Recently, Toyota officially unveiled the all-new fifth generation Land Cruiser. This vehicle is built on the TNGA-F platform and shares the same platform as the Lexus GX. It continues to utilize a body-on-frame structure, and its starting price in the North American region is $50,000.
In terms of appearance, the vehicle features a square and retro design, giving it a more rugged and robust look. The overall styling follows the design cues of the Lexus GX, but the new Land Cruiser introduces a dual appearance design. The main distinction between the two versions lies in the headlight design—one version has rectangular headlights, while the other features round headlights. Apart from the headlights, the design of the rest of the vehicle is almost identical.
Specifically, apart from the headlights, the vehicle’s front grille and lower grille adopt a grille-like design, and the “grille” is surrounded by a sturdy frame, creating a unique visual effect. To reduce repair costs, some vulnerable areas have been separately designed, such as the decorative panels on the sides of the front bumper, making it easier to replace damaged parts.
On the side of the vehicle, the window line is not on a single horizontal plane; it is lower in the front and higher in the back, improving visibility for passengers in the first and second rows. The vehicle’s waistline is straight, enhancing the visual height of the sides, and the front and rear wheel arches are flared outward to enhance the muscular and powerful appearance, consistent with the off-road positioning of the vehicle. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle’s length, width, and height are 4925 mm, 1980 mm, and 1870 mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm, positioning it as a mid-to-large-sized off-road vehicle.
The rear of the vehicle is quite flat, with vertically arranged taillights. The smoked “LAND CRUISER” lettering is located on the left side of the rear, and the middle smoked panel features the “TOYOTA” logo. The rear bumper protrudes outward, and the exhaust pipes are concealed beneath the vehicle. The iconic external spare tire from the previous generation has been removed, and the absence of this feature gives the Prado a slightly less imposing appearance. Notably, the rear window can be opened separately, enhancing practicality. The cargo volume in the rear storage area has been increased from 398L in the previous generation to 408L, providing a more impressive loading space.
In terms of the interior, the design retains a distinctly “Toyota” feel, with physical buttons and knobs used instead of integrating everything into a central touchscreen. Therefore, you will find numerous physical buttons on the central control panel and front console, evoking a traditional sensation. Of course, the vehicle also incorporates modern design elements, such as a 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, both housed within the same frame. However, the instrument cluster is positioned slightly deeper, possibly to reduce glare. The vehicle supports a Level 2 autonomous driving system and high-end models feature a 14-speaker JBL audio system.
The vehicle offers a 2+3+2 seating layout for a total of seven seats and is equipped with a front-opening panoramic sunroof. The space is not cramped, and the rear cargo area is spacious, making it suitable for both off-road adventures and family use.
In terms of powertrain, the vehicle is available with a 2.4T hybrid system, a 2.4T gasoline engine, and a 2.8T diesel engine. The transmission system is an 8-speed automatic gearbox. For instance, the 2.4T hybrid model boasts a maximum power of 330 horsepower and a peak torque of 630 Nm, representing a significant power improvement compared to the previous 3.5L engine. The vehicle is also equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system (with two differential locks) and various off-road modes. The chassis suspension consists of a front double wishbone and a rear multi-link setup.
