Comparison: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 and 150

Used car prices are becoming affordable: The Land Cruiser 120 Prado

Speaking of Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado 120, it is best known as the model that spurred the middle-class SUV’s upscale route. It changed the Land Cruiser’s focus from the previous Land Cruiser 90 Prado, which was more cross-country oriented, towards a more upscale interior and quiet ride comparable to the luxury cars of its time. Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, also launched a model called LX470 based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120, making it a model that was very successful not only in Japan but also overseas.

The engine lineup and body types were abundant, and two types of bodies were available: long (5-door) and short (3-door). There were three types of engines to choose from: 1KD-FTV with a 3000cc common rail direct injection turbo, 5VZ-FE with a V6 3400cc gasoline engine, and 3RZ-FE with a 2700cc inline 4 gasoline engine. (In some overseas markets, the V6 4000cc 1GR-FE and the V8 4700cc 2UZ-FE are also installed.) The model lineup meets a variety of needs, with European styling, interior texture, and quiet performance; it is an attractive SUV with a large number of available used vehicles today. It’s already been 10 years since the end of production, (as of 2018), but the price of the 120 Prado, which is still in use, has stabilized, and it is gradually gaining popularity at Flex Land Cruiser dealers. We are getting more and more questions from our customers, “What is the difference between the Land Cruiser Prado 150 and the Land Cruiser Prado 150?”

Choose between the 120 Prado long (5 doors) and the short (3 doors)

The interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 has a more rounded design than the Land Cruiser Prado 150

Although the Land Cruiser Prado 150 did not offer the short (3-door) body, the Land Cruiser Prado 70 and Land Cruiser Prado 120 did, where it was a big hit.

The overall width is the same as the long body, but the 3-door short is 375mm/14.76 inches shorter than the 5-door long, and the minimum turning radius is 0.6m/24 inches shorter, making it an extremely easy-to-handle body size.

It goes without saying that it is easy to maneuver around town and in parking lots, but the short body also works well in off-road scenes. It is good at slipping through thick trees, but the short body has a deeper ramp breakover angle (the angle from the bottom edge of the front and rear tires to the bottom center of the body), so it is easier to run under because of the probability of hitting is reduced.

Regarding the long (5-door) body, the overall length and width are smaller than the Land Cruiser Prado 150 making it a smaller and an easier to handle body size (the overall height of the Land Cruiser Prado 150 is lower).

Here is a body size table for comparison:

*Body size is a typical final model (excluding optional equipment, etc.)
*Vehicle weight does not include optional equipment

Difference between the 120 Prado and the 150 Prado interior

The interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 is luxurious with its genuine leather seats and beige interior

The interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 has a significantly improved texture compared to the Land Cruiser Prado 90 that lets the world know the 120 is more luxury-minded. The design is very similar to the interior of the Celsior, Toyota’s top-class sedan at the time. It has a curved dashboard with the instrument display embedded in the upper center, each part is colored, and the wood grain panels remind us of a luxury car interior. Genuine leather seats were an option with the beige interior.

At the time, SUVs had a somewhat unrefined image, so it was difficult to entice the luxury crowd. However, the deluxe interior design of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 appealed to users who wanted a luxury car, which made it able to capture a larger user base.

The interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 150 is characterized by a design that uses many straight lines and large dials, giving it a stylish impression rather than elegant. It goes without saying that the interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 150 is sophisticated, but the interior of the 120 Prado still feels well-appointed enough even after 10 years.

By the way, the interior of the 120 Prado, which is taller than the Land Cruiser Prado 150, has a slightly higher interior height, so you can feel the roominess of the cabin.

Please refer to the following table for the interior size of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the interior size of the Land Cruiser Prado 150.

The 120 Prado boasts high performance comparable to the latest model 150 Prado

Drive systems of both vehicles with active TRC and Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) generate powerful traction

The Land Cruiser Prado 120 and Land Cruiser Prado 150 incorporate various technologies to improve off-road performance. First, let me explain the equipment on both cars. The center differential uses a Torsen type LSD with little idling and is also equipped with a center differential lock. The premium model Land Cruiser Prado 120 adopted an electronically controlled air suspension for the rear, as well as active TRC and +VSC. In addition, the 120 Prado is equipped with a 2-speed sub-transfer in all models, and the body is lighter than the Land Cruiser Prado 150, so it may exceed the Land Cruiser Prado 150 in climbing performance at extremely low speeds and rough road performance.

The drivetrain of the Land Cruiser Prado 150 is a mass of electronic control technology inherited from the Land Cruiser 200. KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) is a function that maintains the optimum vehicle posture by controlling the effectiveness of the front and rear stabilizers according to the road surface conditions. Crawl Control is a system that automatically controls engine output and braking effectiveness to optimize traction (the force with which the tires grip the road surface) when driving at low speeds.

