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Feann Torr3 Aug 2020
NEWS

More powerful Toyota Prado coming October

Australia’s top-selling large SUV to get same power boost as upgraded Toyota HiLux ute

The Toyota Prado will be a brawnier, more powerful machine when an upgraded version of the popular large SUV arrives in Australian showrooms in October.

Adopting the same enhanced engine as the upcoming 2021 Toyota HiLux as part of a ‘tech update’, the 2021 Toyota Prado will see power and torque from its 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel increase by a respective 20kW and 50Nm – 130kW/450Nm to a more muscular 150kW/500Nm.

Toyota Australia is expected to confirm the full list of changes later this month, including whether the extra gristle from the engine will see its towing capacity increase from its current 3000kg limit.

It’s not clear whether the updated 2.8-litre engine will put an end to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) woes that have dogged the HiLux, Fortuner and Prado, and embroiled Toyota Australia in a class-action lawsuit.

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Toyota has significantly revamped its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with a newly designed cylinder block and pistons, along with a new turbocharger, so it’s not just a software tweak.

Visual changes are unlikely given the tech update is not a fully-fledged facelift like the HiLux will receive, so the MY21 Prado probably won’t look any different.

And while MY21 HiLux-style suspension changes are unlikely, it could receive similar interior technology updates to the HiLux, perhaps including a new digital speedometer and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

We understand the upgraded Prado will enter production in Japan this month, with first examples due in local showrooms from around October.

The Toyota Prado has been the top-selling large SUV in Australia for five years straight and looks set to continue that trend in 2020.

Its closest rivals in terms of sales so far this year are the Toyota Kluger in second spot and Isuzu MU-X in third. Other capable off-road seven-seat SUVs include the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota’s own Fortuner, which will also receive the updated engine in due course.

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A new competitor from Korea will arrive later this year in the form of the Hyundai Palisade, which won’t ride on a rugged ladder frame like those aforementioned models but will offer up to eight seats plus petrol and diesel power.

As will be the case with the 2021 Toyota HiLux, price rises for the updated Prado are likely – partly due to the engine upgrade and extra equipment but also due the currency exchange rate with Japan.

The existing 2020 Toyota Prado is priced between $54,090 for the base GX grade and $84,226 for the top-shelf Prado Kakadu.

Toyota Australia is expected to release official details on the Prado’s tech update this month.

While the all-new Yaris Cross compact SUV is due in Aussie showrooms later in 2020 too, the dominant Japanese brand is also gearing up to unveil its all-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series before year’s end.

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