Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250) Review
2024-2026
The 250 Series Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250) represents a radical redesign of Kenya's benchmark executive exploration vehicle. Moving onto Toyota's ultra-rigid TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the Land Cruiser 300, the J250 blends bold retro styling (available with classic round heritage or sleek rectangular LED headlights), Electric Power Steering (EPS), Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), and advanced 48V Mild-Hybrid Diesel or 326 hp i-FORCE MAX Turbo Hybrid powertrains.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- TNGA-F ultra-rigid chassis: 50% increase in frame rigidity delivers Land Cruiser 300 levels of high-speed stability and off-road durability.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax savings on 2.4T models: The 2,393 cc T24A-FTS engine qualifies for the 25% excise duty tax rate.
- SDM front stabilizer disconnect: Decouples sway bars at the press of a button for extreme wheel articulation over unpaved upcountry tracks.
- 326 hp & 630 Nm i-FORCE MAX Hybrid power: Rapid acceleration and towing capacity.
What’s not so good
- 35% KRA excise duty tax bracket on 2.8D diesel: The 2,755 cc engine exceeds 2,500 cc, triggering higher customs duties.
Most popular: Prado 250 2.8D VX / ZX First Edition / 2.4T i-FORCE MAX
5 doorsPetrol, Diesel, HybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250 Series)
- Production years
- 2024–2026+
- Body type
- 5-Door 5 or 7-Seater Heavy-Duty SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5 or 7 seats
- Fuel types
- Clean Diesel (48V MHEV), Turbo Petrol, Hybrid (i-FORCE MAX), NA Petrol
- Engine sizes
- 2,393 cc (2.4T) / 2,693 cc (2.7L) / 2,755 cc (2.8D)
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Direct Shift Automatic / 6-Speed Super ECT
- Drivetrain
- Full-Time 4WD with Torsen Central & Rear Diff Lock
- Ground clearance
- 215 mm – 221 mm
- Source market
- Japan / UK / Australia (RHD)
Trims & variants
VX / ZX / First Edition
- Setup
2.4L Direct-Injection Turbo Petrol (281 hp / 430 Nm) or i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (326 hp / 630 Nm with 48 hp electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic), Full-Time 4WD, returning 10.8–12.5 km/L combined.
- Local consideration
Requires minimum 95-octane unleaded fuel for optimum turbocharger operation.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Prado 250 2.4L Turbo Petrol / i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (2,393 cc T24A-FTS). Tank: 80 L (about 1000 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,084 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,598 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 18,157
- Full tank (80 L)
- KES 18,157
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
JDM and global export trims progress from utility GX models to executive VX, flagship ZX, and collector First Edition models.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| GX | Commercial / Utility | Rectangular LED headlights, fabric seating, 18-inch dark alloy wheels, dual 8-inch displays, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. |
| VX | Executive luxury | Dual 12.3-inch screens, synthetic leather seats, power tailgate, 20-inch alloy wheels, 360 Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM). |
| ZX / VX-L | Flagship luxury | Nappa leather, SDM front stabilizer disconnect, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), HUD, 14-speaker JBL audio. |
| First Edition | Collector launch | Heritage round LED headlights, two-tone Sand/Heritage Blue paint, exclusive First Edition interior badging, 18-inch matte wheels. |
About the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250)
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. As the J250 series launched globally in late 2023 for the 2024 model year, 2024 to 2026 units enter Kenya as near-new or brand-new direct imports.
A critical commercial advantage of the J250 series is the introduction of the 2.4L Turbo Petrol (T24A-FTS, 2,393 cc) and 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Turbo Hybrid. Because these engines remain strictly under 2,500 cc, they qualify for KRA's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket, saving over KSh 2,500,000 in import taxes compared to larger 3.0L+ V6 engines.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
