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Features, Performance & Full Range Comparison
The wait is over. Toyota’s next-generation Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series has arrived, redefining the balance between hardcore off-road capability and modern highway refinement. While the lineup offers something for every driver, one variant stands out as the ultimate choice for overland explorers and off-road purists: The Toyota Prado Altitude.
Positioned as the dedicated off-road flagship in the Prado family, the Altitude combines heritage-inspired retro styling, cutting-edge mechanical upgrades, and top-tier interior comfort.
Whether you are looking to tackle rugged tracks across the continent or upgrade your long-distance touring setup, here is an in-depth, research-backed guide to the Toyota Prado Altitude—including how it stacks up against the entire 250 Series range—and how you can import yours seamlessly through Cars Request Africa.
1. Engine, Performance & Towing Capacity
Under the hood, every Australian-spec Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series—from the entry GX to the top-tier Kakadu—shares a proven, highly efficient powertrain:
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Engine Setup: 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (
1GD-FTV) paired with Toyota’s 48V V-Active (Mild-Hybrid) system. -
Power & Torque:150 kW (201 hp) @ 3,000–3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque @ 1,600–2,800 rpm.
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Transmission: All-new 8-speed direct-shift automatic with manual mode. This replaces the outgoing 6-speed box, delivering smoother shifts, immediate low-end response, and better fuel efficiency on long stretches.
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Fuel Efficiency & Range: Rated at a combined 7.6 L/100km (8.5 L/100km Urban / 7.0 L/100km Extra Urban) under test conditions. Equipped with a 110-litre dual fuel tank system plus a 17.4L AdBlue tank, it provides exceptional range for extended cross-border trips.
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Towing Capacity: Massive 3,500 kg braked towing capacity (750 kg unbraked), making it ideal for hauling heavy trailers, boats, or overland campers.
2. The Altitude Edge: Dedicated Off-Road Engineering
While other trims in the Prado lineup lean toward urban executive driving, the Altitude variant is purpose-built for harsh terrain:
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Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (SDM): The defining feature of the Altitude. It replaces the adaptive variable suspension found on luxury trims with an electronic front sway bar disconnect button. Uncoupling the sway bar dramatically increases front wheel articulation over massive rocks, deep ruts, and uneven tracks.
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Factory All-Terrain Setup: Outfitted with 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels wrapped in high-grip Toyo Open Country All-Terrain (A/T) tyres (265/70 R18) directly from the factory.
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4WD & Terrain Controls: Features full-time 4WD with low-range transfer case, central differential lock, electronic rear locking differential, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Multi-Terrain Monitor (360-degree trail cameras), Downhill Assist Control, and Crawl Control.
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Dimensions & Clearance: Overall length of 4,990 mm, width of 1,980 mm, height of 1,935 mm, 2,850 mm wheelbase, and a kerb weight of 2,510 kg (GVM: 3,100 kg).
3. Interior Comfort, Space & Technology
Step inside the Prado Altitude, and off-road durability gives way to executive-level comfort:
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Focused 5-Seat Layout: Unlike the 7-seat family variants, the Altitude is strictly a 5-seater. This eliminates 3rd-row mechanisms, giving you a massive cargo bay designed to fit fridge slides, storage drawers, or camping gear easily.
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Cabin Luxury: Features heated and ventilated leather-accented front seats with driver memory settings, a heated steering wheel, a tilt and slide moonroof, bi-LED headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling, and all-weather rubber floor mats.
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Cockpit Displays: Dual 12.3-inch displays—a full digital driver instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™.
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Premium Audio & Extras: 14-speaker JBL® premium audio system, refrigerated center console box (cool box), digital rear-view mirror, 6x USB-C charging ports, and an HDMI input port.
