20 Fun Facts About the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has established itself as one of the most respected SUVs on the market, combining rugged off-road capability with on-road comfort. Before diving into the fascinating details of this iconic vehicle, here's a summary: The Prado has evolved through multiple generations since 1990, known for its versatility, durability, and ability to conquer challenging terrain while offering luxury features.

Origins and Evolution

The Prado Name and Lineage

1. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was first introduced in 1990 as an addition to Toyota's Land Cruiser lineup, but was marketed more towards on-road purpose rather than the extreme off-road capabilities of its siblings¹.
2. Though now widely known as the Prado, this model has gone through various naming conventions worldwide. In the UK, it was initially called the "Land Cruiser Colorado" to distinguish it from the larger Land Cruiser (which was renamed the "Land Cruiser Amazon")².
3. The Prado may be referred to as Land Cruiser LC70, LC90, LC120, LC150, and LC250 depending on the platform and generation².
4. The Prado started life as a "light-duty" Land Cruiser in the 1980s and was initially called the "Bundera" in some markets before officially receiving the Prado name in the 1990s³.

Engineering Milestones

5. The Prado features a ladder frame chassis, two-speed transfer boxes, and rear beam axles, providing the foundation for its remarkable off-road capabilities².
6. The J70 platform had a front beam axle, while later platforms (J90, J120, J150 and J250) feature front independent suspension, improving on-road handling while maintaining off-road prowess².
7. The newest J250 Prado (introduced in 2023) is the first "Light Duty Series" Land Cruiser to use an electric power steering (EPS) system, improving maneuverability at low speeds and enabling lane tracing assist².
8. The fifth-generation Prado (J250) is built on the TNGA-F platform shared with the larger J300 series Land Cruiser, with a claimed 50% increase in frame rigidity and 30% increase in overall rigidity²⁴.

Performance and Capabilities

Engine and Power

9. The latest Prado features a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine that delivers 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, enhanced with a new 48-volt "battery-assist" system to improve fuel economy⁴⁵.
10. Throughout its history, the Prado has been available with a wide range of engines, from the 2.4L-22R in the first generation to the 4.7L-2UZ-FE V8 in the third generation¹.

Off-Road Excellence

11. The newest Prado features an innovative stabilizer-bar control system that allows the front stabilizer bar to be disconnected for excellent wheel articulation during off-road adventures⁴.
12. All models come equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with Torsen limited-slip center differential and manual locking, plus an electronic two-speed transfer case with high/low range for tackling difficult terrain².
13. The Prado Kakadu grade features Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select system for superior performance on rough terrain⁵.
14. The maximum approach and departure angles on the latest model are 31.0 degrees and 22.0 degrees respectively, with a breakover angle of 25 degrees and ground clearance of 221mm (8.7 inches)².

Design and Comfort

Distinctive Styling Elements

15. The 90-series Prado came in two distinct variants: the 90 Series (3-door model) designed mainly for urban use, and the 95 Series (5-door model) geared toward larger family outings with its 8-passenger capacity⁶.
16. The fifth-generation Prado (J250) features a retro-inspired, boxy exterior styling inspired by the J60 model from the 1980s, returning to the vehicle's roots while incorporating modern design elements².
17. The newest generation transitioned from the traditional barn door style to an electric lift-up tailgate, similar to the LandCruiser 300 Series, modernizing the SUV's appearance⁴.

Global Impact and Market Success

18. The Prado was assembled by Sofasa in Colombia from 1999 until 2009, and between 2005 and 2009, they offered an optional armored version of the 5-door Prado².
19. Since 1997, the Prado has been a top seller in the SUV market worldwide, particularly popular in regions like Africa and Australia where drivers regularly navigate both urban areas and rugged terrain⁷.
20. The Prado boasts impressive braked towing capabilities of 3,000kg, making it a versatile choice for hauling trailers, boats, and other heavy loads⁵⁸.

Conclusion

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has earned its reputation as a versatile and capable SUV over its multiple generations. From its humble beginnings as a "light-duty" Land Cruiser to its current status as a technological tour de force, the Prado continues to blend off-road capability with on-road comfort. Its global appeal and consistent innovation ensure that the Prado will remain a staple in Toyota's lineup for years to come, satisfying the needs of adventurers and families alike.