The wait is over - Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser Prado now available in India!
February 18th, 2025
It's been a long wait for Toyota enthusiasts in India for a premium SUV from the house, and the wait is now almost over. Toyota went hush-hush during the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025, but everything points to the imminent arrival of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (LC Prado) to Indian shores.
The Toyota Prado has an impressive reputation internationally as an off-roader as well as a robust and luxurious truck. Its entry into the Indian market makes it a contestant among the most prestigious luxury SUVs. Here’s all you need to know about this much-awaited launch.
Toyota Prado Spotted in India – What Do We Know?
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is known to be an all-time epic SUV, whose form speaks of toughness laced with refinement. The latest spy shots confirm that the Prado retains most international features with a very few India-specific changes.
Exterior Design and Features
While that has always been the case, the new Toyota Prado continues with the same design philosophy. Some of the greats among exterior highlights are:
LED Headlamps – Sharp and sleek, adding a modern touch.
Muscular Bonnet – Enhancing its commanding road presence.
Large Front Grille with Toyota Logo – A signature design feature, distinct from the global model.
Chunky Wheel Arches – Designed to accommodate large, off-road-ready wheels.
High Ground Clearance – Ensuring superior off-road capability.
The Prado’s tall and rugged body style ensures it maintains its dominance in both urban and off-road environments.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Toyota Prado is the perfect blend of retro charm with all modern luxuries. An all-black theme makes the implementation feel quite high-end in class yet quite pragmatic:
Some of the star features inside the Prado include sheer:
10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with an intuitive interface.
7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster for essential driving information.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity.
Ventilated and Powered Front Seats for enhanced comfort.
Wireless Charging Pad to keep devices powered on the go.
JBL Premium Sound System for a high-quality audio experience.
Single Pane Sunroof adding an open and spacious feel to the cabin.
Traditional Button Controls for essential functions, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreen controls.
It seems that Toyota has balanced Prado between modernity and practicality, and that is a pretty good recipe for making it into the minds of Indian SUV buyers.
Also Read: Nissan Patrol launch in India by 2026 - Land Cruiser, Defender Rival
Powertrain and Performance
Toyota has yet to make any further announcements regarding which powertrain options will make their way into the Indian market, but rumor has it that the Prado is expected to bear a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine that is expected to deliver:
201 bhp of power
500 Nm of peak torque
Automatic transmission with a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system
Expected Launch and Pricing
Toyota has not given the official launch date. However, the buzz within the automotive industry is that Prado will enter the Indian market in the coming months. The SUV is expected to be imported as part of the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route.
Expected Price
Without doubt, this would take the price of the Prado higher upwards, thanks to the import duties. Hence, the price of the SUV is estimated to be above 1 crore (on-road, Mumbai).
Competition in India
The Toyota Prado will enter a competitive luxury SUV segment, taking on rivals such as:
Land Rover Defender
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Lexus RX
The Prado, considering the goodwill with which Toyota has always enjoyed very strong brand value regarding reliability and durability, would create such a base.
Why Consider the Toyota Prado?
The Toyota Prado is not just another luxury SUV; it is a well-rounded package that offers:
Proven Off-Road Capabilities – The Prado is built to combat rough terrain like nothing at all.
Premium Features and Comfort – It provides luxury inside, with the latest technologies on it.
Like Reliability from Toyota – Known for durability and low maintenance costs.
Possible Hybrid Technology – The possible introduction of a hybrid system will enhance the fuel economy.
Final Thoughts
The highly awaited Toyota Prado launch in India would mean that the company would strengthen its foothold in the luxury SUV sector. This off-road gem, with ruggedness balanced with advanced technology and luxury features, is expected to draw attention from enthusiasts and luxury car lovers alike.
The official launch and pricing details are still awaited, but for sure, the introduction of the Prado is a big win for Toyota in India. But will it change the meaning of premium SUVs in the country?