Next Toyota LandCruiser Prado is said to offer a pair of hybrid powertrains, including the company’s first hybrid diesel engine.
Japanese store BestCarWeb next report Prado will launch in Japan sometime in the summer (our winter) of 2023 – 14 years after the current generation is launched.
The familiar 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is said to feature a lithium-ion battery and two electric motors.
According to the report, a petrol hybrid engine will also join the range, although it is not yet clear which Toyota hybrid powertrain will be.
-
Current Prado
One possibility is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid found in models like the RAV4 which, with 163kW, will still be a step up in power over the base, 120kW naturally aspirated 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine offered on the Prado in Japan.
Another possibility is the company’s new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which, as seen on the Crown, produces 197kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
Prado’s current 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the only powertrain offered in Australia, produces 150kW and 500Nm.
BestCarWeb Also note that Prado will still offer naturally aspirated petrol in some markets, including Japan, where petrol models account for more than half of Prado sales.
While the report doesn’t note the future of the standard 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, we do expect a conventional diesel to continue for markets like Australia – indeed, previous report suggested a version of Line 300′ A 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine can be offered.
-
Sequoia
Toyota has yet to release an external body-on-frame hybrid SUV Tundra-based Sequoiatwin-turbo V6 hybrid engine package.
Overseas reports have also indicated that this powertrain will be incorporated into the more globally focused LandCruiser 300 Series.
In Sequoia, it generates 326kW and 790Nm.
Last year, the company confirmed hybrid versions of the LandCruiser, Prado, HiLux and HiAce will due before 2030and local engineers will be involved in the development.
-
LandCruiser 300 Series
“We are looking at diesel hybrids, petrol hybrids… we are looking at all forms of CO2 reduction across multiple technologies,” said Rod Ferguson, head of product planning at Toyota Australia. CarExpert last April.
“Obviously there is a difference… even in some parts of Australia, whether you can use diesel or petrol. Various industries prefer to store fuel for other equipment they use.
“So it doesn’t necessarily state a preference for one over the other, but we’re open to any of those avenues of electrification.”
The next Prado is expected to switch to the new TNGA-F architecture that underpins the LandCruiser 300 Series, Tundra and Sequoia, which promises greater body rigidity, safety and dynamics.
It is expected to change very little in terms of dimensions, at 4825mm long, 1885mm wide and 1850mm tall on a 2790mm wheelbase – the same as the current car, albeit 40mm lower.
Inside, the latest generation of infotainment is expected, with 9.0- and 12.3-inch touchscreens.
The popularity of the LandCruiser 300 Series and Toyota’s supply struggles are believed to have spurred the release of the Prado further into the future, as it is said to be scheduled to launch a year after its older brother. I’m older in 2022.
The current Prado remains popular both at home and abroad despite its age, and looks set to retain the title of Australia’s favorite large SUV this year.
As of the end of October, Toyota has sold 19,087 Prados. That puts it higher than the second-place finisher, also a Toyota – Klugerat 10,989 units.
Toyota may not be the first to hit the Australian market with a body-on-frame hybrid SUV.
GWM is is expected to bring hybrid versions of the Tank 300 SUVs and Prado’s rival Tank 500 coming to Australia next year, with a plug-in hybrid version of the latter also a possibility.
New Ford forest ranger-based Everest Moutain also uses an electrified-assisted platform, with both Blue Oval models expected to eventually get a plug-in hybrid.
