Your diesel is safe! Toyota LandCruiser Prado launch timing and engines revealed, and diesel survives as Prado charges into electrified future - reports

The LandCruiser Prado's diesel engine will survive when Toyota at last updates its iconic SUV, with diesel-hybrid technology breathing new life into a tow-ready 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, according to new reports.

The reports also tie neatly into Toyota Australia's own comments this week that the brand is now fast-tracking diesel-hybrid technology for models like the LandCruiser Prado, the 300 Series, and the Toyota HiLux.

And the long wait is at last almost over, with credible reports out of Japan pointing to an all-new Prado launching globally around the middle of 2023, meaning there is less than a year to go.

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The reports, which have surfaced in Japan's Best Car Web, suggest the new Prado will launch with two electrified engines – one petrol, one diesel – next year, with the latter sure to be high on Toyota Australia's wish list.

"It makes sense that the LandCruiser, the Prado, the HiLux and other commercial vehicles are going to have to adopt some sort of electrification as we get closer to (2030). And when we say by 2030, I don’t want people to interpret that as 2029 and 2030. On the journey to 2030 we'll start making those arrangements," Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide recently.

“Acceleration of electrification right now is clear in this market - we’re seeing it. And as an agile company we need to be adaptable to those requirements.”

According to the reports, that change could be happening sooner rather than later, with the all-new Prado to be fitted with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel equipped with twin electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, with the electrification delivering a smoother driving experience and lower fuel use without compromising on towing or off-road capability.

It will no doubt come as music to the ears of Prado fans, with fears the diesel engine could be scrapped entirely in the face of ever-stricter emissions regulations.

Much like the 300 Series, the Prado will also be offered internationally with a petrol engine, but whether or not the option makes it to Australia remains to be seen. In the case of the Prado, it will be a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid system currently at work in the Toyota RAV4.

The reports also suggest the exterior dimensions of the Prado will be largely unchanged – with the new model measuring 4825mm in length, 1885mm in width and 1850mm in height, with a 2790mm wheelbase – and seating for five or seven will be available.

What will change, however, is the platform, with the new Prado to ride on Toyota's TNGA architecture, which will see a bump in technology on offer such as a big 12.3-inch screen on top-spec models.

The bad news? It will also be more expensive, with Japanese media forecasting price rises of up to one million yen, or $10,500, for the electrified Prado.

All will be revealed soon enough as the countdown to the new model continues.