The Ultimate Comparison: Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Land Cruiser Prado

One thing consistent about Toyota and the Land Cruiser is no matter how many models they produce, the name game will always be on the confusing side. Is it a Land Cruiser, or a Land Cruiser Prado? Or maybe it’s a 250 Series. Technically, the difference comes from whichever market you’re at when viewing the vehicle.

Since the 1950s, the Land Cruiser has been an internationally dominant 4WD vehicle with various modifications that suit different rules for different countries. While the U.S. was shut out of the market for a long time, Australia embraced and even helped design features, like the newest 70 Series, on the Land Cruiser.

Overview of the Comparison

Land Cruiser – The full-sized Land Cruiser seats up to 8 people and has always been built for heavy-duty applications and off-roading. Today’s version barely resembles the first Land Cruiser from the 1950s, but it hasn’t lost its desire to conquer mountain tops and forge rivers. Because of its extensive history, for comparison’s sake, we’ll use the history of the station wagon body style since it corresponds with the Prado timeline.

Prado – Introduced in 1989, the light-duty mid-sized Prado was designed for families who didn’t need a robust workhorse like the Land Cruiser. Even though it’s a lighter-weight version, it can hold its own on the trails. It’s powered by a 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo diesel and equipped with off-road features like Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL Control. It seats 7 passengers and is not as luxury-minded as the Land Cruiser.

History and Concept

Land Cruiser’s history goes back to the 1950s and the need for a military-style vehicle, which became such a popular off-road vehicle, that farmers and others in the agricultural industry were buying them for fieldwork. It was rugged and economical, and it had a powerful little diesel in it that was almost indestructible. The reputation of being reliable and tough gave the Toyota BJ a solid foothold in its history that hasn’t been shaken since.

While the military may have commissioned it, the Land Cruiser went from being a farm truck to a vehicle for those with money. Toyota focused on upgrading the Land Cruiser with each model change until it was more high-end than the utilitarian vehicle that started the nameplate.

From affluent buyers who enjoyed a large luxury ride to off-road enthusiasts looking for adventure to residents of tough landscapes like Australia or the UAE, the Land Cruisers were designed to meet or exceed the expectations of their owners.

Toyota Land Cruiser

In 1989, Toyota introduced the 80 Series to replace the 60 Series from 1980, and this new model was a larger station wagon model for the Australian and North American market. It was larger than the previous station wagon and was a luxury upgrade from all other models. It was equipped with an inline-6 gas engine. 1998 saw the Land Cruiser 100 Series arrive with improved 4WD and an expanded cabin. The 200 Series in 2007 expanded the length and width and had a redesigned separate frame structure.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Prado hit the market in the 1990s as a J70, which was a derivative of the 70 Series that was available in 1985 as the Light 70 or the Wagon. The new Prado was given 5 doors and bore the looks of the wagon. A 3-door version had two rows of seats and could seat five people. In 1996, the J90 Prado kept both body styles and saw an engine upgrade. 2002 saw the introduction of the J120, which had a newly designed rigid frame for better maneuverability and a quiet ride. In 2009, the J150 arrived and offered two wheelbase sizes; one for the domestic market, and one for the international market. The J150 stayed on the market until 2023 when it was replaced by the J250 that makes up the Prado today.

Design and Exterior

Car and Driver says the newest Land Cruiser on the North American market has a comfortable and sizable cabin that makes everyone feel at home. Although the North American version only seats 5, the Japanese version has room for 7 or 8.

Toyota Land Cruiser

When the 1980 60 Series was introduced, it was classified as a van for tax purposes in Japan, and the exterior was given a facelift. The Land Cruiser kept getting bigger to compete in the international market, so the 1989 80 Series was now an 8-seater.

By the time the 100 Series rolled off the assembly line in 1998, the Land Cruiser was a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts with a little money in their pockets. The 100 Series had an improved 4WD system to go along with its luxury pedigree.

The 200 Series of 2007 was even bigger and Toyota used a separate frame structure to enhance the rigidity and add comfort to the ride, as well as house the latest safety features.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Its lightweight nature makes the Prado a perfect commuter vehicle but without losing any of its 4WD capabilities. The lighter the weight, the better it was at cornering both on the street and in the forest.

When the 70 Series was introduced in 1990, Toyota added a long-wheelbase to the 5-door model, creating a wagon-style light-duty vehicle that became the basis of the Prado 90 Series in 1996. The new 90 Series increased the body to both its long-wheelbase model and its short-wheelbase models to make travel more comfortable. The short-wheelbase was a sportier look; whereas the long-wheelbase had a more rugged appearance.

