Toyota LandCruiser Prado Gets Enhanced Security in Japan
Toyota has rolled out new anti-theft measures for the LandCruiser Prado in Japan, including a remote ‘kill switch’ feature, in response to its growing popularity as one of the country’s most stolen vehicles. These updates aim to tackle the rising concerns around vehicle security and prevent unauthorized access.
Although there are no changes to the exterior or interior design of the SUV, the updates include a reduced operating range for the smart key and the introduction of a remote engine disable function. This means that owners can now use Toyota’s T-Connect system—launched as Toyota Connected Services in Australia in 2022—to remotely prevent the engine from starting, effectively acting as a kill switch.
Toyota Australia has not yet commented on whether these updates will be introduced locally. The current-generation Prado only arrived in showrooms in late 2024, so any potential rollout in Australia is still under consideration.
In Japan, the changes apply specifically to Prado variants powered by the naturally aspirated 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is not sold in Australia. These updates are set to take effect from April, while the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel versions offered locally will receive the updates later in December. This timeline suggests that any Australian rollout is unlikely before the second quarter (April-June) of 2027.
The Prado, known as the LandCruiser 250 in Japan and the United States, along with the larger LandCruiser 300 Series, has consistently ranked among the most stolen vehicles in Japan. According to reports, 27.5 per cent of stolen vehicles in Japan during 2024 were LandCruisers (either 300 Series or Prado), up from 14.7 per cent in 2023.
Australia has also experienced a series of high-profile Toyota thefts involving the LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser 300 Series, HiLux, and RAV4. In response, Toyota has previously offered a steering wheel lock as a countermeasure, while acknowledging it’s working on broader security solutions. The company has also announced updated “security measures” for new examples of the HiLux, LandCruiser 300 Series, and Prado—but these are not retrofitted to existing vehicles, and specific details remain undisclosed.
In February 2026, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations John Pappas told media, including CarExpert, that there was no update on further steps to address the issue.
His comments came as seven alleged thieves faced a Brisbane court, accused of involvement in an organised crime ring exporting stolen vehicles overseas. The Queensland Police Service and Victoria Police have also been investigating whether a series of thefts in Victoria are linked to the Queensland-based activity.
Further updates for the Prado in Japan include new exterior finishes, such as Ebony Black (already available in Australia) and a flat Sand colour now offered without a contrasting white roof. Round bi-beam LED headlights are now optional on the VX grade, while additional driver assistance features include emergency steering assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.
In Australia, the LandCruiser Prado was narrowly outsold by its key rival, the Ford Everest, in 2025. It was just 55 units behind, with 26,106 examples delivered.
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Explore the Toyota LandCruiser Prado showroom
