Australian details confirmed for 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado: Popular diesel lives on, but we miss out on mega hybrid powertrain!

Toyota has whipped the covers off the long-awaited 2024 LandCruiser Prado, with diesel confirmed to live on in Australia – though we do miss out on the most powerful powertrain.

We'll get into the specifics in a moment, but let's start with what's under the hood.

Toyota will launch the Prado (which seems to only still be called that in Australia, with other markets adopting the "LandCruiser 250" moniker) with several powertrain options around the world, of which Australia will receive only one at launch.

That means our cars continue to be powered by the existing 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine also shared by the HiLux, but with the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system that the brand says will "help improve fuel consumption in urban settings".

Outputs, then, are still 150kW and 500Nm, with power sent to all four wheels via a new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic.

The most powerful engine option, though, does not look like it will make to Australia, at least initially, with US-spec Prado's fitted with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid that produces an impressive 243kW and 630Nm.

What we do get is an entirely new look and feel, with the Prado now based on the same TGNA-F underpinnings as its 300 Series big brother, which the brands says "is 50 per cent more rigid than the current-generation Prado, helping to increase overall vehicle rigidity by 30 per cent".

At 4920mm long, 1988mm wide and 1860mm tall, the new Prado is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces, and it rides on a 2850mm wheelbase which is 60mm longer – and the same as the 300 Series. It will be home to five or seven seats.

Toyota is promising the vehicle will be more capable off road, too, with better wheel articulation, a new stabiliser bar disconnect function, better terrain roads and a terrain monitor.

There's also new electric power steering which "provides a crisper steering feel and enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability on-road", and new safety kit including lane trace assist.

"Australian customers appreciate the vast capability of the LandCruiser Prado, from use as a family vehicle, to off-roading, towing and long-distance touring, which is evidenced by its huge popularity," says Toyota Australia's VP of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley.

Speaking of styling, the new Prado's rectangular grille and squared-off headlights seem to be the only option in Australia. In international markets, a more rounded, retro headlight style is also offered.

Still, it's a bulkier and more muscular design theme, which is helped by chunky wheelarches, black cladding and a blocky rear-light design.

There are more big changes are inside, where the Prado will be equipped with a digital driver display, a massive central multimedia screen and a thoroughly modern - and premium-looking - cabin.

The new LandCruiser Prado will launch in Australia with 2024, with more details to come.