Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Land Cruiser II/Bundera

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (

as a "light-duty" variation in the range.

The Prado may also be referred to as Land Cruiser LC70, LC90, LC120, LC150 and LC250 depending on the platform. In some markets, it is known simply as the Toyota Prado or the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Up until the J150 model, the Prado was not part of the Land Cruiser range in North America; the rebadged Lexus GX occupied the Prado's position in luxury trim. The Prado was then introduced there in 2023 and marketed simply as the "Land Cruiser".

The Prado has a

.

As of 2023, the Prado is available in every Toyota market except in Mexico, South Korea and some Southeast Asian and South American markets (where the Hilux-based Fortuner/SW4 is offered instead). Many markets that did not receive the Prado instead substituted its market segment with the 4Runner, which shared many of the same components.

Etymology

The name "Prado" means meadow or field in Spanish and Portuguese.^[1]

Predecessor (J70; 1984)

J70
EFI) Diesel: 2.4 L 2L I4 2.4 L 2L-T I4-T
Transmission	5-speed manual

First developed as the light-duty vehicle of the 70 Series in November 1984 and available only in short body layouts with options for soft top or hard top (metal top), names like Land Cruiser II, Land Cruiser, and Bundera were made for these "light duty" Land Cruisers. The Bundera was a short wheelbase—being 2,310 mm (90.9 in)—with two doors, a plastic top, and barn doors at the rear. There were four options for the engine, the 2.4 L (2,366 cc) 22R (carbureted) and 22R-E (EFI) petrol engines and the 2.4 L (2,446 cc) 2L and 2L-T diesel and turbocharged diesel engines. The transmission for the petrol engines is the G52 type while the diesels used the R150 and R151 types. These were the same engines and transmissions used in the 4Runner, in cooperation with Hino.

First generation (J70; 1990)

First generation
Kerb weight		1,890 kg (4,167 lb) (2L-TE)

In April 1990, a new type, the Prado, was introduced, with a redesigned front grille, front fenders, engine hood, and head lamps. At the same time, names like Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser II were still used in other parts of the world besides Japan. Despite a body-on-frame design making it highly capable off-road, the vehicle was marketed toward on-road use, unlike the RJ70 and RJ73 (2 doors, 22RE EFI), which are popular in off-roading with a decent power-to-weight ratio and are available in Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. The underpowered RJ77 (4 doors with the 22R carbureted engine) was only available in some Middle Eastern countries.

In Japan, it came with

and a four speed automatic transmission. The 2.4 L turbocharged diesel engine with 71 kW (97 PS; 95 hp) and 240 N⋅m (177 lbf⋅ft) high torque unit was installed. The lineup included 2-door and 4-door versions available in SX, LX or EX (4-door only) grades of trim.

The front suspension was changed to a "shock absorber through spring" design to improve handling. With the touch of a button you could switch between absorber stages. The

and soot. The dashboard was replaced with a new design with minor changes to suspension, brakes and trim details.

Second generation (J90; 1996)

Motor vehicle

Second generation
Kerb weight		5-door: 1,890–1,960 kg (4,170–4,320 lb)[3] 3-door: 1,740 kg (3,840 lb)[3]

In May 1996, the J70 series underwent a makeover and emerged as the J90-series Prado, an independent series. The body was lengthened. The design remained medium duty, like the J70. The front suspension was replaced with an independent design, shared with the

and five-door long wheelbase version.

In Japan, the 3-door series started with an R in the series ranging from RZ, RX, RS to RJ while the 5-door line-up started with T in the series ranging from TZ, TX, TS, to TJ. All models came with front double wishbone and 4 linked suspension as well as full-time 4WD. ABS and a Field Monitor showing an altimeter, a thermometer and pressure were standard in all the models. The field monitor was not available as standard equipment in South Africa. Television display and audio set was optional.

Petrol engines included the 2.7 L (2,693 cc) 3RZ-FE and, new in Prado models, the 3.4 L (3,378 cc)

5VZ-FE. Diesel engines included the 2.8 L (2,776 cc) 3L engine, the 3.0 L (2,986 cc) 5L engine and the 3.0 L (2,982 cc) 1KZ-TE.

There was also a luxury version of the J90, called the Challenger.^{[citation needed]} Features of the Challenger are standard leather seats and wood on the dash.

By June 1999, minor changes were made. In order to follow new laws, fog-lamps were added to the bumper, except in South Africa. To reduce theft, an engine immobilizer was available. The TX Limited with 8 seats used in the TX base with a roof rail, rear under mirror, wood panel finish, armrest, optitron meter, base cooling as well as rear heater was introduced into this series.

In July 2000, Toyota introduced the 1KD-FTV 3.0 turbo-diesel with

technology to replace the 1KZ-TE in Japan.

