When Toyota launched the new-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in South Africa last year, it was clear that the brand wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. The Prado’s role has always been well defined: big, capable, dependable and built to cope with the sort of journeys most SUVs only see on Instagram.
What Toyota has done now is quietly refine that role by reintroducing the VX-L grade – a familiar name from the previous-generation model, but one that carries a very specific purpose in the current line-up.
With the VX-L back in the fold, the Prado range now consists of three derivatives, each aimed at a slightly different kind of buyer. And for once, those differences feel meaningful rather than cosmetic.
The VX-R remains the version that will resonate most strongly with long-time Land Cruiser owners. This is the Prado for people who still believe a vehicle should look ready for action even when it’s parked at the local Spar. Its focus is firmly on durability, off-road ability and a no-nonsense aesthetic that reflects the Prado’s reputation for getting you there and back again, regardless of road conditions or lack thereof.
The return of the VX-L, however, acknowledges a simple reality: not every Prado spends its weekends crawling over rocks or towing a trailer into the bush. Many live far more civilised lives, clocking up kilometres on highways, school runs and long-distance road trips, with the occasional gravel road thrown in for good measure.
That’s where the VX-L fits in. It is aimed squarely at buyers who want the space, presence and underlying capability of a Prado, but who place a higher value on comfort, refinement and a more premium on-road experience. Think less “expedition support vehicle” and more “luxury family cruiser that happens to be extremely capable”.
At the entry point of the range, the TX continues to do what it has always done best. It offers access to the Land Cruiser Prado name and its core attributes – quality, longevity and confidence – without pushing pricing into rarified territory. For many buyers, it remains the most sensible way into the line-up.
Taken together, the three grades give the Prado a clearer identity than before. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone in a single specification, Toyota has allowed the range to breathe, acknowledging that modern Prado owners don’t all live the same lives.
A tale of two personalities
The differences between the VX-R and VX-L are immediately apparent once you look beyond the badge.
The VX-R leans heavily into its adventurous side, riding on 18-inch alloy wheels and featuring darker exterior detailing, more utilitarian finishes and design elements that prioritise function over form. It looks and feels like a vehicle that expects to spend time off the beaten track.
The VX-L takes a noticeably different approach. Larger 20-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior mouldings, a painted rear bumper and illuminated side steps give it a more polished, upmarket presence. Inside, the cabin follows suit with silver metallic accents, leather door trim with additional stitching and a premium JBL 14-speaker sound system that wouldn’t feel out of place in a luxury SUV.
One of the VX-L’s most important upgrades is its Adaptive Variable Suspension, which is designed to improve ride comfort and composure on tar. It’s a clear signal that this Prado has been tuned with long-distance cruising and daily usability firmly in mind.
Both the TX and VX-R retain their 18-inch wheel setup and full-size spares, better suited to rougher terrain and off-road use, while the VX-L balances its larger wheels with the same full-size spare, maintaining a degree of practicality despite its road-biased focus.
Technology that follows you home
All Prado models are supported by Toyota South Africa’s connected services ecosystem. Owners can create a MyToyota profile for easy access to vehicle information and support, while a built-in connected device enables features such as in-car Wi-Fi, complete with a complimentary 25GB of data, along with additional Toyota Connect services for those who opt in.
It’s a subtle but increasingly important part of ownership, particularly for families and long-distance travellers who expect their vehicles to stay connected long after leaving the driveway.
Model line-up and pricing
- Prado 2.8GD TX: R1 342 200
- Prado 2.8GD VX-R: R1 500 200
- Prado 2.8GD VX-L: R1 513 300
*All Land Cruiser Prado models are sold with a 9-services/90 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Additional service, maintenance and warranty extensions are available through Toyota’s nationwide dealer network.
