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Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2025 review: GX

Toyota Toyota Prado Toyota Landcruiser Prado 2025 SUV Best SUV Cars Toyota SUV Range Family Family Car Family Cars
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Likes

Revamped design is refreshing
Smooth on-road handling
Upgraded tech is welcome

Dislikes

Price tag is hard to swallow
Frequent service intervals
Heavy use of plastics
Emily Agar
Contributing Journalist
18 May 2025
10 min read

This is one of the most important models to come from Toyota in ages. You guessed it. It's the new LandCruiser Prado.

Why is it important? The Prado is now in its fifth generation and aside from some minor facelifts, it hasn't seen a proper update since 2009!

Toyota loves the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' design ethos, and it usually works as their SUVs remain some of the most popular in Australia. But after 15 years, we deserved a new one and we're testing the base GX grade to find out if it's been worth the wait.

Toyota Landcruiser Prado 2025: Gx

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 7.9L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $72,500
Safety Rating

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?
7 / 10

There are five grades available for the Toyota Prado and with the new design comes slightly higher price tags across the line-up. We're family testing the base GX grade which slides in at $72,500, before on-road costs.

This price tag positions it as the most expensive compared to its 4WD base-spec rivals, the Ford Everest Ambiente which sits at $59,240 (MSRP) and the Isuzu MU-X LS-M at $54,400 (MSRP).

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The GX comes with a solid features list which includes much-needed updated technology by way of a 12.3-inch multimedia system (running the Lexus operating system), a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, and five USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets, a 220-volt domestic plug and, curiously, an HDMI port up front. Audio is a 10-speaker system.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Multimedia features built satellite navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's a 'Toyota Connected Services' app, where you can remotely access safety and security features as well as driving data. A one-year subscription to the app is included.

Practical items include fabric upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a full-size spare wheel, a towing kit, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing LED headlights and keyless entry/start.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?
8 / 10

When you compare the new Prado to its predecessor in terms of design it's chalk and cheese.

'Blocky' feels like an appropriate descriptor for its new shape but the retro elements help it avoid looking boxy. The car's LandCruiser roots are proudly showcased in the old-school style grille, triple LED headlights and narrowed body panelling. Gone are its softly curving wheel arches and rear-mounted spare wheel. It's a good looking 4WD.

If the outgoing model was considered the smaller child of the full-size LandCruiser 300 this is more like a teenage offspring.

Heading inside is a reminder that you're in a Toyota base grade as there are a lot of plasticky surfaces, including the steering wheel.

However, everything looks well built and there are no rattles. It helps that all the places you regularly lean on, like the middle console and armrests are soft to touch.

There is a military vibe going on with the design aesthetic and again, the word blocky comes to mind when you look at the almost vertical dashboard and chunky accent panels housing the climate control and air vents.

It looks a smidge basic at times but it's a pleasing cabin to spend any length of time in and that's commendable.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?
8 / 10

The cabin of the new Prado delivers simple practicality. As it's a base grade, you don't get luxurious features like heated seats but you do get a functional space which will work for lots of families. Whether it's the all-weather floor mats, ample head- and legroom or easy-to-use technology.

Each row enjoys lots of space and despite it appearing narrow inside, you don't jostle your neighbour's elbow. The tightly woven and speckled fabric upholstery looks more durable than the predecessors velour-like trim.

Seat comfort is excellent in both rows due to the thick padding and side bolsters. The manual front seats are easy to set to a comfy position and while they lack adjustable lumbar support you won't be fatigued on a long journey.

Amenities are decent for a base grade with each row enjoying a couple of cupholders, drink holders, USB-C ports and a single 12-volt socket.

The front gets a third USB-C port for media access and an HDMI port. There's a 220-volt domestic outlet in the boot for larger appliance charging. The front row gets dual-zone climate control.

Individual storage is what you'd expect with a glove box that can hold an owner's manual and some tissues, a large middle console and a dedicated phone cradle.

You miss out on any 'clever' storage, though, like a sunglasses holder, drivers' knee cubby or shelving in the dashboard.

In the rear the storage burden is shouldered by two seatback map pockets and small storage bins.

My eight-year old enjoyed the back seat and the low window sills afford him a great view. Access is easy due to the side steps and multiple grab handles. You might still be helping in young children, though.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The boot is the biggest change as the side-hinged door has been replaced by a top-hinged tailgate. This is far more practical for car parks and small garages but you now notice the lack of powered assistance. The rear lid isn't particularly heavy but can be cumbersome to open when you have your hands full.

The boot offers a large 954L storage capacity behind the second row, expanding to a generous 1895 litres with all seats folded. But the level loading space has been raised to accommodate the 48-volt battery. This just means you'll need more lifting power to get bigger items in and out.

The updated 12.3-inch multimedia display looks great and the touchscreen is super responsive. Worth noting it runs the Lexus operating system which means menus are logically laid out and it's easy to use.

