When it comes to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado150 , it is no surprise that this robust and reliable SUV continues to be one of the most popular vehicles among off-road enthusiasts and families looking for an all-around capable vehicle. The Prado has gone through multiple generations, with the 120 Series and 150 Series being two of the most talked-about versions. If you’re looking to purchase a Toyota Prado, understanding the differences between the Prado 150 and the Prado 120 is essential to help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we will break down the key differences between the Prado 150 and Prado 120 series in terms of performance, design, features, pricing, and more. Additionally, we’ll show you how you can easily import either of these models through CarsKenya, ensuring you get the best deal on your dream vehicle.
Overview: What is the Prado 120 Series?
The Prado 120 Series is the third generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, produced between 2002 and 2009. This version of the Prado built on the success of the earlier 90 Series while offering a more refined and capable driving experience.
The Prado 120 was offered with a range of engines, including both petrol and diesel options, along with a variety of trim levels to meet the needs of different buyers. It also marked a step forward in terms of comfort, safety features, and off-road capabilities, earning it a reputation as a versatile vehicle for both urban and off-road use.
Key Features of the Prado 120 Series:
- Engine Options: 2.7L petrol, 3.0L diesel (with the 3.0L turbocharged engine being the most popular option).
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic and manual transmission options.
- Suspension: Independent suspension for better handling and a smoother on-road driving experience.
- Seating Capacity: Seats up to seven passengers with a flexible layout.
- Off-Road Capability: Full-time 4WD and a robust frame design for enhanced off-road performance.
Overview: What is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado150 series?
The Prado 150 Series is the fourth generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, introduced in 2009 and still in production today. It brought significant improvements over the 120 Series, including updated styling, more advanced technology, better off-road features, and enhanced safety. The Prado 150 Series retains the rugged character of the Prado lineage but has refined its luxury offerings, becoming even more versatile and suited for both urban commuting and extreme off-road adventures.
The Prado 150 is available with a broader selection of engines, including newer, more efficient powertrains and improved off-road systems. Its design reflects a more modern approach to both comfort and adventure, with a higher emphasis on technology and safety features.
Key Features of the Prado 150 Series:
- Engine Options: 2.8L turbocharged diesel, 4.0L petrol V6, and more.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, improving shift quality and fuel efficiency.
- Suspension: Advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which enhances off-road handling and stability.
- Seating Capacity: Comfortably accommodates 7 passengers.
- Off-Road Features: Advanced Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a more refined 4WD system.
Key Differences Between Prado 150 and Prado 120 Series
Now that we have a general overview of both the Prado 120 and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado150 , let’s dive deeper into the differences between the two models, highlighting various aspects like performance, design, safety, technology, and off-road capability.
1. Engine and Performance
- Prado 120 Series:
- The Prado 120 Series came with a choice of 2.7L petrol or 3.0L diesel engines, with the latter being favored by many buyers for its fuel efficiency and torque.
- The 3.0L diesel engine in the 120 Series was available in a turbocharged configuration, delivering around 163 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque, which is sufficient for most off-road and urban driving needs.
- Fuel economy was reasonable, with the diesel engine offering about 8–9L/100km on average.
- Prado 150 Series:
- The Prado 150 Series comes with updated engine options, including the 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine and the 4.0L V6 petrol engine. The 2.8L diesel engine delivers 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, a significant boost over the 120 Series in terms of power and performance.
- The petrol V6 option, with 270 horsepower, offers smooth acceleration and is ideal for highway driving or towing.
- The 150 Series provides better fuel efficiency, especially with the diesel engine, offering about 7–8L/100km, thanks to the improved engine technology and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Verdict: The Prado 150 Series outperforms the 120 Series in terms of engine power, fuel efficiency, and technology.
2. Off-Road Capabilities
- Prado 120 Series:
- The 120 Series was a highly capable off-road vehicle, equipped with full-time 4WD, a locking center differential, and a robust suspension system. It was capable of tackling difficult terrains like sand, mud, and rocky paths with ease.