The Prado was assembled by Sofasa in Colombia from 1999 until 2009 without significant changes. There were two versions, a 3-door version with a 2.7 L engine and a 5-door version with a 3.4 L V6 engine and either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.^{[citation needed]} Between 2005 and 2009 they offered an optional armoured version of the 5-door Prado.^{[citation needed]}

When the Prado was launched in the UK in 1996, it was called the Land Cruiser Colorado and replaced the 4Runner, which had been discontinued from sale. It was called this to distinguish it from the larger Land Cruiser – renamed as the Land Cruiser Amazon – which was already on sale. The Colorado name tag was dropped in 2003, when it was renamed simply as Land Cruiser. In the Republic of Ireland most Land Cruisers were sold as commercial vehicles with the rear side windows and seats removed for tax reasons.

Gallery

Pre-facelift

• 
  Prado 3-door 2.7 RX Type S (RZJ90W, Japan)
• 
  Prado 3-door 2.7 RX Type S (RZJ90W, Japan)
• 
  1996 Prado 5-door (Japan)
• 
  1998 Prado VX Grande (VZJ95, Australia)

Facelift

• 
  Prado 3-door 3.4DT RZ (VZJ90W, Japan)
• 
  2002 Prado GXL (VZJ95, Australia)

Third generation (J120; 2002)

Third generation
Toyota 4Runner (N210) Toyota FJ Cruiser
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 2.7 L 3RZ-FE I4 2.7 L 2TR-FE I4 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 Diesel: 3.0 L 5L-E I4 3.0 L 1KZ-TE I4-T 3.0 L 1KD-FTV I4-T
Transmission	4/5-speed automatic 5/6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,450 mm (96.5 in) (3-door) 2,790 mm (109.8 in) (5-door)
Length	4,810 mm (189.4 in)

Appearing in 2002, the third generation Prado has revised front suspension to improve reliability. Development began in 1997 and design work in 1998, with the proposal originating from Lance Scott of the

design studio in France in late 1999.

Engines include the 2.7 L (2,693 cc)

V6) is available. The engine immobilizer became standard equipment in some markets.

In August 2004, the

.

Diesel models have had the

Euro IV

emission standards. This engine delivers 127 kW (173 PS; 170 hp) of power and 410 N⋅m (302 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The upgrade to the D-4D engine was also matched with transmission upgrades to the diesel range, with the 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions added in line with the petrol powered range. From August 2007 the Prado received several equipment and safety upgrades. The car has won 3 awards for the best performance from an SUV-type vehicle in Australia and the US.

The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado shares the same suspension parts as the Hilux Surf/4Runner and FJ Cruiser from the same years.

There is a shorter three-door version of the 120-series, with a 125-code instead of 120. Engines and most features are the same; just the 1KZ-TE was only available in the five-door version. The three-door model features only two seat rows. The fuel tank is limited to 87 L, with no sub-fuel-tank system available.

In 2007 on Japanese models only,

service, was offered as an option.

The Japanese market Prado consisted of 6 trim levels known as RX, RZ, TX, TX Limited, TZ and TZ 'G Selection'. The highest specification model known as TZ 'G Selection' consisted of features like front driver and passenger heated seats, heated exterior mirrors, adjustable air suspension, hill start assist control downhill assist control, central differential lock and sometimes engine auto heating.

Gallery

• 
  Prado 3-door (Japan)
• 
  Prado Grande 5-door (Australia)
• 
  Prado (Europe)
• 
  Interior
• 
  4.0 litre V6 engine in a Third Generation Toyota Prado

Fourth generation (J150; 2009)

Fourth generation
Curb weight		2,230–2,455 kg (4,916–5,412 lb)

The fourth generation has been available in some markets since October 2009. There are two base variants, five-door and three-door. The five-door variant in the general market is offered in TXL & VXL grades – which are much more option-packed. This generation of Prado features advanced 4WD and an array of electronic gadgets. This generation of the Prado is offered in the US badged as the 2010 model year Lexus GX 460 with luxury trim.

Depending on the market, the fourth generation is available with an under-floor mounted or rear door mounted spare wheel. For example, UK vehicles have the spare wheel mounted under the floor, while in Australia and Argentina the spare wheel is mounted on the rear door, leaving space for an auxiliary fuel tank, which is desirable in countries where long journeys in isolated areas may be required. The fuel capacity of the dual tank series four is 150 L (33.0 imp gal; 39.6 US gal) (87 L [19.1 imp gal; 23.0 US gal] in the main tank, 63 L [13.9 imp gal; 16.6 US gal] in the auxiliary tank) compared to 179 L (39.4 imp gal; 47.3 US gal) of the series three.

