Key highlights
- The 250 Series Toyota Prado can swap its rectangular LED headlights for a retro-inspired circular design in Japan.
- The genuine Toyota accessory costs JPY 204,600, including installation, equivalent to around $1,850 in Australian currency.
- Toyota Australia has yet to offer the round headlight conversion as an official accessory for local Prado owners.
Owners of the latest Toyota LandCruiser Prado can now give their SUV a more old-school look with a factory-approved round headlight conversion, although the upgrade is currently available in Japan only.
The accessory allows existing owners of the 250 Series Prado to replace its standard rectangular LED headlights with circular units inspired by older LandCruiser models. Toyota Japan lists the kit for vehicles built from April 2024 onwards, covering the current-generation Prado launched in its home market.
The upgrade costs JPY 204,600, including installation. That’s approximately $1,850 in Australian dollars, although exchange rates and local taxes can affect the final equivalent. This is Japanese pricing, not an Australian retail price.
For Australian owners hoping to give their Prado a more distinctive appearance without turning to aftermarket parts, the catch is that Toyota Australia has not announced an equivalent official accessory.
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Two different Prado designs, one familiar name
Toyota unveiled the 250 Series Prado in 2023 with two distinct styling directions. One uses slim, rectangular headlights for a contemporary appearance, while the other takes inspiration from older LandCruisers with round headlights and a more traditional front-end design.
The choice depends on the market and, in some countries, the grade. In the US, the different designs are linked to specific trim levels. Australia, however, has largely missed out on the round-headlight version as a factory offering.
That makes the Japanese accessory particularly interesting. Rather than requiring owners to buy a different variant, the conversion gives existing vehicles a way to adopt the retro look using genuine Toyota parts.
The replacement lighting units feature circular LED daytime running lights, with a LandCruiser logo incorporated into the design. Larger amber indicators sit towards the sides, replacing the narrower indicators used with the modern-style headlights.
The difference also affects the surrounding front-end styling. The rectangular units leave a blank section underneath, while the taller circular-light assemblies fill more of that space and line up with the lower edge of the grille.
Why the retro look suits the Prado
The round headlights are more than a styling exercise. They connect the latest Prado with the LandCruiser’s long history, particularly models such as the 60 Series, which helped establish the nameplate’s rugged identity.
The design also shares a visual connection with the circular daytime running lights offered on the LandCruiser 70 Series.
Toyota’s approach in Japan makes the upgrade easier to understand. The local Prado range uses a single VX grade, and its existing grille already follows the retro-inspired design. That means the round headlights fit naturally into the vehicle’s overall appearance rather than looking like an isolated modification.
Australian buyers face a slightly different situation. The local VX and Kakadu grades use a grille with vertical bars, while the GX, GXL and Altitude already feature the retro-style grille design seen on the Japanese VX.
However, having a compatible-looking grille does not mean Australian owners can order the same headlight conversion through Toyota’s local accessory catalogue.
Will Australian Prado owners get the upgrade?
For now, there is no confirmed Australian release date or local price for Toyota’s retro headlight kit.
Toyota Australia offers a range of genuine Prado accessories, including bull bars, exterior protection components, weathershields and roof carriers. An official circular headlight conversion would give owners another way to personalise their SUVs while retaining a factory-approved parts option.
However, Toyota Australia has not confirmed that it plans to introduce the Japanese upgrade locally. Owners should therefore avoid assuming the Japanese kit can be fitted to Australian-delivered vehicles without checking compatibility, installation requirements and local approval considerations.
Aftermarket conversions may be another avenue, but buyers would need to check the quality of the components, compatibility with their vehicle’s electrical systems and compliance with Australian vehicle lighting requirements before proceeding.
For now, Australian Prado owners who prefer the classic LandCruiser look will have to wait for Toyota Australia to confirm whether the round headlights will become available locally.
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