It was impossible to imagine that two iconic Toyota models would simultaneously undergo a generational change and arrive at our market instantly, but it happened. This event is worthy of attention and detailed consideration.
Camry and Prado are among the top models on our market. They hardly lose value over the years, few people dare to part with them, and the degree of desirability is simply off the charts. This makes the simultaneous presentation of two brand leaders in Ukraine all the more unique. Moreover, in both cases, it is a transition to a new generation. For Toyota, this is an extremely rare thing.
While the previous Camry XV70 lasted for 7 years from 2017, the Toyota LC Prado J150 has remained unchanged since 2009, having undergone only a few facelifts. The brand, which does not like global transformations, now surprises us with a detailed change in the appearance of models, conceptuality and positioning.
The debate over the first appearance of the Prado version in the model lineup is still ongoing. Toyota says it started with the third generation LC in 2004, while others believe it was earlier. In any case, it is the one that has to be presented in all markets at the same time because in many places, including the EU, it is sold under the name Land Cruiser — there is simply no LC300 model there. But that’s okay, we can enjoy them both.
This is how the fresh J250 has changed from the roots. It seems that the creation of this generation was taken very seriously, starting with the basics. And the prototype for the design was not only the practicality that an SUV should boast of, but also historical roots — it is the LC60 (1980s), and some elements, such as wheel arches, were taken from the FJ40. Interestingly, the main body parts were made easily replaceable.
The new generation of Toyota LC Prado is built on the GA-F platform, the largest in the model lineup. Therefore, it has a similar base size of 2850 mm, which is 60 mm longer than its predecessor (2790 mm). The total length compared to the J150 has increased by 85 mm (up to 4925 mm), the width has increased by 95 mm (up to 1980 mm), and the height has decreased by 25 mm (up to 1870 mm). The rear doors are no longer hinged, but lift-up, but with glass that opens separately.
The overall frame remains powerful and lightweight, and torsional rigidity has increased by 50%. Together with the body, this figure has increased by 30%. These may not be significant figures for normal riding, but they are critical for safety and off-road driving.
The suspension has lost its pneumatic system and has been replaced by a modern configuration that lightens the weight of the SUV without affecting its comfort. As always, the front has an independent double wishbone suspension and a continuously split axle — rear with increased vertical wheel travel.
The Toyota LC Prado 2024 is equipped with passive shock absorbers, unlike the Lexus GX with the modern KDSS system. For the advanced Prado, a lumbar stability stabilizer is offered with a disengaging stabilizer (SDM). This increases the articulation of the wheels by 20 mm. For the most part, this is only useful off-road, and the stabilizers can be adjusted directly in the cabin using a separate button.
As always, the Toyota Prado offers a ground clearance of 215 mm and practical entry/exit angles of 31 and 22 degrees. The SUV is able to overcome fords up to 800 mm deep and pull a weight of 3.5 tons (diesel version) or 2.5 tons (gasoline version).
Off-road driving during a short test drive clearly proved that the branded Multi-Terrain Select transmission is still in place, as well as the «crab cruise» Crawl Control, which allows off-road driving at low speeds. The center differential can be easily locked with the buttons, as well as the center differential if necessary. Multi-Terrain Select has received an Auto mode and now works even with a lower gear in Mud, Sand, Rock, and Auto modes. Dirt and Deep Snow will also be available in higher gears.
The cameras allow you to see what is happening under the wheels of the SUV. The advanced panoramic view system (PVM) allows you to switch between modes and adjust several angles simultaneously for easier orientation. It operates at speeds up to 12 km/h.
The most significant change is that we finally said goodbye to the power steering. It was replaced by an electric power steering with light behavior. It is good that it allows you to feel the road and transmits information quite well even when driving off-road. Although personally, I was a little lacking in effort at high speeds. It’s good that now we’ve managed to integrate lane keeping in addition to the full Toyota Safety Sense package.
The brakes have also been strengthened, which are now electric and finally cope well with the weight of the car. This was something that had been repeatedly complained about before.
And we say goodbye to the four-liter gasoline engine, it was replaced by a 2.4-liter gasoline engine (T24A-FTS) with the same power of 282 hp and more torque of 430 Nm compared to 387 Nm for its predecessor. Four direct-injection cylinders and a turbocharger accelerate this machine well. The eight-speed automatic transmission is perfectly tuned for off-road driving, but at speed it is slow to respond to the immediate need to increase power. And yes, you have to rev the engine quite hard to get all the power because the peak is reached only at 6 thousand.
