Toyota could very likely ditch diesel power for its Prado SUV in its next generation and instead use a new 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid petrol engine.
An insider source has told US website Gear Patrol that the Land Cruiser nameplate will return to the USA in the form of a new Land Cruiser Prado “sometime in 2023”.
The source also states that the Prado is likely to get the hybrid version of the 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine also used in the new-generation Toyota Crown.
A render of what the next Prado could look like. Photo credit: Quto.ru
It’s not the first time we have heard reports of a 2.4-litre engine for the next Prado. Chasing Cars previously reported on a story published by The Fast Lane Car that stated a 2.4-litre petrol hybrid was likely.
We may see the new Toyota Prado revealed this year, with an official on-sale date yet to be determined. Expect the next Prado to arrive in Australian dealerships sometime in 2024.
What sort of specs does this 2.4-litre engine have?
The current Toyota Prado is definitely due for an upgrade!
Toyota’s new 2.4-litre petrol engine, also known as the T24A, is available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged specifications.
However, the next Toyota Prado is likely to get the turbocharged version, known as T24A-FTS, plus Toyota’s ‘hybrid max’ system.
The hybrid max system uses the petrol engine plus two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear. In the Toyota Crown, this system produces 240kW of power. Maximum torque is rated at 460Nm.
The new 2.4-litre engine will be powerful despite having less displacement
New transmission for 2.4-litre hybrid engine
Although Toyota’s hybrid systems are often driven by CVT transmissions, that’s not the case with the 2.4-litre hybrid powertrain in its current form. Instead, Toyota is set to use its new 10-speed automatic transmission, according to recent reports.
Toyota currently uses a 10-speed torque converter transmission with a two-speed transfer case in the Tundra, though notably in the large pickup, the electric motor is positioned between the engine and the transmission.
In the Crown, however, the hybrid max system utilises an electric motor on each axle with the combustion engine transferring power to the wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic.
The current 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine found in the Prado
Being a 4WD, low speed off-road grip will be a priority in the Prado and so it’s almost certain that a transfer case would be inserted into this arrangement; the instant torque and added control over the electric motors, could also be used to enhance its ability.
Comparing existing versus new powertrains
The current J150 generation Toyota Prado is currently available with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
The Prado currently produces 150kW/500Nm
If the new 2.4-litre system is fitted, this would give the Prado a major power boost, while torque could push past the 500Nm mark.
However, Toyota could tweak the turbocharging system somewhat for the Prado to provide diesel-like torque outputs – a key element to better towing and off-roading.
What about a turbocharged V6 diesel engine?
The Prado won’t want to step on the toes of its bigger sibling, the Land Cruiser
Chasing Cars has previously speculated that the next Prado could also gain a V6 engine, however Toyota is unlikely to want the Prado to step too close into the territory of its bigger sibling – the Land Cruiser 300 Series.
The F33A-FTV 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 engine from the 300 Series could possibly fit within the engine bay of the Prado. Toyota would get more power out of the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, however, with its 240kW output besting the 227kW figure of the 3.3-litre V6 engine.
