Mass production of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has commenced in China, according to autohome.com.cn. The rollout marks a step forward for Toyota in the Chinese market, where practical luxury garners strong demand for durable, versatile SUVs.
In China the Prado will be offered with two distinct front-end design options. The standard look features enlarged blocks with round low- and high-beam reflectors, while a more premium variant uses narrowed rectangular headlamps that give the SUV a sharper, more modern face. These design choices are part of Toyota’s strategy to appeal to differing buyer preferences within the regional market.
Under the hood, the new Prado pairs a 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain with an electric motor, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a compact battery pack. This hybrid setup delivers a maximum output of 330 horsepower and drives all four wheels, reinforcing the model’s capability in varied driving conditions and terrains.
Pricing for the Chinese market starts at around 460,000 yuan, a figure that reflects the vehicle’s hybrid technology, safety features, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. At the exchange rate used at the time of publication, this price equates to roughly 5.5 million rubles, illustrating how the Prado positions itself within cross-border comparisons for performance and value.
Previous reports have indicated that the second generation of the BAW 212 SUV, which follows a six-decade gap since the first model, was planned to reach Chinese showrooms on July 25, 2024. The new model maintains the classic body-to-frame proportions while offering modern powertrain options for contemporary buyers.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the newer BAW 212 continues to emphasize rugged capability paired with smooth on-road performance. All-wheel drive is available, underscoring its appeal to shoppers seeking a versatile workhorse that can also handle everyday driving with ease.
The prior market chatter in Russia highlighted the practicality of the older models, particularly in discussions about automatics and long-term reliability. The evolving landscape shows buyers now weighing hybrid powertrains, fuel efficiency, and total cost of ownership alongside traditional attributes such as space, comfort, and durability. This shift mirrors a broader trend toward electrified and capable SUVs that perform across diverse conditions while maintaining strong resale value.
Overall, both the Prado and the BAW 212 reflect a continuing trend in which global automakers tailor offerings to regional markets, balancing iconic design cues with modern technology. For consumers in Canada and the United States, these developments illustrate the ongoing interest in hybrid powertrains, improved efficiency, and the enduring appeal of rugged SUVs that can handle urban roads and challenging landscapes with equal confidence. The pricing dynamics, design differentiation, and powertrain choices demonstrate how manufacturers are aligning product lines with evolving customer expectations in North American markets, even as regional launches and local regulations shape the final configurations and availability. Such shifts reinforce the importance of evaluating total ownership costs and long-term reliability when considering a purchase that blends heritage with cutting-edge technology. In summary, the latest showings in China reflect broader industry movements toward hybrid efficiency, versatile performance, and design clarity across major markets, including Canada and the United States, where buyers increasingly seek value without compromising capability. (Citation: autohome.com.cn)”