Toyota’s 2025 Land Cruiser Prado: Rugged Design, Bold Upgrades, and a Surprising Weakness
The Prado’s Jaw-Dropping Makeover: Plastic Bumpers & Orange Accents?
Toyota just dropped a bombshell with the 2025 Land Cruiser Prado, and it’s nothing like the boxy SUV you remember. For the first time, the Prado flaunts a rugged “plastic bumper” design paired with fiery orange accents—a nod to its off-road DNA. But the real showstopper? The “Active Concept” variant, unveiled in China, features a cool blue interior that screams futuristic adventure.
Why plastic? Toyota claims it’s a strategic move to reduce weight and repair costs for off-road enthusiasts. But critics are already asking: “Does this compromise durability?” Spoiler: Toyota’s engineers swear it’s tougher than steel, with reinforced composites tested on Moab-level trails.
What’s New—and What’s Missing
Let’s cut to the chase: How does the 2025 Prado stack up against its predecessor and rivals?
- Bye-Bye V6, Hello Mild Hybrid
The new Prado ditches the old V6 for a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid tech, boosting fuel efficiency to 7.6L/100km. But here’s the kicker: Toyota Australia skipped the 243kW Hybrid Max petrol engine offered overseas, leaving fans wondering: “Why no hybrid love?”. Compared to Ford Everest’s V6 turbo-diesel (184kW), the Prado’s 150kW feels underpowered. - Third-Row Trouble
The 48V battery sits under the boot floor, raising the cargo space by 4 inches. Translation? The third row is cramped for adults—a step backward from the previous model. - No Side-Hinged Tailgate
Toyota axed the iconic barn-door tailgate for a lift-up design. Off-road purists are furious: “How do I mount my spare tire now?”
Active Concept: China’s Exclusive Blue Interior
While the base Prado gets orange accents, China’s “Active Concept” steals the spotlight with a vibrant blue cabin featuring 3D-printed trim and neon-lit panels. It’s a bold departure from Toyota’s usual conservative styling—think Cyberpunk 2077 meets Sahara desert.
But there’s a catch: This concept isn’t just about looks. It includes a sliding soft top and removable doors for open-air adventures, hinting at a potential production model for hardcore off-roaders.
How Does It Beat the Competition?
Toyota’s playing dirty with these upgrades:
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM): A first for the Prado, this lets drivers unlock the front stabilizer bar for 40% more wheel articulation—something the Ford Everest can’t match.
- TNGA-F Platform: Shared with the Land Cruiser 300 Series, it adds 50% more frame rigidity and better off-road control.
- Multi-Terrain Monitor: Four cameras give a drone-like view of trails, outclassing the Isuzu MU-X’s basic rear camera.
But rivals aren’t backing down. The Ford Everest Platinum offers a turbo V6 and panoramic sunroof for $6,200 less than the Prado Kakadu. And the Jeep Wrangler 4xe? Its plug-in hybrid tech leaves Toyota’s mild hybrid in the dust.
Should You Buy It?
The 2025 Prado isn’t perfect—its price hike and compromised third row are hard to ignore. But for adventurers craving unmatched off-road tech and head-turning design, it’s a game-changer.
Toyota’s betting big on rugged aesthetics and innovation. But with rivals closing in, the Prado needs more than plastic bumpers to stay king.
Why This Matters for US Buyers
While the Active Concept debuted in China, rumors suggest a North American version inspired by the SEMA-ready “ROX” concept (with its retro green paint and skeleton doors) could arrive by 2026 7. Until then, the 2025 Prado remains a tantalizing mix of heritage and hype—flaws and all.
Ready to conquer new trails? Toyota’s Prado is waiting. But maybe keep an eye on that Ford Everest too…
Tags: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2025, Toyota Active Concept, Rugged SUV, Plastic Bumper Design, Off-Road Vehicles, Ford Everest Rival, Hybrid SUVs, Prado vs Land Cruiser