Retro-inspired designs are a new concept. If anything, it’s been one of the more common design languages from the last 25 years. Muscle cars are among those that apply the whole ‘retro-futurism’ theme, mainly to establish a connection with the past and the future.
But more recently, it’s pickups and SUVs that have been going back to their roots, so to speak. There’s the Ford Bronco, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and Land Rover Defender. This year, it’s the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and it’s TopGear.com's winner of Design of the Year 2023.
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To explain the why the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is TG UK’s design pick of 2023 is TopGear.com's associate editor, Tom Ford.
“In a market of faux-roaders and Chelsea tractors, it feels like the new Land Cruiser [Prado] 250 strikes the right balance. In taking inspiration from the past and stripping back the Land Cruiser to a more athletic, more honest, more characterful vision Toyota has, frankly, nailed it.”
If you’re wondering what ‘Chelsea tractor’ means, it’s what some Brits would call luxury SUVs that rarely, or ever see, an off-road trail. The throughly redesigned Toyota Prado isn’t what any of us would call a pretender. One can call it purposeful, and Toyota even followed a design philosophy called Metal Gear Solid.
We’ve seen the Prado 250 Series in the metal when we went to the Japan Mobility Show back in October, and we’re here to say it looks even more striking in the metal. It’s effortlessly retro, and its chunky lines look tough without looking cartoonish. It’s the same case on the inside, too. It’s not trying hard to look old school, and it integrates modern tech with classic cues seamlessly.
Our editor-in-chief, Dinzo Tabamo, was also lucky enough to drive the Prado’s Lexus counterpart, the GX, a few months back. Based on first impressions, it drives as well as it looks, and the bolder design isn’t just for show: It can take on the trail like a true off-roader should.
We can’t wait to drive the production version of the Prado in the future if given the chance. Given the Prado’s strong legacy and brand power, we’re certain that the waiting lists for it will be longer than the SUV’s heritage.
