Toyota's big tease! 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado previewed in dark silhouette prior to launch early next year with expected hybrid power

The new fifth-generation Toyota LandCruiser Prado is due to be unveiled soon and could arrive locally as early as next year, replacing one of Australia's most enduring 'new' cars, the out-going fourth-generation (J150) model that arrived way back in 2009.

When Toyota starts 'teasing' a new model you know its global reveal isn't far away. And right on schedule, intentionally darkened images of the new Prado in profile, alongside an original 1950s FJ Series LandCruiser, have just been released by the Japanese giant.

Although no specification or powertrain details accompanied the photos, there's already a lot we're sure of about the new model and more we can surmise thanks to well-informed sources CarsGuide has tapped in recent months.

First, it's highly likely a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain will be offered in the Prado for the first time. Specifically, Toyota's 'Hybrid Max' combination already seen in the Tacoma pick-up and recently released Crown SUV.

It pairs a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor on the rear 'eAxle' for a combined 243kW/630Nm in the Tacoma and 253kW/542Nm in the Crown.

This set-up is already confirmed for the recently revealed Prado-based Lexus GX where it's matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 'TNGA-F' body-on-frame 4x4 employing a full-time all-wheel-drive set-up with a low-range transfer case and locking centre differential.

As previously reported by CarsGuide, a strong shift to electrification for every model in the Toyota line-up is expected by the end of the decade, which excludes only the brand's GR performance models.

Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley has called out the Prado among other models, previously telling CarsGuide to expect electrification much earlier than Toyota's self-imposed deadline.

"It makes sense that the LandCruiser, the Prado, the HiLux and other commercial vehicles are going to have to adopt some sort of electrification as we get closer to that point.

"When we say by 2030, I don't want people to interpret that as 2029 and 2030. On the journey to 2030 we'll start making those arrangements.

"Acceleration of electrification right now is clear in this market - we're seeing it. And as an agile company we need to be adaptable to those requirements," he said.

Also likely is the option of a 3.3-litre turbo-diesel engine, potentially a retuned version of the unit currently appearing in the LandCruiser 300 Series. For reference, the current Prado's 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine produces 150kW/500Nm.

However, don't discount the 3.5-litre 'i-Force Max' (a name Toyota recently trademarked for Australia), a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and 10-speed automatic transmission already featuring in the Lexus GX.

Good for 260kW/650Nm in passenger cars applications, the 3.5L V6 is tuned to pump out 326kW/790Nm in the full-size Tundra pick-up (coming to the Aussie market as soon as late this year).

It's also a short odds bet the Prado will share the GX's double-wishbone front, and four-link rear suspension arrangement (with coil springs all around) in a development of the current car's set-up.

Then Japanese site Clicccar claims to have scooped the new Prado's dimensions, quoting "multiple sources" which suggest the new model will be longer (+75mm), wider (+35mm) and taller (+50mm).

Those increases size the car at 4900mm (L), 1920mm (W) and 1900mm (H). Expect the wheelbase to be 2850mm, as per the Lexus GX (and 60mm longer than the current Prado).

Expect the full suite of 'Safety Sense' features including AEB, road sign assist, 'Lane Departure Alert' and 'Lane Trace Assist' as well as active cruise control, auto high beam and back-to-base emergency alert.

And in a fundamental sense, a lower frame will drop the car's centre of gravity for better active safety through improved dynamic response. But if the worst comes to worst the new Prado should include front, front side, second-row side, full-length curtain and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as a front centre bag.