The 120 Series of 2002 was built on a rigid frame for agility, and the Torsen® LCD gave its off-road performance a needed boost.

When the 150 Series came along in 2007, the Prado was merged with the Hilux Surf since they shared the same platform. In Japan, only the long-wheel base was available while international markets were offered the short-wheel base.

The 250 Series of today is built on the GA-F platform and is ready to dominate off-road, as well as city streets.

Interior and Comfort

As mentioned above, both the Land Cruiser and the Prado were redesigned over the years to focus more on comfort as opposed to utility. Their primary buyers are no longer military personnel or farmers, but more luxury-minded suburbanites with money to spend and a longing for adventure.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Today’s Land Cruiser has moved forward again and is now celebrating its 70th anniversary with the unveiling of the new 300 Series. This version is equipped with the latest safety technology, as well as interior upgrades that focus on driver comfort and ease of use. This model is in the U.S. market under the Lexus GX brand and model names.

Toyota focused on ergonomically designing the interior with the driver in mind. The 3-position driver seat memory makes you comfortable every time you get into the cabin, and all of the controls are within easy reach.

The large instrument panel is clear and uncluttered with a horizontal panel that helps assess driving conditions quickly even in the harshest environments. It’s easy to see the speed, RPM, fuel level, water temperature, voltage, and oil pressure on needle meters. There is a single dial for the different driving modes like Drive Mode, Multi Terrain, Down Hill Assist, and Crawl Control. All of the switches are grouped by system, making it easy to operate by intuition; that keeps your eyes on the road where they belong.

The infotainment touchscreen is a tablet-sized 12.3 inches in the VX model, which is large enough to find any of your shortcuts or other apps quickly.

The technology continues in the back of the Land Cruiser. Depending on the model, other options include infotainment screens for the backseat passengers, as well as a push-button folding rear seat, which makes it fast and efficient to expand the cargo area.

From the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the carbon weave seat panels to the contrasting trim on the door panels, everything about the interior of the 300 Series exudes affluence.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Land Cruiser Prado has a thoughtfully designed interior with a focus on comfort. Depending on the model, it could be equipped with heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors, as well as premium leather trim. All models have power-adjustable front driver’s seats with lumbar support with some models having power passenger seats.

Not only is the Prado stylish, but it’s also family-friendly with a 40/20/40 rear seat that gives you room for cargo, as well as plenty of head and leg room. Even though the U.S. version only seats 5, the second seat does have reclining capabilities that make long trips more comfortable.

Body size

There are some significant body differences between the Land Cruiser and the Land Cruiser Prado. As noted, the Prado is a smaller vehicle.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

US Version

Japanese Version

Performance and Engine

Changing times have called for Toyota to deviate from their diesel engines to more ecologically friendlier forms of power like hybrids and gas engines. The different regulations between countries have kept Toyota from selling some of their most popular Land Cruisers to a North American audience, but that doesn’t mean those vehicles are sitting in a showroom somewhere. Those Land Cruisers are doing the hard work of miners, outback patrols, and emergency vehicles, and can be found in the fields across numerous nations.

Toyota Land Cruiser

In the United States, the 300 Series is billed as the Lexus GX, but it is very much available in other locations like its homeland, Japan, and on the Australian outback and the UAE as a 300 Series. The following specs are based on the Japanese version of the robustly performing heavy-body 300 Land Cruiser:

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Toyota Prado is the light-duty Land Cruiser and will be the 250 Prado in Japan and the Land Cruiser in North America for 2024.

Fuel Mileage

The Toyota Land Cruiser has not always had the best fuel economy throughout its long history. With a focus more on the off-roading capabilities, efficiency ratings have been more of an afterthought. However, with currently available technology, better engine performance, and lighter materials, the Land Cruiser is looking better when it comes to fuel efficiency – especially the new Prado with its hybrid engine configuration.

Toyota Land Cruiser

According to Toyota Motors, the fuel efficiency in the 300 Series with its 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel, gets 11.3 L/100km (20 MPG) on the highway, 7.6 L/100km (30 MPG) in the city, and a combined rating of 8.9 L/110km (26 MPG.)

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The new Land Cruiser Prado is capable of 22 MPG in the city; 25 MPG on the highway, and 23 combined MPG powered by a 2.4L turbo-4 hybrid. According to Car and Driver, the previous V8 had a combined 14 MPG.

Pricing and Value

Even though these two vehicles are Land Cruisers, the pricing is worlds apart due to the differences between the two vehicles and their features. The 300 Series is focused on the upscale adventure seeker, while the Prado is more family-friendly and at home in the suburbs.

Toyota Land Cruiser

*All prices are based on current prices in Australia as of 2024

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

*These models are in limited supply and may not be available at the time of press.

