Toyota Motor Co is aggressively addressing the global fuel shortage crisis, heavily investing in hydrogen technology. The Japanese company will test a new hydrogen-electric hybrid HiAce van in Australia, which is expected to offer an extended driving range and nearly zero CO2 emissions.
This initiative is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to provide diverse green vehicle options and adapt to local markets.
The hydrogen-electric hybrid HiAce van is showcasing advancements in the technology, including increasing efficiency and reduced emissions, critical for the widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles. Despite challenges, such as the need for infrastructure development, Toyota remains strongly committed to the transition to cleaner energy solutions and sees Australia as a good testing ground for this.
‘Hot on the wheels’ of this scientific breakthrough is Toyota’s SV-Active system with the HiLux in Australia introducing this technology on select double-cab 4×4 variants and offering several enhancements, including improved fuel economy, powertrain smoothness and off-road capability.
The V-Active technology includes a motor generator, 48-volt battery and DC/DC converter that work in conjunction with the existing 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder powertrain and six-speed automatic transmission. The technology provides a smoother and quieter engine start-stop system, reducing vibrations and improving overall driveability and performance. The HiLux with V-Active is priced from $54,130 for the SR cab chassis, with additional features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, auto up-down windows and smart entry and start.
Which brings us to a test of the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL turbo diesel, a four-wheel drive, five-door SUV released in Australia in January and regarded as one of the largest SUVs built in Japan. Pricing starts at $72,500 before on-road costs for the entry-level GX, with five variants available across the lineup.
The Prado, also with SV Active, is powered by a 2.8 L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that pumps out 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque by way of an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota claims an economy diesel run of 7.6L/100 km in a combined city and highway cycle while putting out 200g of CO2. It has a 110-litre fuel tank which when full should run for 447 km.
The GXL, also with Toyota’s SV-Active system, has a revamped infotainment system that includes a larger touch screen and improved graphics. .
Toyota Australia’s vice-president sale and marketing Sean Hanley said new styling, improved driveability and off-road capability made the new Prado more appealing to Aussie customers.
The new model is offered in a choice of five grades – GX, GXL, VX, and top-of-the-range Kakadu, along with the off-road-focused Altitude, all featuring the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatic transmission.
All variants feature Toyota’s latest generation multimedia system operated by a 12.3-in. touchscreen or steering wheel controls. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features full Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/DAB+ radio and embedded and cloud-based sat nav.
The Prado is powered by Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, augmented with 48-volt V-Active technology, improving fuel efficiency.
Producing peak outputs of 150 kW/500 Nm, the powertrain is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a broader spread of ratios than before, with a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual-range transfer case and a centre-lockable differential.
All grades feature a double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension with VX and Kakadu grades adding adaptive variable suspension (AVS) to enhance ride comfort and handling on rough roads.
The braking and steering systems have been improved to provide greater response and ‘feel’ and feature electric power assistance for the steering for the first time.
GX, GXL and Altitude grades feature a three-mode drive select system that adjusts transmission shift points and pedal and steering response, according to driver preferences and conditions, while VX and Kakadu versions use a five-mode system that also adjusts the adaptive variable suspension.
To help provide optimum traction and control in off-road environments, Altitude, VX and Kakadu grades are fitted with a multi-terrain system that adjusts the vehicle stability and traction control system for different terrains.
All grades are fitted with the latest generation suite of Toyota ‘safety sense’ technology.
The driver-assist safety features are designed for on- and off-road performance and use an improved camera and radar system that can scan the road with greater accuracy over greater distances.
Technologies include the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety program, all-speed adaptive cruise control, rear parking support brake, lane trace assist and lane departure warning, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency driving stop system and a driver monitor camera, along with front and rear parking sensors and nine SRS airbags.
The five-variant Prado range is priced from $72,500 (plus on-roads) for the five-seat GXL, identifiable from the outside by 18-in.alloy wheels, LED lighting, black bumpers and wheelarch mouldings,
The cabin features fabric upholstery with manually adjustable front seats and 60/40 split-fold rear seats, 7 in.digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, a hard-wearing urethane steering wheel with button controls, reversing camera and panoramic view monitor, a 10-speaker audio system, and five USB-C charging ports, one 12V accessory port and a 220V charging port.
Stepping up to the $79,990 GXL adds a 50/50 split-fold third row of seating and differs from the GX by its standard roof rails, powered tailgate, rear privacy glass and silver front and rear guard trim.
Passengers get additional comfort and luxury with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way powered driver’s seat, leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob, rear-seat air conditioning panel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
As you would expect, there’s a maximum five stars from ANCAP along with Toyota’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty (seven if you service with Toyota). Servicing prices are capped at $390 a visit.
