The latest iteration of Toyota’s beloved off-roader arrives with a streamlined five-seat configuration that maximizes cargo space without compromising the Prado’s legendary capabilities.
In the world of four-wheel drives, few names command as much respect as the Toyota Prado. For decades, this stalwart of the Toyota lineup has been ferrying Australian families across our vast continent, from school runs in suburbia to epic adventures in the outback. The 2025 Toyota Prado GXL five-seater continues this proud tradition while addressing a key customer desire: more usable cargo space.
A Strategic Shift to Five Seats
Toyota’s decision to offer the mid-range GXL Prado in a dedicated five-seat configuration represents a thoughtful response to customer feedback. While the seven-seat layout has long been a Prado hallmark, many owners found themselves rarely using the third row, which when folded away, consumed valuable cargo space and created an uneven floor.
The new five-seat GXL variant eliminates this compromise. By removing the third-row seats entirely, Toyota has created a flat, expansive cargo area that’s perfect for adventure gear, camping equipment, or the weekly grocery haul. This configuration adds approximately 190 liters of additional storage space compared to the seven-seater with its third row folded down.
For families of four or couples who prioritize luggage capacity over additional seating, this new variant makes perfect sense. It’s the Prado many have been waiting for – all the capability without the compromise.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 GXL five-seater comes with a modest price advantage over its seven-seat sibling. Priced from $75,900 (plus on-road costs), it’s positioned $2,000 below the seven-seat GXL, reflecting the reduced complexity and materials of the five-seat layout.
This positions the five-seat GXL as a sweet spot in the Prado range. It offers significant upgrades over the entry-level GX (priced from $67,800) while remaining more affordable than the premium VX and Kakadu variants, which continue to be offered exclusively with seven seats.
What’s Included in the GXL Package
The GXL trim level strikes an excellent balance between affordability and equipment. Standard features include:
- 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine (150kW/500Nm)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Permanent four-wheel drive with low-range transfer case
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and fog lights
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- Dual-zone climate control
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Keyless entry and start
- Privacy glass
- Roof rails
- Rain-sensing wipers
The five-seat GXL also retains Toyota’s comprehensive safety suite, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and seven airbags.
Practical Benefits of the Five-Seat Layout
The removal of the third-row seats creates numerous practical advantages beyond just increased cargo capacity:
Enhanced Storage Solutions
Without the need to accommodate the folding third row, Toyota has reconfigured the cargo area with practical storage solutions. The five-seat GXL features:
- Underfloor storage compartments for valuable items
- Side storage cubbies for smaller items
- Cargo hooks and tie-down points
- 12V power outlet in the cargo area
- Retractable cargo cover as standard
Improved Fuel Efficiency
While Toyota hasn’t released specific figures, the reduced weight of the five-seat configuration (approximately 60kg lighter than the seven-seater) should translate to marginal improvements in fuel economy. Every little bit helps when you’re touring long distances between fuel stops in remote areas.
Simplified Conversion for Camping
The flat cargo floor makes the five-seat Prado an excellent platform for camping conversions. Without the third-row seats and their mounting points, the installation of drawer systems, fridge slides, and even platform beds becomes significantly more straightforward.
Unchanged Excellence: The Prado’s Core Virtues
While the seating configuration may be different, the fundamental capabilities that have made the Prado a favorite among Australian four-wheel drive enthusiasts remain unchanged.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2025 Prado continues with Toyota’s proven 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 150kW of power and a substantial 500Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s full-time four-wheel drive system.
The latest generation Prado features several improvements to this powertrain, including enhanced cooling for better towing performance and revised transmission mapping for smoother operation both on and off road.
Off-Road Capability
The GXL five-seater maintains the Prado’s impressive off-road credentials:
- 700mm wading depth
- 30.4-degree approach angle
- 22.1-degree departure angle
- 23.5-degree ramp-over angle
- 220mm ground clearance
- Crawl Control system for technical off-road sections
- Multi-Terrain Select system with various surface modes
- Downhill Assist Control
- Low-range transfer case
These specifications ensure the five-seat GXL remains just as capable in challenging terrain as its seven-seat counterpart.
