Likes
- Superb off-road ability
- Comfortable, bump-flattening ride
- Bulletproof reliability and build quality
- Spacious and comfortable interior
Used Toyota LandCruiser Prado (J150) review
2009 - 2023
Dislikes
- Noticeable body roll, especially at speed
- Using the third row seating restricts luggage space
- Tech in early models is getting old
- Interior feels dated
Stuff you should know
More spacious than a Toyota RAV4, more rugged and off-road ready than a Toyota Kluger/Highlander yet not committing to the full-fat full-size LandCruiser and price tag, the Toyota Prado nails the diet-LandCruiser form perfectly.
Initially available as a three- or five-door, four-wheel-drive wagon, (the latter available with seven seats), the Toyota Prado also offers more refined SUV driving dynamics when compared to some of its 4×4 dual-cab-ute based counterparts.
Available in primarily six trim variants, a number of special editions and with a choice of diesel or petrol power plants, manual and automatic transmissions, the 150-series received regular updates to equipment and features during its life cycle with a subtle facelift in 2013.
This 2013 update, also called the 150-Mk.II, also saw the three-door Prado discontinued while the 150-Mk.III update in 2015 introduced Toyota’s 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. The 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol engine was also revised along with a new six-speed AC60F automatic transmission.
Styling and equipment was again updated in 2018 for the 150-Mk.IV while the petrol engines were discontinued, leaving all Prados to be powered by the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine.
2020/2021 saw more equipment updates, an increase in power and torque as well as subtle cosmetic changes.
While the Prado may be regarded as a potential zombie apocalypse vehicle and is even used by the United Nations in some of the world’s least desirable locations, do we recommend actually buying one? Read on.
What goes wrong
Honestly, not a whole lot.
There can be issues with the electronically-modulated, kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) which can cost thousands to repair, however, we wouldn’t regard that as a common problem. If the Prado you’re looking at is leaning to one side, avoid it.
Very few issues with the Prado can be classified as common and any problems are generally the result of abuse or a lack of maintenance
Be sure to check the service history and inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of abuse or damage
Honestly, not a whole lot.
There can be issues with the electronically-modulated, kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) which can cost thousands to repair, however, we wouldn’t regard that as a common problem. If the Prado you’re looking at is leaning to one side, avoid it.
Very few issues with the Prado can be classified as common and any problems are generally the result of abuse or a lack of maintenance
Be sure to check the service history and inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of abuse or damage
Honestly, not a whole lot.
There can be issues with the electronically-modulated, kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) which can cost thousands to repair, however, we wouldn’t regard that as a common problem. If the Prado you’re looking at is leaning to one side, avoid it.
Very few issues with the Prado can be classified as common and any problems are generally the result of abuse or a lack of maintenance
Be sure to check the service history and inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of abuse or damage
Should you buy it?
While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.
The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado retains value incredibly well and with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, should outlast humanity.
Yes, you should buy a Prado.
The sweet spot of the range is a post-2015 GXL. Find one loaded with quality aftermarket accessories with relatively low kilometres and a perfect service history and in excellent condition however, all Prados are highly recommended.
Overall, our tip is to work out your strict budget, define exactly what you’re going to be doing with your Prado and what level of luxury and equipment you absolutely need, then find the Prado that fits those requirements in a colour you like.
While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.
The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado retains value incredibly well and with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, should outlast humanity.
Yes, you should buy a Prado.
The sweet spot of the range is a post-2015 GXL. Find one loaded with quality aftermarket accessories with relatively low kilometres and a perfect service history and in excellent condition however, all Prados are highly recommended.
Overall, our tip is to work out your strict budget, define exactly what you’re going to be doing with your Prado and what level of luxury and equipment you absolutely need, then find the Prado that fits those requirements in a colour you like.
Should you buy it?
While the Toyota LandCruiser Prado might lack the class, image and sophistication of some of its European rivals, there’s no denying its incredible reputation for robust reliability and its ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere.
The price of admission may seem steep but the Prado retains value incredibly well and with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, should outlast humanity.
Yes, you should buy a Prado.
The sweet spot of the range is a post-2015 GXL. Find one loaded with quality aftermarket accessories with relatively low kilometres and a perfect service history and in excellent condition however, all Prados are highly recommended.
