Land Cruiser Prado range grows with return of VX-L: five key takeaways

TOYOTA South Africa has broadened its New Generation Land Cruiser Prado line-up with the return of the VX-L derivative, adding a third grade that reshapes how the large SUV fits different buyer needs. Here are five key takeaways from the updated range.

1. The Prado range now has clearer roles across three grades

With the reintroduction of the VX-L, the Land Cruiser Prado is now offered in three distinct grades: TX, VX-R and VX-L. Toyota says this expanded line-up is designed to better align the model with different customer usage patterns and lifestyles.

The TX remains the entry point into the Prado family, positioned as the most accessible option while retaining the core Land Cruiser attributes of durability, quality and all-terrain confidence. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the VX-R continues to serve buyers who prioritise ruggedness and off-road capability.

The return of the VX-L sits between those two worlds, adding a more comfort-focused alternative without removing Prado’s underlying versatility.

2. VX-L is aimed at buyers who spend most of their time on-road

Toyota has positioned the VX-L for customers whose daily driving is largely urban or highway-based, but who still want the reassurance of four-wheel-drive capability. According to Toyota, this grade places a stronger emphasis on refinement, comfort and premium design cues.

That positioning broadens Prado’s appeal beyond traditional off-road users, opening the door to lifestyle-oriented buyers who want a large SUV that feels at home in city environments while remaining capable when conditions change.

This approach reflects customer feedback and acknowledges that not all Prado owners use their vehicles in the same way.

3. Visual and interior upgrades set VX-L apart

The VX-L introduces noticeable exterior changes that give it a more polished appearance. These include 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior mouldings, a painted rear bumper and illuminated side steps. By comparison, the VX-R features 18-inch alloy wheels, black exterior detailing and more utilitarian finishes that reinforce its off-road focus.

Inside the cabin, the VX-L also brings a higher level of detail. Silver metallic interior accents, leather door trim with additional stitching and a JBL 14-speaker audio system distinguish it from the VX-R’s titanium-finish accents and 10-speaker setup.

Both VX-R and VX-L share features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a digital rearview mirror.

4. Mechanical package remains familiar, with a focus on comfort

All Prado models are powered by Toyota’s 2.8-litre GD-6 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 150kW and 500Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, supported by a range of drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort and Custom.

Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.9 litres per 100km. With a 110-litre fuel tank, this translates to a driving range of close to 1,400km.

The VX-L comes standard with Adaptive Variable Suspension, which Toyota says delivers a more composed and comfortable on-road driving experience. Full-time all-wheel drive, a low-range transfer case, crawl control, multiterrain select, multiterrain monitor and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential remain part of the Prado’s technical offering.

5. Pricing and ownership package complete the picture

The updated Land Cruiser Prado pricing in South Africa is as follows:

Prado 2.8GD TX – R1,342,200 Prado 2.8GD VX-R – R1,500,200 Prado 2.8GD VX-L – R1,513,300

All models are sold with a nine-services or 90,000km service plan, along with a three-year or 100,000km warranty. Buyers can extend service, maintenance and warranty cover through Toyota’s dealer network of 220 outlets nationwide.

Toyota has also included connected services across the range, allowing owners to access vehicle information, in-car Wi-Fi with 25GB of complimentary data, and additional Toyota Connect features through the MyToyota platform.