Toyota has thrown its traditional evolutionary styling approach out the window with its radical new LandCruiser Prado 4x4 wagon, which looks like it has driven straight off the set of a Tonka toys movie.

In addition to its bold design, the new-generation Prado boasts significant mechanical upgrades, enhanced performance and upgraded technologies that are set to make it the must-have model for lifestyle-focused families when it lands in mid-2024.

While some argue that the styling changes from 200 to 300 Series LandCruiser were too modest, there are no such criticisms here with Toyota claiming the new Prado’s rugged looks fuse “traditional and contemporary styling cues, employing horizontal lines inspired by LandCruisers of yesteryear”.

Drawn together under the design theme of “functional beauty”, the new Prado’s front end features a strong rectangular grille, tri-beam headlights and a low-set cowl to improve forward visibility.

Moving back along the body, muscular wheel arches and horizontal lines provide a sense of strength, while a low beltline improves visibility for occupants.

The Prado’s rear features a single-piece top-hinged tailgate and simple tail-light signature, with traditional-looking silver bumpers at both the front and back.

But while the design of this sixth-generation Prado is likely to pique plenty of interest, it’s what’s under that skin that will really get tongues wagging.

That’s because the new Prado shares its underpinnings with the LandCruiser 300 Series, riding on the same TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis which Toyota claims is 50% more rigid than the current-generation Prado, helping increase overall vehicle rigidity by 30%.

RACQ Car Insurance is made for Queenslanders

A stiffer frame and body equate to fewer rattles and squeaks, among other benefits, something buyers who press the new model into service on rough unsealed roads or point its nose up 4x4-only tracks will no doubt appreciate.

The new platform allows for improved suspension performance with more wheel articulation for off-roading and better handling and ride comfort on-road, Toyota said.

Off-road performance is further enhanced by a new stabiliser-bar control system which allows the front stabiliser bar to be disconnected for better wheel articulation, along with enhancements to the established multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor all-terrain systems.

The adoption of electric power steering (EPS) promises to improve steering feel and low-speed manoeuvrability, while also allowing compatibility with active safety systems such as lane trace assist.

Under its chiselled bonnet, the new Prado will be offered with Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, enhanced with 48-volt mild hybrid technology to improve urban fuel consumption.

Producing an identical 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque to the current non-hybrid engine, the 1GD-FTV drives all four wheels via a new eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the existing six-speed unit.

While the extra cogs and mild-hybrid tech should improve fuel consumption over the current model’s 8.0L/100km combined cycle, dimensional changes will make a big difference for passengers.

Measuring 4,920mm long, 1,988mm wide and 1,860mm tall, the new Prado is 95mm longer and wider, and 10mm taller than before.

Its 2,850mm wheelbase is also 60mm longer than the current model, matching the length of the LandCruiser 300 Series.

Customers can opt for five or seven-seat interior layouts depending on variant, with the clean and functional interior design boasting dual digital screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system.

The Prado has consistently been one of Australia's most popular large SUVs since its launch in 1996, blending go-anywhere capability, with family-oriented amenities and passenger comfort.

The current fourth-generation model launched here in November 2009 and despite benefiting from numerous upgrades during its 14-year model cycle, is beginning to look decidedly long in the tooth.

That hasn’t stopped it chalking up 8,880 sales as at July this year, however, and retaining its place as Australia’s best-selling large SUV.

Further details on the all-new LandCruiser Prado, including local specification, will be made available closer to the vehicle's Australian launch in 2024.