Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2025 Review — Is It Worth Buying in the UAE?

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been a UAE favourite for decades — reliable, capable off-road, and with a resale value that holds better than almost anything else on the market. The 2025 model is a complete redesign, moving to the new TNGA-F platform shared with the Land Cruiser 300. But does the new Prado live up to its legendary name? And is it the right buy for UAE drivers in 2026?

2025 Prado — Key Specs (GCC Version)

• Engine options: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (T24A-FTS) producing 278 hp and 430 Nm — also available as hybrid
• Hybrid system: 2.4L turbo + 48V mild hybrid or full hybrid option depending on trim
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic (all variants)
• 4WD system: Toyota's latest e-KDSS (Electronically Controlled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) on higher trims
• Ground clearance: 235mm (similar to Land Cruiser 300)
• Approach angle: 30 degrees | Departure angle: 24 degrees
• Wading depth: 700mm
• Wheelbase: 2,850mm (same as outgoing model)

2025 Prado GCC Price in UAE

• TX (base): AED 175,000 – 195,000
• TXL: AED 210,000 – 230,000
• VXL: AED 265,000 – 290,000
• GR Sport: AED 285,000 – 310,000
• Hybrid variants carry a premium of AED 15,000–25,000 over equivalent petrol trims
• Note: Prices vary between dealers — always negotiate from the listed price

What's New vs the Old Prado (150 Series)

• Completely new platform (TNGA-F) — stiffer, lower centre of gravity, better on-road handling
• New 2.4L turbo engine replaces the old 4.0L V6 and 2.8L diesel — more efficient but less familiar
• Full hybrid option — a first for Prado
• Larger interior — more rear legroom and improved third-row access
• New 12.3" touchscreen infotainment with Toyota's latest interface
• e-KDSS suspension on VXL and above — better both on-road and off-road versus the old KDSS
• More driver-assist features: adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, blind spot monitoring across all trims

Off-Road Performance in the UAE

The 2025 Prado is a significant step forward off-road. The e-KDSS system on VXL trims actively manages suspension articulation and is measurably better than the passive KDSS on the old model. Multi-Terrain Select covers Sand, Rock, Mud, Snow, and Auto modes.

• Sand mode: Works extremely well in UAE dunes — actively manages wheelspin and chassis flex
• Crawl Control: Genuinely useful in technical terrain — maintains a set low speed on any surface
• Locking rear differential: Standard on VXL and GR Sport
• Ground clearance at 235mm is adequate for dune bashing but benefits from a 2-inch lift for serious off-road
• The new 2.4L turbo generates more low-end torque than the old V6 — better for rock crawling and slow technical driving
• Real-world verdict: Better than the old Prado off-road, though not quite at Land Cruiser 300 level

Daily Driving in Dubai — How Does It Feel?

• On-road handling is noticeably better than the 150 Series — less body roll, more confidence
• The 2.4L turbo is refined and smooth — little turbo lag, adequate power for highway and city
• Fuel consumption: Expect 12–15L/100km in Dubai mixed driving (improvement over old V6)
• Hybrid variants: 10–13L/100km in mixed driving
• Ride quality is excellent — the TNGA-F platform makes a real difference on UAE roads and speed bumps
• Parking is easier than expected for a large SUV — good visibility and parking sensors standard

Should You Buy the New Prado or the Old One?

• Buy the 2025 new Prado if: You want the latest technology, best on-road dynamics, and hybrid efficiency
• Buy a used 150 Series Prado if: You prefer a proven engine (V6 or diesel), want to save AED 80,000+, or are buying as an investment (150 Series holds value extremely well)
• Key concern with new Prado: It's early days — the 2.4L turbo engine is relatively new and long-term UAE reliability is not yet proven
• The old V6 150 Series Prado has a 20-year track record in the UAE — hard to argue against that reliability

Prado 2025 vs Competitors in UAE

• vs Nissan Patrol Y62: Patrol is larger, more powerful V8, better value for money — but Prado wins on off-road finesse and resale
• vs Mitsubishi Pajero Final Edition: Pajero is discontinued and cheaper used — Prado wins on everything except price
• vs Ford Bronco: Bronco is more capable at stock off-road but has lower UAE reliability record and parts availability
• vs Land Rover Defender: Defender is more stylish and capable on-road, but far more expensive to maintain in UAE
• vs Land Cruiser 300: LC300 is better in almost every metric but costs AED 100,000+ more