WATCH: New SA-bound Toyota Land Cruiser Prado breaks cover

After making its high-anticipated global debut by virtue of pictures back in August, a concept model of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado made a real-life appearance at ongoing Japan Mobility Show.

The Citizen Motoring had the opportunity to take a closer look at the Prado in Tokyo. While the SUV looked as good in the flesh as it does in pictures, its ‘’yoke’’ steering wheel was quite a surprise.

The concept Prado has no foot pedals. Brake and accelerator controls are incorporated into a Tesla-like steering wheel. Toyota calls this system “Neo Steer”.

While this steering wheel configuration will not be standard on the new Prado, Toyota is planning on offering it on some models. Most notably the fully electric BZ4X and its SUV twin the Lexus RZ450e.

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Land Cruiser Prado First Edition

The concept Prado in Tokyo was the First Edition. Unlike the standard edition, which styling was inspired by 60-series Land Cruiser, the First Edition was inspired by the 70-series Land Cruiser. It features round LED headlights in comparison to the standard edition’s rectangular headlamp design.

Both models look the same at rear.

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Apart from the steering wheel, the rest of the concept Land Cruiser Prado’s interior in Tokyo was standard. This includes a redesigned centre console, round side air vents, a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster.

The new Prado is based on the same platform that underpins the Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX. It is 4925mm long, 1 980mm wide and 1 870mm tall. The wheelbase measures 2 850mm.

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V6 petrol booted

The concept model’s powertrain details are unknown. What we do know from its global launch is that the current 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine won’t be available on the new model.

The international engine line-up consists of a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a standard and hybridised 2.4-litre blown petrol mill and a 2.8-litre turbodiesel with electrical assistance.

Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed the new Land Cruiser Prado’s local rival in the first half of 2024. Specifications and pricing are expected in due course.