The large SUV segment is bringing sixes back.
Japanese outlet BestCarWeb reports the next-generation Toyota LandCruiser Prado, set to debut in August 2022, will pack a turbo-diesel six.
That engine is the 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6 of the LandCruiser 300 Series. In that application, it produces 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque and is mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
BestCarWeb reports the new model will retain the same basic dimensions, much as the redesigned LandCruiser 300 Series did, with a total length of 4850mm and a total width of 1890mm.
Pictured: 2021 LandCruiser Prado
Like its larger sibling, it’ll move to the new TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture.
Toyota last offered a six-cylinder Prado in Australia in 2017, though that was a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre petrol V6 with 207kW and 381Nm.
Should this 3.3-litre Prado eventuate, it’ll be a significant jump in outputs over the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four in the current Prado which puts out 150kW and 500Nm.
It’ll also have some competition in the shape of the redesigned Ford Everest, set to debut next year, which will almost certainly borrow the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 of the related, redesigned Ranger.
Pictured: the current Ford Everest and Toyota Prado
While outputs haven’t been confirmed for the Ranger, in the F-150 this engine produced 190kW and 597Nm.
If the LandCruiser’s engine isn’t detuned for this application in the Prado, then, the Toyota can outgun the Ford.
That could also keep the stalwart Prado entrenched at the top of the sales charts. It’s been the best-selling model in VFACTS’ Large SUV segment since 2014, when the Jeep Grand Cherokee briefly assumed the throne.
There’s little else in the way of diesel V6 competition, with the Grand Cherokee dropping this option with its 2022 WL redesign. The Volkswagen Touareg offers turbo-diesel V6 power, though it lacks a third row of seating like the Prado.
LandCruiser 300 Series
Previous overseas reports have suggested the Prado range will also get a hybrid option, specifically a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder; that’s in contrast with the 300 Series, which is set to use a hybrid 3.5-litre V6.
It’s unclear if this hybrid four is still in the works, though Toyota has previously said it aims to have hybrid versions of the HiLux, HiAce, Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series by 2030.
Again, the Ford Everest could prove a thorn in the Prado’s side. It’s also expected to get a hybrid option – a new turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain that’ll also feature in the redesigned Ranger.
The redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee is also getting a plug-in hybrid option called the 4xe, which will be offered in both the regular-length and extended L body styles.
This mates a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, an electric motor and a 17kWh battery.
Total system outputs are 280kW and 637Nm with a claimed EV driving range of around 40km under the US EPA’s testing standard and a total range – with a full tank and battery – of around 708km.
Jeep says its high-voltage electronics are fully sealed off and waterproof, and the 4xe can ford water up to 610mm deep and tow up to 2720kg.