Multi-Terrain Select is a function that automatically switches between 5 modes according to the road surface conditions and automatically changes to the optimum driving condition. Comparing these features, the Land Cruiser Prado 120 equipped with a sub-transfer will tend to run at low speeds, while the Land Cruiser Prado 150 will have better performance on rough roads at high speeds. It can be stated that both Prados have more functions than are necessary for use in Japan.

The timeless appeal of the 120 Prado vs. the technological fortress of the 150 Prado

Both the affordable Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the current Land Cruiser Prado 150 are built to last

So far, we have compared the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the Land Cruiser Prado 150, but I think you can see that both are cars that attract different drivers. The driving performance and equipment for comfort are almost the same, so which one you choose may be a matter of your styling preference. Land Cruisers can be a little pricy, but they hold their value better than passenger cars.

You don’t really feel the difference in performance between the two cars as you drive, so while the Land Cruiser Prado 120 has been discontinued for 10 years, the price is very affordable. Even if you compare the highest model Land Cruiser Prado 120 and Land Cruiser Prado 150, there may be a difference of about 1 million yen/$7,167.43 to 3 million yen/$21,502.29, so choose which fits your budget.

What is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 known for?

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 is best known as the model that spurred the middle-class SUV’s upscale route. The model was so successful that Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, launched the LX470 based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120.

What body types are available for the Land Cruiser Prado 120?

The Land Cruiser Prado 120 is available in two body types: long (5-door) and short (3-door).

What is the difference between the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the Land Cruiser Prado 150?

The Land Cruiser Prado 120 has a more rounded interior design, and it offers both short (3-door) and long (5-door) bodies. The Land Cruiser Prado 150 did not offer a short body and is characterized by an interior design with many straight lines and large dials. The 120 Prado also has a slightly higher interior height than the 150, providing more cabin roominess.

Which is easier to handle between the short (3-door) and long (5-door) bodies of the Land Cruiser Prado 120?

The 3-door short body of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 is 375 mm/14.76 inches shorter than the 5-door long. It has a smaller minimum turning radius making it extremely easy to handle, especially in city conditions and parking lots. It’s also more suitable for off-road scenes due to its deeper ramp breakover angle.

How does the interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 compare to the Prado 90 and Prado 150?

The interior of the Land Cruiser Prado 120 has a significantly improved texture compared to the Land Cruiser Prado 90, leaning more towards luxury. The 120’s interior includes genuine leather seat options and a beige color scheme. In comparison, the Land Cruiser Prado 150 has a design with many straight lines, giving it a more stylish rather than elegant impression.

How does the performance of the 120 Prado compare to the 150 Prado?

Both the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and 150 incorporate various technologies to improve off-road performance. The 120 Prado is equipped with a 2-speed sub-transfer and is lighter than the 150, potentially providing better climbing performance at low speeds. The Land Cruiser Prado 150 incorporates electronic control technology from the Land Cruiser 200 and might perform better on high-speed rough roads.

Which Land Cruiser Prado model offers better value for money?

Both the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the Land Cruiser Prado 150 have their unique appeals. While performance differences are minimal when driving, the 120 Prado, discontinued for 10 years, is more affordable. Depending on the specific model, the price difference between the 120 and 150 can range from about 1 million yen/$7,167.43 to 3 million yen/$21,502.29. The choice ultimately depends on individual budgets and preferences

What are the different Prado models?

The Land Cruiser Prado 120

• 3-Door: RX, RZ
• 5-Door: TX, TX Limited, TZ, TZ G-Select

The Land Cruiser Prado 150:

• 3 Door: SR, ZR
• 5-Door: GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu – In 2012, the Altitude was introduced

What year is 120 series Prado and 150 series Prado?

• The Land Cruiser Prado 120: 2002-2009
• The Land Cruiser Prado 150: 2009-Present Day

Are Prado 120 and 150 full-time 4WD?

Both the Prado 120 and 150 are full-time 4WD.

Can I get the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the Land Cruiser Prado Prado 150 in the U.S.?

Both the Land Cruiser Prado 120 and the Land Cruiser Prado Prado 150 are not sold in the U.S. market. However, there are some other alternatives to it.

Buy a Land Cruiser 250

Waiting for the Land Cruiser 250 is one option. However, given the anticipated lengthy wait time or the possibility of being unable to secure one due to limited production, you might want to consider the Lexus GX 460 for a combination of luxury and overlanding capabilities.

Photo by TOYOTA

Buy a Lexus GX

The Lexus GX is available in greater numbers since it was designed for the U.S. market, but if you’re looking for more of a retro look, as promised in the LC250, you may want to take a different approach to buying your Land Cruiser. You can always buy an older model Land Cruiser and have it retrofitted to get the look you want while equipping it with the latest technology and upgrades available on the market. FLEX Automotive can do that for you.

Import a Land Cruiser Prado

FLEX Automotive is the leading Land Cruiser dealership from Japan, located in San Diego, CA. You have access to JDM models like The Land Cruiser Prado either in their inventory or to import from our dealerships in Japan.