- While the 120 was a great off-roader, it lacked some of the modern off-road technologies found in the Prado 150.
- Prado 150 Series:
- The Prado 150 Series takes off-road performance to the next level. Equipped with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), it offers better wheel articulation and ride comfort when traversing uneven surfaces. This system helps maintain optimal stability when driving off-road, especially on challenging terrains.
- The Multi-Terrain Select system and Crawl Control allow the driver to choose terrain modes (like Mud, Rock, or Sand) and adjust the Prado’s performance for each condition, making it a highly sophisticated off-road machine.
- The 150 also boasts a 7-speed automatic transmission that enhances off-road control and efficiency.
Verdict: The Prado 150 Series is significantly more advanced when it comes to off-road technology and capabilities.
3. Interior Design and Features
- Toyota Land cruiser Prado 120 Series:
- The interior of the Toyota Land cruiser Prado120 was comfortable but more basic compared to the newer 150 Series.
- It had a straightforward layout with leather seats and a manual climate control system. Infotainment was limited, with no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
- The 120 Series featured a solid, utilitarian interior but lacked the modern touches and luxury finishes that many buyers expect today.
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado150:
- The Prado 150 Series significantly improves on the interior, offering premium materials, a more modern dashboard design, and a host of advanced features.
- It comes with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system (depending on the trim).
- The 150 Series offers better seating comfort with available ventilated seats, multi-zone climate control, and superior legroom, particularly in the third row, making it a much more family-friendly vehicle.
Verdict: The Prado 150 Series delivers a more modern, luxurious, and feature-packed interior compared to the 120 Series.
4. Safety Features
- Prado 120 Series:
- Safety features in the 120 Series were good for its time, with dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and vehicle stability control (VSC).
- It lacked some of the more advanced safety systems found in the 150 Series, such as lane departure warnings or pre-collision systems.
- Prado 150 Series:
- The 150 Series takes safety to another level with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
- Additional safety features include automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert (on higher trims).
Verdict: The Prado 150 Series is a clear winner in terms of modern safety features, offering better protection for you and your passengers.
5. Pricing
- Prado 120 Series:
- A used Prado 120 can typically cost between $15,000 to $25,000 USD, depending on the model year, condition, mileage, and any customizations.
- Prado 150 Series:
- A used Toyota Land Cruiser Prado150 will be priced higher, with the cost ranging between $30,000 to $50,000 USD for the 2010–2018 models, depending on the trim level, mileage, and condition.
Importing the Prado 120 or 150 Through CarsKenya
If you are in Kenya and looking to import either a Toyota Land cruiser Prado 120 or Prado 150, CarsKenya can help you secure your ideal vehicle. We do specialize in vehicle imports from countries like Japan and the UAE, offering a seamless process for Kenyan buyers.
Steps to Import Through CarsKenya
- Browse Inventory: Visit CarsKenya’s website to explore available Toyota Land cruiser Prado 120 or Toyota Land cruiser Prado 150 models or contact their team to source the specific model you want.
- Request a Quote: CarsKenya will provide a detailed quote, including the vehicle cost, shipping fees, and customs duties.
- Make Payment: Once you accept the quote, you’ll make the payment to secure the vehicle, with the option to pay in installments.
- Shipping and Customs: After payment, CarsKenya will handle the shipping of your Prado from Japan or the UAE to Kenya, including all customs clearance.
- Delivery: Once cleared, your vehicle will be delivered directly to your door.
Conclusion: Which Prado Should You Choose?
Both the Prado 120 and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado150 offer great value depending on your needs. If you’re looking for an older, more affordable option that still provides solid performance and off-road capability, the Prado 120 may be the better choice. However, if you want the latest technology, advanced off-road capabilities, and superior comfort, the Prado 150 is the better investment.
No matter which Prado you choose, CarsKenya can help you import the vehicle with ease and at a competitive price.
