The Land Cruiser Prado is one of the main bread-and-butter models for Toyota in the UAE market owing to its reliability and practicality. However, the model has long become outdated and with the competition looming large, the update comes just in time for this legendary nameplate. Here are three big changes in the 2024 Land Cruiser Prado.
2024 Land Cruiser Prado Design
The first biggest change is in the design. The outgoing generation of the Prado feels like an extension of the Fortuner in many ways specifically when it comes to the design however that isn’t the case with the upcoming model. The upcoming model sheds a curvaceous body language for a design that’s a lot boxier and more squarish in nature and carries elements from the likes of the Land Rover Defender and the now-discontinued FJ Cruiser. The design is such that it will also attract the attention of car enthusiasts who have considered Prado to be a commuter car in this part of the world.
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Engine
The second biggest change is the one under the hood. The dependable 2.7 inline 4 and 4.0 V6 naturally aspirated will finally be replaced by an all-new 2.4 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. It is important to note that, unlike North America, this engine shall not see any kind of hybrid technology and hence will be making lesser power and torque compared to its North American stablemate. However, 280 BHP and 430 Nm and an all-new 8-speed automatic mean that it would be fair to expect that the upcoming Prado will be a quick car in its category.
Toyota’s press release also indicates the presence of a 2.8-liter turbo diesel making its way to the Middle East as well. With diesel as a source of propulsion too being seen as a viable option, it won’t be surprising if this generation of the Prado becomes the first to establish a market for diesel midsize SUVs in the UAE.
Platform sharing the LC300
The third biggest change is the fact that the Prado now moves to the platform of the bigger Land Cruiser 300. Based on the TNGA-F platform, the Prado not only becomes future-proof with the capability to be electrified but also addresses the issue of poor interior space management of the previous generations. The bigger wheelbase now translates to better room inside and better cargo-carrying capability which will enhance the practicality of the Prado.
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The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado should raise the bar when it comes to the midsize SUV segment in the Middle East. Upon arrival, the Prado is likely to go up against the likes of the GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer. The price of the outgoing Prado starts from 168,000 AED. So, the the 2024 Land Cruiser Prado should not cost much more. Safely expect a small price hike though.