Pros and Cons

When laying out the pros and cons of the two vehicles, it’s important to remember that they are very different in size and equipment, as well as application and lifestyles.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The pros and cons of the Land Cruiser 300 Series are based on user information, complaints, comments, and opinions of owners in Australia.

Pros:

• Powerful engine
• Latest technology like wireless charging
• 3.5 tonnes of braked towing
• Top luxury reviews from sites like Whichcar.com in Australia
• 5-star safety rating from ANCAP
• Smooth ride
• Panoramic visibility
• Stiffer handling for better driving on country roads

Cons

• The cargo area is too small
• High load floor
• Panic panic-stopping distance is too long
• Hard to turn in some conditions
• Not enough rear seat legroom for passengers
• Long wait list

The long waitlist is a complaint, but it only strengthens the fact that the Land Cruiser 300 Series is sought after by off-road enthusiasts.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

As with the Land Cruiser 300 Series pros and cons, the following pros and cons for the Prado are also gleaned from online sources like reviews done by Throttle House during a San Diego showcase in January of 2023, as well as other opinions by first drivers. These reviews are about the latest U.S. Land Cruiser Prado versions: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the Land Cruiser First Edition.

Pros:

• 4WD is just as powerful as all of the other Land Cruisers
• Strong chassis with high-impact protection
• The wide track offers better handling
• The Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism improves road performance
• Top safety equipment
• Rides like the Lexus GX
• Overlanding is easy

Cons:

• The engine is not a power monster
• Does not have aggressive off-road tires
• Underwhelming acceleration
• The 1958 interior feels like cheap plastic
• The hybrid powertrain is complicated
• The forward-facing camera loses vision once you exceed slow speeds

As you can see, there are pros and cons for each model, and depending on what you’re looking for in your off-road vehicle, either one will fit your lifestyle.

Summary of Key Points

In conclusion, here is a summary of the comparison between the Land Cruiser and the Land Cruiser Prado:

Overview:

• Land Cruiser: A full-sized, heavy-duty 4WD vehicle, seating up to 8 people, renowned for its off-road capabilities and luxury features. It has evolved significantly since its introduction in the 1950s.
• Prado: A mid-sized, light-duty 4WD vehicle, seating up to 7 people in Japan and 5 people in North America, introduced in 1989. It is designed for families and is less luxurious but still capable on trails.

History and Concept:

• The Land Cruiser began in the 1950s as a military vehicle and became popular for off-road and agricultural use. Over the years, it has been upgraded to meet the needs of affluent buyers and off-road enthusiasts.
• The Prado, derived from the 70 Series, was introduced in the 1990s as a lighter, more family-friendly alternative to the Land Cruiser.

Design and Exterior:

• The Land Cruiser has grown larger and more luxurious over time, with significant upgrades in each new series.
• The Prado is lighter and more agile, designed for both urban commuting and off-road adventures.

Interior and Comfort:

• Both vehicles have shifted from utility to comfort, with features catering to luxury-minded buyers.
• The latest Land Cruiser focuses on driver comfort and advanced technology, while the Prado emphasizes practicality and family-friendly features.

Performance and Engine:

• The Land Cruiser 300 Series is powerful and robust, with various engine options and advanced 4WD systems.
• The Prado offers less power but maintains solid off-road capabilities, with a focus on fuel efficiency through hybrid technology.

Fuel Mileage:

• The Land Cruiser has improved its fuel efficiency, especially in its newer models.
• The Prado, particularly with its hybrid engine, offers better fuel economy compared to its predecessors.

Pricing and Value:

• The Land Cruiser is priced higher due to its upscale features and capabilities.
• The Prado is more affordable, targeting families and those looking for a balance between comfort and off-road capability.

Pros and Cons:

• The Land Cruiser is praised for its power, luxury, and safety but criticized for its high price and limited cargo space.
• The Prado is appreciated for its handling and safety but noted for its less powerful engine and simpler interior in some models.

Overall, the Land Cruiser is ideal for those seeking luxury and off-road prowess, while the Prado offers a more economical and family-oriented option.

Between the two vehicles and different marketplaces, there is a Land Cruiser that fits your lifestyle. As the largest Land Cruiser dealership in Japan, we are uniquely poised to help you get the Land Cruiser of your dreams. In addition to the traditional Land Cruisers, we specialize in re-inventing the Land Cruiser by combining the old with the new in our Renoca series. If you would like more information, contact us and we’ll answer all of your questions.

3 of Renoca conversions: Land Cruiser 100 series to Renoca 106, Land Cruiser 80 series to Renoca Phoenix, and Tacoma to Renoca Windansea