The removable third-row three-seaters of the J120 were replaced by fold-into-floor seats which seat only two people – which is also responsible for a loss of cargo capacity, the reduction in dual fuel capacity and usable height in the cargo compartment.

On the higher end Kakadu and three-door ZR models, there are six camera positions enabling viewing to the front and down, to the side both front and rear, and to the rear. The engine remained the same, although the automatic gear change points were altered for maximum fuel economy rather than maximum performance, even in Sports mode.

In June 2015, Toyota improved the petrol engine with

AC60F automatic transmission.

The second facelift was launched in Japan, Europe, Turkey and Australasia on 12 September 2017.[12]

Japan

In Japan, the 1GR-FE engine and TZ trim was available from 2009 until June 2015.

From June 2015 onward, the following engines and trim levels available are: ^[13]

Engine	Trim
2.7 L 2TR-FE 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp), 246 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)	TX L Package
	TX
	TX 5 seat
2.8 L 1GD-FTV 130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp), 450 N⋅m (332 lbf⋅ft)	TZ-G
	TX L Package
2.8 L 1GD-FTV (2020-) 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp), 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft)[14]	TZ-G
	TX L Package

The monthly sales target for Japan is 1,000 units.^[15]

Australia

The fourth generation Prado was released in Australia on 16 November 2009. Five-door models include the GX, GXL, VX and the high-end Kakadu. The Altitude model, introduced in 2012, is priced between the GXL and VX. The Prado Altitude has satellite navigation, two-way moon roof, leather accented trim and 7" Fujitsu-Ten touch-screen/multimedia center.^[16] Three-door shorter wheelbase models include the SX and ZR.^[17]

A facelift went on sale in October 2013, with more standard equipment, new front panels and new headlights. Higher specification models received LED headlights and suspension improvements.^[18] The three door Prado was dropped at this time due to poor sales.

Unlike in Japan, Toyota Australia retained the 4.0L V6 power unit. All GXL models received a seven-inch sat-nav as standard.^{[citation needed]}

In August 2014, a new tailgate without the spare tyre became available as an option for the first time in Australia.^[19]

As of December 2020^[update], all Prado models are offered with an automatic transmission only. They are also only available with a 2.8L turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine.^{[citation needed]}

For 2021^{[clarification needed]} the Prado gets the upgraded diesel engine first seen in the updated Hilux. This means it now has 150 kW/500Nm.^[20]

Europe

In the United Kingdom, the J150 Prado is designated as the Land Cruiser LC3, LC4 and LC5, depending on the equipment levels. In some markets, commercial van variants, based on the short-wheelbase chassis are available.

China

The 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 was standard paired to a five-speed automatic gearbox. On 24 September 2015, the fourth generation mid-life facelift received a new 3.5-litre V6, the 7GR-FKS to replace the previous 4.0-litre V6. While the engine capacity is lower when compared to the 4.0-litre, the power output remains the same at 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) and 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) of torque. It uses less fuel and it is the only country in the world to offer the Prado with 3.5-litre V6 (model GRJ152L) to the consumer alongside the 2.7-litre inline-four petrol (model TRJ152L).^[21] Meanwhile, the 2.7-litre engine version (model TRJ152L), introduced in October 2013, got a revised 2TR-FE engine with dual VVT-i, and the four-speed automatic was replaced with the previous six-speed Aisin AC60F; the 3.5-litre V6 version also got the new transmission.

Gallery

Pre-facelift

• 
  2009 Prado SX 3-door (KDJ155, Australia)
• 
  Prado VX 5-door (KDJ150, Australia)
• 
  Land Cruiser Life (KDJ150, Germany)
• 
  Land Cruiser Life (KDJ150, Germany)

First facelift

• 
  2015 Prado GXL (KDJ150, Australia)
• 
  2015 Prado GXL (KDJ150, Australia)
• 
  2015 Land Cruiser Icon (KDJ150, UK)
• 
  2015 Land Cruiser Icon (KDJ150, UK)
• 
  Interior

Second facelift

• 
  2019 Prado TXL 3-door (TRJ152, Chile)
• 
  2020 Land Cruiser Invincible (GDJ150, UK)
• 
  2018 Prado GXL (GDJ150, Australia)
• 
  2017 Prado TZ-G (GDJ150, Japan)
• 
  Interior

Fifth generation (J250; 2023)

Fifth generation
Toyota Land Cruiser (J200) (North America)

The J250 series Land Cruiser Prado was revealed on 2 August 2023. It will be marketed as the Land Cruiser 250 in Japan and simply the Land Cruiser in North America and some European countries. Some other markets such as Australia, China and other European countries will retain the Land Cruiser Prado nameplate.^[24][25][26] The 3-door model is no longer offered for this generation.