4. Range Comparison: How the Altitude Ranks Across Trims
Understanding where the Altitude sits in the 250 Series hierarchy helps buyers choose the exact vehicle for their needs:
Official Trim Comparison Matrix
| Specification / Feature | GX | GXL | VX | ALTITUDE | KAKADU |
| Seating Capacity |
5 Seats
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5 or 7 Seats
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7 Seats
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5 Seats
|
7 Seats
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| Kerb Weight / GVM |
2,490 kg / 3,100 kg
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2,490-2,530 kg / 3,100-3,150 kg
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2,565 kg / 3,180 kg
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2,510 kg / 3,100 kg
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2,590 kg / 3,200 kg
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| Wheels & Tyres |
18″ Alloy
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18″ Alloy
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20″ Premium Alloy
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18″ Alloy w/ Toyo A/T
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20″ Premium Alloy
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| Suspension System |
Standard Double-Wishbone
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Standard Double-Wishbone
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Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
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Stabiliser Disconnect (SDM)
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Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
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| Headlamps |
LED w/ Static Auto-Level
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LED w/ Static Auto-Level
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Bi-LED w/ Dynamic Auto-Level
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Bi-LED w/ Dynamic Auto-Level
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Bi-LED w/ Dynamic Auto-Level
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| Roof / Glass |
Standard / Privacy
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Standard / Privacy
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Standard / Privacy
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Tilt & Slide Moonroof
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Panoramic Moonroof
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| Seats & Upholstery |
Fabric Seats
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Synthetic Leather Accented
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Leather Accented
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Leather Accented
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Leather Accented
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| 1st Row Seats |
Standard
|
Heated & Ventilated
|
Heated & Ventilated
|
Heated & Ventilated
|
Heated & Ventilated
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| 2nd Row Seats |
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Heated & Ventilated
|
| Driver Display |
7″ MID Screen
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7″ MID Screen
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12.3″ Full Digital MID
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12.3″ Full Digital MID
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12.3″ Full Digital MID
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| Audio Setup |
Standard 10 Speakers
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Standard 10 Speakers
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14-Speaker JBL® Audio
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14-Speaker JBL® Audio
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14-Speaker JBL® Audio
|
| Console Box |
Standard
|
Standard
|
Refrigerated
|
Refrigerated
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Refrigerated
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| Rear Mirror |
Auto-Dimming
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Auto-Dimming
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Auto-Dimming
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Digital Rear View Mirror
|
Digital Rear View Mirror
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Summary of Differences
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Altitude vs. Kakadu: The Kakadu is the overall luxury flagship featuring 7 seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, heated/ventilated 2nd-row seats, and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). However, for serious 4WD touring, the Altitude is mechanically superior due to its front sway-bar disconnect (SDM), 18-inch all-terrain wheel setup, and expanded 5-seat boot capacity.
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Altitude vs. VX: The VX offers high luxury (12.3″ screen, JBL sound, leather, cool box) but is fitted with urban-focused 20-inch wheels and 7 seats. The Altitude takes all of those interior luxuries and combines them with rugged off-road running gear.
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Altitude vs. GX & GXL: GX and GXL serve as practical entry and family touring grades. They lack the SDM system, bi-LED lighting, 12.3-inch driver display, 14-speaker JBL sound system, and refrigerated cool box.
5. Complete Safety & Active Driving Suite
Safety remains standard across every Prado 250 trim level, including the Altitude:
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Toyota Safety Sense: Pre-Collision Safety System, All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Monitor Camera, Lane Trace Assist, Emergency Driving Stop System, Road Sign Assist, and Safety Exit Assist.
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Comprehensive Protection: 9x SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Tyre Inflation Pressure Warning.
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Off-Road Vision: Multi-Terrain Monitor with panoramic camera views around and beneath the chassis for obstacle clearance on technical trails.
6. Global Sourcing Hubs
When importing a Toyota Prado 250 Series vehicle, sourcing the correct specification for your destination market is essential:
- Australia (RHD): The primary source for official “Altitude” badged models with factory 2.8L turbo-diesel 48V hybrid powertrains and off-road running gear.
Import Your Toyota Prado Altitude with Cars Request Africa
Navigating international vehicle procurement, global shipping logistics, pre-shipment inspections, and local customs clearing requires experienced specialists. At Cars Request Africa, we deliver end-to-end import solutions tailored to your vehicle preferences.
Why Choose Cars Request Africa?
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Global Procurement: Direct sourcing access to verified international motor networks in Australia, Japan, the UK, and the UAE.
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Rigorous Quality Checks: Pre-shipment inspections (QISJ / JEVIC) completed before export to guarantee perfection.
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Transparent Pricing: Clear, broken-down cost structure covering vehicle price, freight, marine insurance, port handling, and local duties.
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Seamless Door-to-Door Delivery: Complete management of shipping documents, port clearance, registration, and final handover.
Contact Our Import Specialists Today
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Head Office: Nairobi, Kenya
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Phone / WhatsApp: +254 790 363 195
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Email: carsrequest.africa@gmail.com