Towing Capacity
For those looking to tow caravans, boats, or trailers, the five-seat GXL maintains the Prado’s 3500kg braked towing capacity. The standard fitment of a trailer sway control system helps maintain stability when towing in crosswinds or during emergency maneuvers.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
The mid-size SUV segment remains fiercely competitive, with several key rivals offering alternatives to the Prado GXL five-seater:
Ford Everest Sport
Priced similarly at $73,090, the Everest Sport offers a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with slightly more power (184kW/600Nm). Its interior feels more modern, but the Prado edges it out in terms of proven reliability and resale value.
Isuzu MU-X LS-U+
At $65,900, the MU-X represents excellent value. Its 3.0-liter diesel provides adequate performance, though its interior appointments don’t quite match the Prado’s premium feel. The Isuzu does, however, offer a longer 7-year warranty compared to Toyota’s 5-year coverage.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed
The most affordable of the main competitors at $60,690, the Pajero Sport offers good value and decent capability, but lacks the Prado’s refinement and doesn’t match its off-road prowess in the most challenging conditions.
Who Should Consider the Five-Seat Prado GXL?
The dedicated five-seat configuration makes this Prado variant particularly well-suited to:
- Empty nesters who no longer need seven seats but want a capable, comfortable touring vehicle
- Adventure couples who require maximum cargo space for extended trips
- Families of four who prioritize luggage capacity over occasional third-row seating
- Four-wheel drive enthusiasts looking for a vehicle that’s easier to modify for camping or off-road use
- Buyers who want Prado capability and comfort but don’t need the extra expense of the higher-grade VX or Kakadu models
Key Specifications Table
| Specification | 2025 Toyota Prado GXL Five-Seater |
|---|---|
| Price | $75,900 (plus on-road costs) |
| Engine | 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Power | 150kW @ 3400rpm |
| Torque | 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | Permanent four-wheel drive with low range |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.5L/100km (combined, estimated) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 liters (80L main + 30L sub) |
| Towing Capacity | 3500kg (braked) |
| Cargo Capacity | 1060 liters (to roof) |
| Ground Clearance | 220mm |
| Approach/Departure Angles | 30.4° / 22.1° |
| Warranty | 5 years/unlimited kilometers |
Looking Ahead: The Prado’s Future
While the introduction of the five-seat GXL represents an important addition to the Prado lineup, Toyota’s future plans for the model are equally interesting. Industry sources suggest that a hybrid powertrain option may be in development for the Prado, potentially arriving in late 2026 or early 2027.
This would align with Toyota’s broader electrification strategy and could provide significant improvements in fuel efficiency without compromising the Prado’s legendary reliability and off-road capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the five-seat Prado GXL better value than the seven-seat version?
Yes, the five-seat GXL is $2,000 cheaper than the seven-seat variant while offering more cargo space. If you rarely need third-row seating, it represents better value.
Can the third row be added later if needed?
No, the five-seat model has a different floor structure and lacks the mounting points for the third row. The choice between five and seven seats must be made at purchase.
Does removing the third row affect off-road capability?
No, the off-road specifications remain identical between five and seven-seat models. The five-seater is actually slightly lighter, which can be an advantage in some off-road situations.
What colors are available for the 2025 Prado GXL?
The GXL five-seater is available in eight colors: Glacier White, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Lunar Blue, Frosted Khaki, Saturn Blue, and Merlot Red.
How does cargo space compare to key rivals?
The five-seat Prado offers 1060 liters of cargo space (measured to the roof), which is competitive with the Ford Everest (1050 liters) and significantly more than the Isuzu MU-X (890 liters).
A Welcome Addition to the Range
The introduction of the five-seat GXL variant represents a thoughtful evolution of the Toyota Prado lineup. By acknowledging that many buyers never use the third row but do value cargo space, Toyota has created a variant that better meets the needs of a significant portion of the market.
With its excellent balance of comfort, capability, and practicality, the 2025 Toyota Prado GXL five-seater is likely to become a popular choice among Australian buyers who want a vehicle that can handle the daily commute as confidently as it tackles weekend adventures.
For those who prioritize usable space over maximum seating capacity, this new variant might just be the perfect Prado.
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