Business Report

Toyota enhances Prado line-up with new range-topping VX-L model

Willem van de Putte|Published

Toyota South Africa has expanded its Land Cruiser Prado range with the return of the premium VX-L grade.

Image: Supplied

Toyota South Africa has upped the ante in the Land Cruiser Prado range with the return of the VX-L grade, last seen on the previous model, expanding the range to three derivatives.

The range now consists of TX, VX-R and VX-L, each aimed at a distinct buyer profile.

Three grades, three users

The Prado TX remains the entry point and price leader. It keeps the essentials of durability, space and off-road ability while offering a more accessible route into the range.

The VX-R continues to serve traditional Land Cruiser buyers. It is the most off-road-focused of the three, with a specification and appearance that prioritise toughness, trail work and long-distance overlanding. 

The newly reintroduced VX-L is aimed at buyers who will spend most of their time on tar, value comfort and refinement, and want a premium SUV experience without giving up the Prado’s underlying capability. 

Visual and interior differences

The VX-R runs on 18-inch alloy wheels and features darker exterior detailing, functional bumper finishes and tougher trim elements that suit its off-road status.

The VX-L adopts a cleaner, more polished look with 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior mouldings, a painted rear bumper and illuminated side steps.

Inside, the VX-L gets silver metallic trim accents, leather door panels with extra stitching and a 14-speaker JBL sound system, compared to the VX-R’s 10-speaker setup and darker interior finishes.

Suspension

The VX-L also gains Adaptive Variable Suspension, aimed at improving on-road comfort and ride quality. TX and VX-R models stick with 18-inch wheels and off-road-friendly setups, while the VX-L’s 20-inch wheels underline its road-biased focus.

All models are equipped with a full-size spare wheel.

The full range supports Toyota’s connected services via the MyToyota platform, including in-car Wi-Fi with 25GB of complimentary data.

All Prados come with a nine-service/90 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty, with extensions available through Toyota’s dealer network.

Pricing

  • Prado 2.8GD TX: R1 342 200.
  • Prado 2.8GD VX-R: R1 500 200.
  • Prado 2.8GD VX-L: R1 513 300.