Overall, our tip is to work out your strict budget, define exactly what you’re going to be doing with your Prado and what level of luxury and equipment you absolutely need, then find the Prado that fits those requirements in a colour you like.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 3 door Wagon
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 127kW / 410Nm (SX 2009 – 2013, ZR 2009 – 2013, GX 2009 – 2015, GXL 2009 – 2015, VX 2009 – 2015, Kakadu 2009 – 2015, Altitude 2012 – 2015)
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 202kW / 381Nm (GXL 2009 – 2015, VX 2009 – 2015, Kakadu 2009 – 2015, Altitude 2012)
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 207kW / 381Nm (GXL 2015 – 2017, VX 2015 – 2017, Kakadu 2015 – 2017)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW / 420Nm (GX 2015 – 2020, GXL 2015 – 2020)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW / 450Nm (GX 2015 – 2020, GXL 2015 – 2020, VX 2015 – 2020, Kakadu 2015 – 2020, Altitude 2017, Kakadu Horizon 2020)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 150kW / 500Nm (GX 2020 – 2022, GXL 2020 – 2022, VX 2020 – 2022, Kakadu 2020 – 2022)
Transmission
- 5-speed Sports Automatic (SX, ZR, GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 6-speed Manual (GXL, GX)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude, Kakadu Horizon)
Fuel Consumption
- 7.1 – 10.3 / 100km (SX, ZR)
- 7.0 – 9.6 / 100km (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX)
- 7.0 – 9.7 / 100km (Altitude)
- 7.0 – 9.8 / 100km (Kakadu Horizon)
Length
- 4485mm (3 door Wagon)
- 4760mm – 4995mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1885mm (All Models)
Height
- 1880mm (3 door Wagon)
- 1845mm – 1890mm (5 door Wagon)
Body Styles
- 3 door Wagon
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 127kW / 410Nm (SX 2009 – 2013, ZR 2009 – 2013, GX 2009 – 2015, GXL 2009 – 2015, VX 2009 – 2015, Kakadu 2009 – 2015, Altitude 2012 – 2015)
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 202kW / 381Nm (GXL 2009 – 2015, VX 2009 – 2015, Kakadu 2009 – 2015, Altitude 2012)
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 207kW / 381Nm (GXL 2015 – 2017, VX 2015 – 2017, Kakadu 2015 – 2017)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW / 420Nm (GX 2015 – 2020, GXL 2015 – 2020)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW / 450Nm (GX 2015 – 2020, GXL 2015 – 2020, VX 2015 – 2020, Kakadu 2015 – 2020, Altitude 2017, Kakadu Horizon 2020)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 150kW / 500Nm (GX 2020 – 2022, GXL 2020 – 2022, VX 2020 – 2022, Kakadu 2020 – 2022)
Transmission
- 5-speed Sports Automatic (SX, ZR, GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 6-speed Manual (GXL, GX)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude, Kakadu Horizon)
Fuel Consumption
- 7.1 – 10.3 / 100km (SX, ZR)
- 7.0 – 9.6 / 100km (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX)
- 7.0 – 9.7 / 100km (Altitude)
- 7.0 – 9.8 / 100km (Kakadu Horizon)
Length
- 4485mm (3 door Wagon)
- 4760mm – 4995mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1885mm (All Models)
Height
- 1880mm (3 door Wagon)
- 1845mm – 1890mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
- 2455mm (3 door Wagon)
- 2790mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
- 2095kg – 2145kg (3 door Wagon)
- 2455kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 3000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (SX, ZR)
- 5 stars, tested 2010 (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 5 stars, tested 2009 (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 5 stars, tested 2011 (GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu, Kakadu Horizon)
Body Styles
- 3 door Wagon
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 127kW / 410Nm (SX 2009 – 2013, ZR 2009 – 2013, GX 2009 – 2015, GXL 2009 – 2015, VX 2009 – 2015, Kakadu 2009 – 2015, Altitude 2012 – 2015)
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 202kW / 381Nm (GXL 2009 – 2015, VX 2009 – 2015, Kakadu 2009 – 2015, Altitude 2012)
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 207kW / 381Nm (GXL 2015 – 2017, VX 2015 – 2017, Kakadu 2015 – 2017)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW / 420Nm (GX 2015 – 2020, GXL 2015 – 2020)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 130kW / 450Nm (GX 2015 – 2020, GXL 2015 – 2020, VX 2015 – 2020, Kakadu 2015 – 2020, Altitude 2017, Kakadu Horizon 2020)
- 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 150kW / 500Nm (GX 2020 – 2022, GXL 2020 – 2022, VX 2020 – 2022, Kakadu 2020 – 2022)
Transmission
- 5-speed Sports Automatic (SX, ZR, GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 6-speed Manual (GXL, GX)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude, Kakadu Horizon)
Fuel Consumption
- 7.1 – 10.3 / 100km (SX, ZR)
- 7.0 – 9.6 / 100km (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX)
- 7.0 – 9.7 / 100km (Altitude)
- 7.0 – 9.8 / 100km (Kakadu Horizon)
Length
- 4485mm (3 door Wagon)
- 4760mm – 4995mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1885mm (All Models)
Height
- 1880mm (3 door Wagon)
- 1845mm – 1890mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
- 2455mm (3 door Wagon)
- 2790mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
- 2095kg – 2145kg (3 door Wagon)
- 2455kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 3000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (SX, ZR)
- 5 stars, tested 2010 (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 5 stars, tested 2009 (GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 5 stars, tested 2011 (GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu, Kakadu Horizon)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km (SX, ZR, GXL, VX, Kakadu, GX, Altitude)
- 5 years / unlimited km (GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu, Kakadu Horizon)
Servicing
- 10,000 km / 6 months (All Models)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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