Part 2: Toyota Utility Model Names Explained

The HiLux has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle for years. Its name is short for “High Luxury.” While today’s HiLux is admired for its toughness, the name originally reflected the vehicle’s comfort compared to other work utes of its era.

RAV4 stands for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD.” First launched in the mid-1990s, it pioneered the compact SUV category worldwide. Today, it’s one of Toyota’s most popular hybrid models.

In Australia, Toyota sells the family-sized SUV as the Kluger. However, in the US and many other markets, the exact same car is called the Highlander. Toyota chose “Kluger,” a German word meaning “wise,” for the Australian market to avoid trademark conflicts.

Launched in 2015, the Fortuner takes its name from “fortune” and “fortitude,” designed to highlight its strength and adventurous appeal. Fun fact: the second-generation Fortuner was designed in Australia.

The Prado name has Spanish roots, meaning “meadow” or “field.” It was created to represent a smaller, more versatile LandCruiser. In Australia, it’s simply known as the Prado, while in some global markets it is marketed under the broader “Land Cruiser” bann

“LandCruiser” has always spoken for itself—a vehicle that can cruise across the toughest land. The 300 Series continues the legacy of rugged durability, taking over from the 200 Series in 2021.