Toyota LandCruiser and Prado get new anti-theft device – but it won't come cheap

Toyota Australia has launched a new anti-theft device for the LandCruiser 300 Series and LandCruiser Prado 250 Series amid increasing thefts of these and other popular models including the RAV4 SUV and HiLux ute.

The secondary immobiliser has been developed specifically for the LandCruiser 300 Series, launched in 2021, and the LandCruiser Prado 250 Series, which arrived in 2024.

Offered as a Toyota Genuine Accessory, it costs $1735 fitted, with installation taking around five hours.

It’s covered for the remainder of the vehicle’s new-car warranty or two years from the date of installation, whichever is longer.

The system includes a key-ring security fob (and a second spare) which must be present alongside the vehicle’s original key for the engine to start. It also includes a steering column light, with an external sticker applied to vehicles fitted with the system.

Toyota Australia told CarExpert the device was intended to help owners of existing examples of both models, following the introduction of a range of security upgrades for the LandCruiser 300 Series, Prado and HiLux during 2025.

“These security enhancements continue to be rolled out to new models such as the All-New RAV4,” Toyota Australia said in a statement.

“As at time of publication, Toyota Australia are not aware of any occurrences of vehicle theft using sophisticated devices in Australia on this [updated] range of vehicles.”

The automaker said secondary immobilisers were also being considered for its wider model range, but didn't confirm which vehicles could receive them next.

Toyota told CarExpert “vehicle theft continues to be a societal challenge in Australia”, with the immobiliser “providing an additional layer of vehicle-start authentication” to make theft more difficult.

The brand added a steering wheel lock to its official accessories catalogue in January 2026, initially priced at $200 – subsequently increased to $210 – which it says is “constructed from automotive-grade steel for strength and durability”.

The company also said it had prioritised replacement vehicles for customers whose cars had been stolen.

The measures come amid rising vehicle thefts, particularly in Victoria, and cases involving alleged international crime syndicates using sophisticated equipment to steal cars. Toyota models have been among those most heavily targeted.

Thieves have accessed vehicles’ electronic systems to bypass their factory security measures and on-board computers. In some cases, they have also disabled vehicle tracking offered on the Prado through Toyota Connected Services.

The automaker has called for advanced tools with the sole purpose of stealing cars to be outlawed.

“Toyota Australia continues to promote the banning of devices used to facilitate vehicle theft,” the company said.

“In addition, Toyota supports the regulation of legitimate devices used by locksmiths, mechanics and other automotive professionals.”

In December 2025, the Queensland Police Service disrupted an alleged international crime syndicate following a spate of Toyota thefts in Brisbane’s suburbs.

The same alleged syndicate was believed to have moved to Queensland after carrying out a series of Toyota thefts in Victoria.

Motor-theft insurance claims rose nationally by 2.5 per cent in 2025 but would have fallen by 10 per cent without Victoria’s result, according to Insurance Statistics Australia data cited by the Insurance Council of Australia.

Victoria recorded a 25 per cent increase to more than 12,500 motor-theft claims in 2025, while incurred costs rose by 37 per cent to $243 million.

That was more than the combined cost recorded in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia included in the analysis.

Popular Toyota models including the HiLux, Corolla, RAV4 and LandCruiser were among Victoria’s most frequently stolen vehicles in 2025, alongside models such as the Holden Commodore and Subaru Impreza.

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