The design and engineering direction had shifted compared to the previous generation, now focusing on "practicality, durability and dependability" with the basic approach outlined by previous Toyota CEO

The vehicle is based on the body-on-frame

All models are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a centre

• 
  2023 Land Cruiser Prado (Europe)
• 
  Rear view

Markets

Japan

The Land Cruiser Prado is renamed to the Land Cruiser 250 for this generation in Japan. It will be sold alongside the J300 series Land Cruiser and heavy-duty J70 series Land Cruiser that will go on sale in late 2023 after years of absence.^[24]

North America

In North America, the J250 series Land Cruiser replaces the

The range includes three trim levels consisting of the base Land Cruiser 1958, mid-level Land Cruiser model, and the Land Cruiser First Edition limited to 5,000 units during the first year of production.[36] The 1958 has round headlights, extended unpainted plastic body panels, and cloth seats. The Land Cruiser has rectangular headlights and painted body panels, heated and ventilated front seats, an available console cool box, a 2,400-watt inverter, colour-selectable fog lights by RIGID, wider tyres, and a locking rear differential and stabilizer disconnect mechanism. The First Edition adds a roof rack, rock rails and a front skid plate, while keeping the 1958's round headlights.^[37][38]

The only engine option available is a hybrid powertrain (marketed as "i-Force Max"), featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre T24A-FTS four-cylinder petrol engine. Towing capacity is rated at 6,000 lb (2,722 kg).^[39][27]

Europe

In most European markets, the J250 series Land Cruiser is marketed simply as the Land Cruiser. In European countries where the Land Cruiser 300 is available, the J250 series Land Cruiser adopts the Prado moniker.^[40] It is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine carried over from the previous generation.^[28]

Australia

The Australian market J250 series Land Cruiser will continue to be marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado, with local introduction scheduled in mid-2024.^[26][41]

Powertrain

Five powertrain types were announced, including one petrol hybrid and one diesel mild hybrid marketed by Toyota as a "48V system". All engines are exclusively four-cylinder.^[24]

Type	Engine code	Displacement	Power	Torque	Combined system output	Battery	Transmission	Model code	Layout	Markets
Petrol	T24A-FTS	2,393 cc (2.4 L) I4 turbocharged	206 kW (276 hp; 280 PS)	430 N⋅m (43.8 kg⋅m; 317 lb⋅ft)	-	-	8-speed "Direct Shift" automatic	TJA250[citation needed]	4WD	Middle East, Eastern Europe and others
Petrol hybrid	T24A-FTS	2,393 cc (2.4 L) I4 turbocharged	Engine: to be announced Front motor: to be announced	Engine: to be announced Front motor: to be announced	243 kW (326 hp; 330 PS) / 630 N⋅m (64.2 kg⋅m; 465 lb⋅ft)	1.87  Ah, 288 V NiMH	8-speed "Direct Shift" automatic	TJH250[42]		North America and China
Petrol	2TR-FE	2,693 cc (2.7 L) I4	120 kW (161 hp; 163 PS)	246 N⋅m (25.1 kg⋅m; 181 lb⋅ft)	-	-	6-speed automatic	TRJ250[43]		Eastern Europe, Japan and others
Diesel	1GD-FTV	2,755 cc (2.8 L) I4 turbocharged	150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)	500 N⋅m (51.0 kg⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft)	-	-	6-speed automatic	GDJ250[43]		Europe, Japan, Middle East and others
							8-speed "Direct Shift" automatic
Diesel mild hybrid	1GD-FTV	2,755 cc (2.8 L) I4 turbocharged	150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)	500 N⋅m (51.0 kg⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft)	-	To be announced	8-speed "Direct Shift" automatic	GDJ250[citation needed]		Australia, Western Europe

Sales

Year	Japan[44]	Australia	Europe[45]
1999			28,238
2000			20,657
2001	14,696		21,115
2002	15,135		17,186
2003	17,881		33,435
2004	12,918		35,370
2005	13,586		36,302
2006	12,051		28,381
2007	11,820		26,670
2008	8,830		18,852
2009	6,601		8,362
2010	6,610		12,334
2011	9,273		10,996
2012	11,430	17,045[46]	9,172
2013	9,600	14,568[46]	5,444
2014	15,950	16,112[47]	6,258
2015	19,770	15,255[48]	6,052
2016	17,310	14,730[49]	6,286
2017	18,360	15,982[50]	5,237
2018	25,830	18,553[51]	6,977
2019	25,830	18,335[52]	6,359
2020	24,370	18,034[53]	4,489
2021	30,990	21,299[54]	4,458
2022	31,050	21,102[55]

References

External links

• Official website (Australia)