The 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster offers plenty of customisations and the information is easy to read. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are easy to connect to but you have built-in sat nav should you need it.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?
9 / 10

All new Prado grades share the same four-wheel drive set-up as the previous model but features a more efficient version of its 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The efficiency gain comes courtesy of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that assists with acceleration.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The engine produces up to 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque and that now supports a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity!

The new Prado has high- and low-range gearing, a rear diff lock and three different drive modes to suit most off-road occasions. All in all, it still has all of the capability you love and expect from a Prado.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?
8 / 10

For such a large SUV, the Prado has a low combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption figure of 7.6L/100km and based on its 110-litre tank, theoretical driving range is around 1450km. Which is great for a family car, especially one you can take off-road and do big trips in.

After doing one longer road trip and lots of urban diving my average popped out at 8.5L/100km. Which is pretty darn good for a big SUV and equates to real-world range of close to 1300km.

Driving – What's it like to drive?
9 / 10

I was just in the Prado’s luxury Lexus GX 550 cousin, which takes the crown for the smoothest 4WD I’ve driven lately but the GX is managing to nip at its coat tails because it has lost the truckiness of its predecessor.

The turbo-diesel engine manages to rumble nicely without any shudders to the frame. Power is delivered without fuss and there is a deep well of performance to dip into when you need it.

The steering is far more responsive than the predecessor's but doesn’t feel heavy or stiff, which I like. Coupled with its narrow frame and 12m turning circle, it’s an easy SUV to drive in the city.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)
2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The transmission feels more willing and shifts through its gears smoothly. The suspension is not as soft as it used to be but I like road feedback as a driver and you never wince when you go over a bump. So I wouldn't call it too stiff, either.

There is a bit of cabin noise from the engine and road at higher speeds but it’s very quiet around town. Even when seated in the back, you’re not jostled in corners and I’m surprised by how well it corners as there's not much roll.

Visibility is excellent with the wide windows and high seating position. None of the pillars get in the way from my driving position, either.

The Prado is stupidly easy to park with a very clear 360-degree view camera system, as well as front and rear parking sensors. It’s pretty easy to get a sense of where the car starts and ends which is handy in a small car park.

Warranty & Safety Rating

Basic Warranty:
5 years/unlimited km warranty
ANCAP Safety Rating:
ANCAP logo

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?
8 / 10

It looks good but is it safe? With a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2024 and nine airbags, it's looking positive!

It performed highly across its individual assessment scores achieving an 85 per cent for adult protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road users and 82 per cent for its safety assist systems.

Just because it's a base grade doesn't mean it misses out on the big-ticket items, either.

Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency call functionality, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, occupant detection, driver monitoring, intelligent seatbelt reminders, a 360-degree view camera and front/rear parking sensors.

The new Prado has autonomous emergency braking with car, pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist and junction turning assist which is operational from 5.0 to 180km/h.

The rear row has two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top tether anchor points.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?
7 / 10

Toyota offers the new Prado with a five-year unlimited km warranty which is pretty basic nowadays but you can extend it up to seven years if you schedule on time and through a Toyota service centre, which is more competitive.

There is a five-year capped price servicing program for $390 a pop which is great but service intervals are annoyingly spaced at every six months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first. This won't be the best selling point for some.

Verdict

The Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX showcases a massive improvement to the handling and styling of this popular 4WD. The base grade doesn't pretend it's anything other than entry-level but there is still enough charm and character here to satisfy a family long term. I also like the new technology.

So, has it been worth the wait? Yeah, I reckon it has but I hope we don’t have to wait another 15 years until we see something new!

Pricing Guides

$98,379
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Toyota Prado 2025 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$72,500
HIGHEST PRICE
$100,665
Emily Agar
Contributing Journalist
Emily discovered her interest in cars early through her mum’s passion, and quickly found herself researching the cool cars her mum’s S15 Nissan 200SX passed on the highway.  Emily's readiness to engage and have a chat wound up opening her first door in the media, spending time as a freelance events and news photographer for her local paper while undertaking a Creative Writing degree at the University of Wollongong. After graduating, Emily helped to build the family real estate business. Not satisfied with the high-octane environment of sales, Emily signed a book deal for her YA fantasy novel and has successfully published the first novel in the series.  Always one to be busy (sometimes to her chagrin), she wrote the novel and then completed the edits while pregnant with her cheeky five-year-old boy. As if growing a little human wasn’t exhausting enough!  But her natural curiosity of ‘what’s that car?!’ and 'why don't they do it this way?!' continued throughout and it didn’t come as a surprise to her family when she was drawn into the automotive world professionally as a Contributing Journalist with CarsGuide. Aside from her passion for what makes a good family car, Emily has a soft spot for Nissan Skylines, big utes and any muscle cars that make the heart thump. 
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$72,500
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2025 Toyota Prado
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