Land Cruiser Prado, which is internally referred to as the JC250, offers better off-road and on-road technology. According to reports, its chassis is 50% more rigid than its predecessor’s, and the complete body-on-frame assembly is about 30% stiffer. It still uses ladder frame construction.

The new Land Cruiser Prado has a wheelbase of 2,850mm and is 4,920mm in length and 1,870mm in height. The J250 has more space and is marginally bigger than its predecessor. Its cabin is entirely renovated with more technology and functionality. The SUV’s physical controls are large, and it shares many switchgear with the Land Cruiser 300. A wraparound digital display with a cutting-edge infotainment system, sumptuous leather interior, and multi-zone climate control are all included. In the majority of international markets, Toyota will be able to compete with the Land Rover Defender thanks to the new Prado’s abundance of features.

Design and Features

The new Prado still has the same distinctive boxy shape as the 40 Series Land Cruiser and the FJ Cruiser. India’s spy photos show a sturdy body with 20-inch black alloy wheels, square LED headlamps, and vertical slats on the grille. Notably, the spied VX model has a sunroof, which is unusual in regions like Australia and may indicate alterations unique to India.

The interior of the Prado is completely black, and the ‘TOYOTA‘ insignia is attached to the contemporary steering wheel. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster are anticipated to be mounted on the dashboard. To ensure comfort in every sitting position, extra features include a wireless charging pad, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and special AC vents for the second and third rows.

Performance

The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine that powers the Indian version of the Prado is expected to produce 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. In order to improve performance and fuel efficiency, this engine—which is recognizable from the Toyota Fortuner—is probably going to be mated to an 8-speed automated transmission and a 48V mild hybrid system.

Positioning in the Market and Competition

It is anticipated that the Prado will debut in the Indian market as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), positioned behind the flagship Land Cruiser LC300, which is priced at ₹2.10 crore. A price range of ₹1.7 crore to ₹1.95 crore is suggested by the estimates. The Prado will directly compete with the Land Rover Defender in this market sector, providing buyers with an alluring combination of Toyota’s dependability and off-road capability.

In conclusion

For SUV aficionados looking for a blend of luxury, off-road aptitude, and legacy, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado’s rebirth in India represents a major milestone. The Prado, which is expected to debut in late 2025, has the potential to completely alter the premium SUV market in the nation.

Powertrain details

For the European, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Australian markets, the new Land Cruiser Prado comes with the same 2.8-litre diesel engine that powers the Fortuner SUV in India. This engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic, will get a 48V MHEV mild-hybrid powertrain by 2025. Toyota recently announced that it is testing an MHEV-equipped Hilux mated to the same 2.8-litre diesel engine.

In some markets, such as North America and the Middle East, the SUV comes with a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a hybrid powertrain – this is the same engine that powers multiple Toyota and Lexus models globally.

The new Land Cruiser Prado will be introduced in India as a CBU, just like the LC300. Expect more details on the India-bound SUV to be revealed as the launch nears.