The latest-generation Prado recently took home the Adventure Utility Award at the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition, organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists. It’s a prize meant for vehicles that combine innovation, ruggedness and refined design – a blend the Prado seems to have nailed.
Image: Supplied – TOYOTA South Africa
IT’S A FAMILIAR South African story, one that will not surprise many folk in Mzansi. Roughly a week ago, my cousin lost two tyres and rims in an unprovoked pothole attack.
Yes, there he was, enjoying his drive on the long road when, on a narrow strip of highway where the shoulders were crumbling, a huge truck approached from the opposite direction. It was then that he saw a massive pothole waiting for him on the left-hand side of the path he was on. He could not brake, as he was pulling a two-ton trailer, and he couldn’t swerve for fear of becoming a pantechnikon’s hood ornament.
With no other option open to him, he braced himself and said a silent prayer as he ploughed into the hungry jaws of South Africa’s fastest-growing species of tyre-eating wildlife.
Thankful to be alive after the ordeal, he whimsically shared with me how ideal it would have been if he had been in a nice, big, luxury SUV. He said that if that had been the case, he not only would have cruised over the pothole, but he also would have been nice and comfy.
We then spent the rest of our conversation discussing luxury SUVs; there’s nothing wrong with dreaming.
Recently, I came across some information that I wished I had on hand when we spoke - details about a machine that would have made his eyes water and his mouth salivate: the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
That’s correct, the latest-generation Prado recently took home the Adventure Utility Award at the 2025 South African Car of the Year (SA COTY) competition, organised by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists. It’s a prize meant for vehicles that combine innovation, ruggedness and refined design – a blend the Prado seems to have nailed.
Since its South African launch in 2024, more than 3,500 new Prados have found homes, giving Toyota a commanding 40% share in its segment. That’s no accident. Under the bonnet sits a trusty 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 150kW, paired with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox. The result? Enough muscle to tow up to 3,500kg without breaking a sweat – exactly the kind of strength you’d want when faced with wayward trailers, heavy loads, or, indeed, South African potholes.
The Prado would have jogged along effortlessly with my cousin’s two-ton load under its arm.
But the Prado isn’t just about brawn. Inside, it manages to stay true to its rugged off-road roots while dialling up the comfort and technology. Buyers can opt for five- or seven-seat layouts, and the retro-modern design pays homage to the model’s rich history while adding a fresh, premium feel.
SA COTY jurors praised the Prado for its “retro-themed design character, improved comfort versus its predecessor, effortless off-road ability and stout powertrain.” Those strengths come together to make a car that feels just as confident conquering the bundus as it does cruising down suburban boulevards.
“As a brand, our values guide the products we manufacture and put out in the market,” said Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications at Toyota South Africa Motors.
Image: Supplied – TOYOTA South Africa
“As a brand, our values guide the products we manufacture and put out in the market,” said Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications at Toyota South Africa Motors. “The Prado clinching the award for best Adventure Utility is a testament to our value of continuous improvement. Maintaining its unwavering rugged capabilities, our latest Land Cruiser Prado has improved driveability, technology and design.”
Physical strength, refined comfort and a growing trophy cabinet – it’s no wonder the new Prado continues to win fans across the country. As Lorgat summed it up: “The recognition by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists cements Prado as a solid, quality vehicle that can withstand the toughest conditions. We are happy and excited about this award. A heartfelt gratitude to all involved for the recognition.”
Sigh … it’s at times like these that I wish I had a spare R1.4 million available for a small “Prado-esque” indulgence - but unfortunately, I have to prepare myself to do plenty of pothole dodging for the foreseeable future.
Come on, let’s be honest, there's nothing wrong with dreaming about owning a beautiful brut of a vehicle, but equally neither is there anything wrong with dreaming of a country where rugged luxury off-roaders like the Prado were for the niche market, for those who enjoyed off-roading, and not on the wishlist of every motorist who is just sick and tired of pothole attacks!
Under the Prado's bonnet sits a trusty 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 150kW, paired with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox. The result? Enough muscle to tow up to 3,500kg without breaking a sweat.
Image: Supplied – TOYOTA South Africa
Related Topics: