Toyota just dropped the curtain on the 2025 Land Cruiser Prado, and honestly, the biggest surprise isn’t what you’d expect—it’s the brand’s first crack at electrifying this off-road beast.
The legendary SUV that’s been conquering everything from Mumbai’s monsoon-flooded streets to Ladakh’s treacherous passes now gets a 48V mild-hybrid system. It’s Toyota’s way of saying “we’re going green, but we’re not going soft.” While folks abroad are already getting their hands on it, we Indians will have to cool our heels till late 2025—though spy shots suggest it’s already being put through its paces on our roads.
Engine and Performance
Here’s the deal: Toyota hasn’t messed around too much with the recipe that works. The trusty 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that does duty in the Fortuner is still there, but now it’s got some electric backup. Think of it as having a gym buddy who spots you during the heavy lifts.
The mild-hybrid setup includes an electric motor-generator, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a DC-DC converter—fancy tech speak for “it’ll help the engine breathe easier.” You still get the same 204 horses and 500 Nm of twist, all sent through an 8-speed auto that’s smoother than your morning filter coffee.
What’s clever is how Toyota’s positioned the hybrid bits. They’ve tucked everything high up on the engine block, so the Prado can still splash through 700mm of water without breaking a sweat. Because let’s face it, what’s the point of a Land Cruiser that can’t handle a proper monsoon puddle?
The hybrid system kicks in during those awkward start-stop moments in traffic (we’re looking at you, Bangalore) and helps with initial acceleration. Plus, it’s constantly sipping back energy when you’re coasting or braking—like having a really efficient assistant who never takes a day off.
Read Also: Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV Launch Confirmed for Diwali 2025, Check Price
Design
Toyota’s design team clearly got the memo: don’t fix what ain’t broke. The 2025 Prado looks like it could still intimidate a mountain while parking outside a five-star hotel. That bold “TOYOTA” grille up front? It’s giving serious heritage vibes, flanked by those boxy LED headlamps that scream “I mean business.”
The whole silhouette is pure muscle—squared-off wheel arches, flared fenders, and a bonnet that looks like it’s been hitting the gym. Practical touches are everywhere: chunky side mirrors that won’t fold at the first sign of a tree branch, a front bumper that’s actually designed to bump things, and side steps because not everyone’s blessed with basketball player legs.
Toyota’s offering eight color options, including some seriously cool dual-tone combos. Trail Dust with Grayscape? That sounds like something you’d order at a hipster café, but it looks fantastic on the Prado. There’s also Heritage Blue, Ice Cap, and good old reliable Black for those who like to keep things simple.
Interior and Features
Slide into the cabin, and you’ll find Toyota’s struck a nice balance between “I can conquer Everest” and “I need to drop the kids at school.” The 12.3-inch touchscreen handles all your connectivity needs without looking like it belongs in a spaceship.
What’s refreshing is that Toyota hasn’t gone completely touch-crazy. There are still proper knobs and buttons for things you actually need to use while driving. The dashboard has this tiered design with circular air vents that somehow manage to look both retro and modern.
Comfort-wise, you get heated and ventilated front seats (because Delhi summers are no joke), a head-up display for those highway cruises, and Qi wireless charging because nobody wants to deal with cables anymore. There’s even a console cool box—perfect for keeping those energy drinks chilled during long drives.
The rear seats split 60/40, and there are USB ports scattered around like confetti. It’s the kind of thoughtful stuff that makes you realize someone at Toyota actually uses these cars instead of just designing them.
India Launch Timeline
Now, here’s where things get a bit murky. Toyota’s playing their cards close to their chest about Indian launch plans, but the writing’s on the wall. Those test mules spotted around Bangalore and Pune aren’t there for a holiday.
Industry whispers suggest we might see the Prado rolling into showrooms by the second half of 2025. It’ll likely come as a CBU import, which is corporate speak for “it’s going to cost a pretty penny.” Early estimates are floating around the ₹1.7-1.95 crore mark—not exactly pocket change, but then again, you’re not buying just any SUV.
At that price point, it’ll be squaring off against the Land Rover Defender while sitting comfortably below the flagship LC300. It’s positioning itself as the thinking person’s premium SUV—capable enough for serious off-roading but civilized enough for the country club.
The mild-hybrid Prado feels like Toyota’s way of having their cake and eating it too. They get to tick the electrification box without compromising the rugged DNA that made the Land Cruiser name legendary. For Indian buyers who want something that can handle both the chaos of city traffic and weekend adventures in the hills, the 2025 Prado might just be the sweet spot they’ve been waiting for.