Retro Prado puts on a new face

Toyota’s new-look Prado will include a special off-road focused variant.

Due to arrive by the middle of the year, there will be five grades in all, with major improvements to driveability, technology and design promised.

They build on the current lineup, with GX, GXL, VX and flagship Kakadu grades, along with a new high-end Altitude variant that’s aimed at adventure-focused customers looking to take their Prado further off-road.

All variants are powered by the same 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain with 48-volt technology, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every Prado offers full-time all-wheel drive with a lockable torque-sensing Torsen centre differential and low-range gearing, with a strong 3500kg braked towing capacity across the range.

Driving assistance for both on and off-road includes adaptive variable suspension and five drive modes, together with multi-terrain select, and in a first for Toyota a multi-terrain monitor which provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s underfloor and surrounds when off-road.

Multimedia on all variants comes in the form of a 12.3-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded satellite navigation with cloud function, DAB+ digital radio, Toyota Connected Services and even on GX — a 10-speaker audio system.

A total of eight exterior colours will be offered including the new Altitude-exclusive Tanami Taupe and Ningaloo Blue — optionally available with a white roof.

Toyota says the new Altitude grade makes full use of Prado’s excellent fundamental off-road capability, introducing a number of exclusive features designed to tackle the toughest terrain the country has to offer.

It offers enhanced capability with the fitment of 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels with Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres, a rear locking differential, and a new stabiliser disconnect mechanism (replacing AVS), which provides an extra 10 per cent of wheel articulation to help maximise traction on uneven surfaces.

With a tough exterior look to match its performance, Altitude features black door handles and tailgate garnish, black over-fender moulding, a moon roof and the option of two-tone colour.

Available exclusively in five-seat configuration, the Altitude builds on the specification of the VX and inside, adds a digital rear view mirror, heated steering wheel and head-up display.