Toyota revised the Land Cruiser Prado for its fifth generation. Also known as the Land Cruiser 250 in some markets, the Prado is one of the most common cars for sale in Kenya and a staple for most luxury SUV buyers. While most use it as a grocery getter, the Land Cruiser Prado is a highly capable off-road SUV.
Unlike its predecessor, the J150, the new Toyota Prado has a retro-inspired design from the earlier J60 models. It also focuses on durability, practicality and dependability. Toyota also uses the GA-F platform, similar to the larger sibling, the Land Cruiser 300, resulting in increased frame rigidity.
Pros
- Great fuel economy with the base diesel engine
- Impressive off-road features
- Higher trims get a decent selection of standard features
- Distinctive, heritage-inspired design
- A plethora of safety features
Cons
- There isn’t a hybrid version like in the Americas
- No third row in the base trim
- The petrol engine has poor fuel economy
What’s New?
No changes since its premiere in 2023.
Trims and Pricing
Toyota
| Trim | Manufacturer Suggested Price (KSh) (before import & taxes) |
| GX (diesel) | 4,400,000 |
| VX (petrol) | 4,600,000 |
| VX (diesel) | 5,350,000 |
| ZX (diesel) | 6,200,000 |
While there are a plethora of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado models to buy in different markets, we will focus solely on the Toyota Prado from the Japanese market. This will make it easier to identify the best trims to consider when importing from Japan and correctly narrow down the prices for all the new models.
For the 2025 model year, Toyota offers three main trims of the Prado: GX, VX, and ZX. Gone are the days of the Prado TX. However, like its predecessor, the base variant (GX) is only available with a diesel engine. The VX, on the other hand, gets either a petrol or diesel engine, while the ZX is only available with a diesel engine.
Engine, Performance, and Transmission
The new Toyota Prado has two engine options: a 2.8-litre inline-4 diesel engine (1GD-FTV) and a 2.7-litre inline-4 petrol engine (2TR-FE).
The base diesel engine produces 201 hp at 3,000 to 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. It pairs with a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, helping give the Toyota Prado a torquey driving experience.
The optional petrol engine produces 169 hp at 5,200 rpm and 246 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm. This version pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, enabling smooth everyday driving and vehicle controllability.
Unfortunately, Toyota doesn’t offer a Land Cruiser Prado with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain like that in the U.S. This powertrain is not only more efficient but also more powerful with 326 hp and 630 Nm of torque.
Fuel Economy
The diesel engine is the most efficient powertrain on offer. It boasts a fuel economy rating of 8.5 km/L in the city, 12.6 km/L on the highway, and 11.0 km/L combined.
On the other hand, the petrol engine has the lowest fuel economy rating of 5.7 km/L in the city, 8.6 km/L on the highway, and 7.6 km/L combined.
Interior Room and Cargo Space
The base Toyota Prado is only available in a five-seat configuration. Fortunately, for buyers looking for an SUV to haul their family in comfort, all the other trims get a seven-seat configuration. While the base G trim doesn’t get a lot of luxuries, Toyota outfits trims like the Prado ZX with equipment like an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory seats and a four-way power adjustable passenger seat.
All Prado models get a fully automatic air conditioner with independent temperature control. However, the VX and ZX trims get independently controlled automatic air conditioning for the rear seats. Additional creature comforts in these trims include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a tilt and slide power moonroof, electric reclining floor folding third seats, an illuminated entry system and foot lighting.
Infotainment and Technology
The standard infotainment system in the base GX trim is an 8-inch display. Despite being smaller than most of its rivals, this screen is available with Connected Navigation. Fortunately, Toyota also offers a larger 12.3 infotainment display as an option on the base trim but it’s standard on the VX and ZX trims.
Toyota also equips the Prado with a 12.3-inch driver’s display with four tastes: Casual, Smart, Tough and Sporty. The driver can control the screen using a steering switch.
In addition, Toyota equips the Land Cruiser Prado with a colour head-up display with three display modes. This system is standard on the ZX trim and the three modes allow the driver to pick the available information depending on the driving situation.
Additional technology features include the electric parking brake with brake hold, a digital inner mirror with anti-glare mode and a JBL premium sound system with 14 speakers. The sound system is standard on the ZX trim but available as an option in the VX trim.
The standard sound system on the VX trim is a Toyota premium system with 10 speakers. However, the GX gets a lower-spec audio system with six speakers.
Safety Features
For the 2025 model year, the Prado has a selection of safety and security measures. They include Toyota Teammate, Toyota Safety Sense, collision avoidance systems, radar cruise control, lane change assist, lane tracking assist, adaptive high beams, parking assistance, drive recorder, and SRS airbags around the cabin.
Warranty Coverage
Toyota offers a three-year or 58,000-kilometre limited warranty, a two-year or 40,000-kilometre complimentary maintenance and a five-year or 100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.
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