Overview of the Land Cruiser Prado 70
Light wagon popular with general users
In the spring of 1990, the 70 series wagon underwent a major change due to minor changes in the Land Cruiser series and was named “Prado” marking the debut of the Land Cruiser Prado.
The Land Cruiser 70 series van has a front design inherited from the Land Cruiser 40 series, but the 70 series Prado was redesigned for a completely different look than the 70 series van.
The 70 series Prado started as a light wagon, but the original powertrain and suspension were improved, so the 2-door model kept the LJ71G name.
However, the addition of an 8-passenger/4-door body style, increased power through electronic control of the engine, and automatic transmission all were considered major evolutions. In addition, after the introduction of a wide fender model (3 number car) and changes such as installing a more powerful engine, the unpopular Land Cruiser 70 series wagon gained popularity.
Land Cruiser Prado 70 engine and body variations
Engine, 3 grades
The Prado’s first engine was the 2L-TE type, which is an electronically controlled version of the conventional 2L-T type. It was a powerful 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder OHC diesel turbo with a maximum output of 97PS/95HP (NET) / maximum torque of 24.5kgm/177 lb.-ft. In addition to the conventional 5-speed manual transmission, an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission is also available. The transfer is a 2-speed with a low range as before. After that, with a minor change in May 1993, a 3-liter in-line 4-cylinder OHC diesel turbo 1KZ-TE engine was installed. Producing a maximum output of 130PS/128HP (NET) and a maximum torque of 29.5kgm/213 ft.-lb., this new engine demonstrated sufficient performance to dispel Prado’s weak reputation.
There were two body variations: a 2-door short (not called a 3-door because the rear gate opens left and right) and a 4-door semi-long (not a 5-door for the same reason).
In August 1991, a wide fender specification car with 3 number registration was added to each. At the beginning of its debut, the model variations started with 3 types, the standard LX5, the high-end SX5, and the high-end EX5. Later, a wide fender car was added to the SX/EX models, and a “limited” version was added to the 4-door wide car. Later models have more options.
Land Cruiser Prado 70 Exterior & Interior
Designed with a more domesticated front end
The design of the hood and front fenders was changed, and by adopting two square headlights, the image of the Land Cruiser 70 series van was erased to give the Prado a more passenger car appearance. The cabin and rear body have the same square design as the Land Cruiser 70 series van, so even though it is lightweight, it still maintains the image of a heavy-duty cross-country 4WD.
Although the interior was designed with passenger cars in mind, it followed the same sparse appearance as the Land Cruiser 70 series van. However, after the minor change with the introduction of the new diesel (1KZ-TE type), known as the late model, the dashboard was changed to a rounded design, and the metal instrument panel was covered, giving it a “70 series’ touch. Improvements were made to move away from the van, and Toyota promoted it as a passenger car.
General review of the Land Cruiser Prado 70
Light design but tough inside Land Cruiser
Due to these improvements and changes, the number of Prado fans, which was different from the conventional Land Cruiser 70 series fans, gradually increased, and the secondary name “Prado” became a standalone model name. The 70 series Prado is well-established as a Land Cruiser with the comfort of a passenger car, but with the traditional Land Cruiser toughness.
More details on 78 Prado
Having been one of the largest Land Cruiser dealerships in Japan, staffs at FLEX know about 78 Prado like the back of their hands. Check out this video for more details about 78 Prado!
