toyota Australia is keen to regain the large SUV sales crown it lost to the Ford Everest for the first time this year, and with a solid order base and more new-generation models, it’s well on its way to doing so. Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series The vehicles will be heading to Australia within the next 12 months.
Deliveries of the new fifth-generation Prado began earlier this month, and the Japanese automaker said it already holds more than 17,000 orders.
The 250 Series has a lot to live up to in terms of sales, as the 150 Series it replaces, which dominated the Australian large SUV market before its exit, is currently out of stock.
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This year, however, things are different, as inventory of the old Prado dried up months ago and the Ford Everest emerged as the large SUV sales leader this year.
When asked if the Prado would once again become Australia’s most popular large SUV, Toyota Australia vice-president sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said car expert From a sales perspective, the first new Prado in 15 years is expected to perform well.
“We are very confident that the Prado will perform well in the end,” Mr Hanley said.
“We believe Toyota can bring to market a truly compelling, well-specified and beautifully packaged four-wheel drive SUV.
“Of course, the Prado has excellent heritage and proven reliability, and it particularly appeals to families and those with an adventurous lifestyle.
“You know it’s going to sell its volume already. We’re seeing a very healthy order base and we expect it to do well in the market. Very good.
“Whether it’s No. 1 or not, customers will decide, but we think it’s good enough to be the market leader.”
It was recently reported that Toyota Australia said it would deliver nearly 27,000 Prados in the first 12 months of the 250 series, which should set a new record for the popular brand in 2025.
The current annual sales record for the Prado is 21,299 units delivered in 2021. As of October 2024, only 3,525 Prados have been delivered (mainly including the outgoing 150 series and a few 250 series vehicles).
By comparison, Ford Everest sold 21,281 units during the same period. This marks the first time the Prado has outsold the Everest, as well as other direct rivals such as the Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
But even with over 17,000 pre-orders, many 250 Series customers may have to wait months to receive their delivery, depending on when they placed their order.
To avoid extreme waiting times of up to three or even four years, as we’ve seen with the RAV4 Hybrid and LandCruiser 70 Series, Toyota Australia has confirmed a new retail policy that will prevent dealers from buying cars when demand is high Accept unlimited orders.
Instead, the company will allocate each dealer a 12-month rolling supply of inventory. After the inventory threshold is reached, dealers will not be able to accept further Prado orders until more vehicles are allocated, and they will not accept deposits until then.
Toyota Australia claims the new policy will provide dealers and customers with clearer and more accurate indications of waiting times.
Toyota said that due to revised order-taking processes, the maximum waiting time for the new Prado will be 12 months after placing an order with a dealer.
Since its launch, the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado series has a total of 5 models: GX, GXL, VX, Altitude and Kakadu. Prices start from $72,500 before on-roads for the GX and $99,990 before on-roads for the Kakadu.
They’re powered by the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine as the old 150 Series, this time with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, but power and torque outputs remain at 150kW and 500Nm.
The new Prado’s turbodiesel engine is mated to a new eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox (up two gear ratios over the outgoing model) and a two-speed transfer case, again offering low-range gearing and supply to all four engines. Power is channeled through corners through a full-time four-wheel-drive system.
MORE: All things Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
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