Toyota has unveiled a new version of the Prado that takes a very different approach to the ones already on sale in local markets. The automaker’s European division has taken the covers off a new commercial variant of the popular SUV, which trades the back seats for a substantial cargo area.
Toyota explained that the option is meant to appeal to individuals who need a workhorse with the Hilux’s off-road and cargo-carrying capabilities, but would prefer something without an open load-bed design. The new model is scheduled to go on sale in the United Kingdom later this year on August 1, 2025, after which it will possibly be made available in other markets.
Toyota South Africa Motors has yet to confirm if and when the new Prado Commercial will be brought to our market.
A new direction
The Prado Commercial follows the same design template we’ve seen with smaller crossovers like the Nissan Magnite Move, Renault Kiger Express and Hyundai Venue Cargo.
The conversion process essentially turns the family SUV into a panel van, stripping away both the second and third seat rows in favour of a greatly extended boot.
The floor has been flattened where the seats used to be for more convenient loading and the surface is textured to provide more grip and prevent objects from sliding around too easily.
New steel panels have been installed to protect the cargo area and a full-height metallic mesh bulkhead to separate and protect the front seats from the items stored in the back.
The rear side windows have been covered over by steel panels to protect the glass and to deter would-be smash-and-grabbers, though the back window is unaffected (undoubtedly to ensure adequate rear visibility).
Also worth noting is that the Commercial is only available in a single five-door, long-wheelbase derivative.
Consequently, the load area measures 1 685mm long, 1 286mm wide and 1 090mm wide.
The end result of all these changes is that the revised Prado can take an impressive 2 000 litres of cargo while retaining the standard SUV’s towing capacity of 3 500kg.
On that note, the Toyota has kept its 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which generates a healthy 150kW and 500Nm.
It has an all-wheel-drive configuration and gear changes are handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The good news for buyers is that the rest of the equipment list is also unchanged, which means the Prado comes with nice-to-haves like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a powered boot door, keyless start, automatic dual-zone climate control, electronically adjustable heated seats, a heated multifunction steering wheel, a digital driver display and a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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