There is a 2.8-liter diesel engine (1GD-FTV) with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which is available much faster than in gasoline and revs at lower speeds from 1600. The engine is familiar to many Pradik owners and has already proven its reliability, albeit not much power. Its advantages are adequate fuel consumption and long life even after 500 thousand miles.
It’s worth talking about the ride comfort after a long test drive. The first moments of communication with the gasoline version left a pleasant impression. If you think that it does not drive, then you should try to feel it yourself. This engine is capable of both acceleration and off-road driving. Let’s see how it performs in the future.
We are offered only five-seat versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with large luggage space. And there is no less space in the cabin. Rather, it remained at the same level, but at first, glance there seems to be more space. This is probably due to the narrowed front and rear pillars, which allow for greater visibility and increased glazing.
Depending on the configuration, there will be a 7 or 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9 or 12.3-inch central monitor. The maximum will be available from the second Prestige trim level, as will LED matrix headlights and synthetic leather interior. Natural will only appear on the third trim level — Premium, as will 20-inch wheels.
Curiously, Toyota and Lexus are also in different corners here. In the Prado, everything is very simple — rough-looking plastic, laconic appearance of the multimedia panel itself. Of course, the scattering of buttons and keys will be appreciated by old-school fans. Everything can be turned on and off with physical switches. And, of course, the usual gearshift lever has been retained.
The armrest has become wider and a refrigerator is hidden under it, the doors have been lightened as much as possible and have rather modest pockets, and ordinary handles. You won’t find any strange design tricks here. Wireless smartphone connectivity will be available from the start, as will most features. Only the optics will differ depending on the configuration.
The price varies from $57,643 to $70,319.
It seems that Toyota has taken a firm grip on the design refinement and now detailed changes have also affected the flagship sedan. We were introduced to the ninth generation of the «crowned» (XV80). Despite the fact that the platform remains the same as the GA-K, there are still many new things in the sedan.
Toyota Camry grew in length by 35 mm (4,920 mm) with the same wheelbase of 2,825 mm. The overhangs have also increased: the front by 20 mm (995 mm) and the rear by 15 mm (1,100 mm). There were no increases in height or width.
The visual appearance was changed with a new hood, which now covers the wipers and falls below the radiator grille. There are fresh bumpers and optics. In the rear, everything is also predictable and brought to a single style. The tailgate opening is different in profile due to the narrower rear pillar. In general, the whole silhouette looks more refined and truly dynamic.
We are offered eight colors, two of which will be completely new: blue and bronze (Ocean Gem and Heavy Metal). Depending on the configuration, the wheels will also vary from 17 to 19 radii.
The interior has undergone even more dramatic changes. It immediately seems that there is more space. The front panel has been raised higher, and the overall architecture has a T-shaped silhouette. The front passenger has a new decorative insert in the style of guitar strings, according to the manufacturer. How convenient and practical it all is will be seen only after a test drive. Because at the presentation, we were not allowed to try the new Camry. We get to know it superficially.
The new multimedia system is already integrated into a single combination with the console and will be available in two sizes: 8 and 12.3 inches. The virtual dashboard is also available in two sizes: 7 and 12 inches, and there is also a 10-inch projection screen.
The quality of the materials used for upholstery and filling of the seats has been improved. Depending on the configuration, there is integrated heating and ventilation, as well as three colors: black, beige and brown. Genuine leather will be available from the third Prestige trim level. But wireless charging and wireless smartphone connection are already available as standard. As well as the Toyota Safety Sense active safety system. However, the advanced functions will be available only in the maximum version (monitoring the driver’s condition and assistance when entering an intersection).
The hybrid system has also been modified. As we know, it is based on a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine paired with the fifth generation THS system with an electromechanical variator. Now the hybrid system has increased the total power (+6%) to 231 hp due to the increased power of the electric motor, a new control unit and battery capacity, which is now lithium-ion. Accelerator response is sharper and acceleration at speed is easier to control.
There will be four trim levels on offer: Comfort, Elegance, Prestige, Premium. Among the engines, we will be offered a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a hybrid. The price will start at 1,437,140 hryvnias and the maximum version will cost 1,959,195 hryvnias.
