Which is better - Land Cruiser 200 or Prado: recommendations for choosing

Toyota cars have a long and firmly established reputation as fairly reliable cars. On the secondary market, they fall in price slower than others, and it is very difficult to find car owners who are dissatisfied with their purchase. A special place in the Toyota lineup is occupied by the powerful Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 200 SUVs, which have become legends of the Japanese automobile industry. The history of both models dates back to the last century, and generation after generation they, enchanting with power and charisma, won the hearts of millions of motorists, becoming for some a dream, and for others a property that emphasizes the status and character of the happy owner.

Given that today crossovers take the lion's share of buyers' attention, and despite the not-so-affordable price of these premium models, their popularity on the Russian market is not waning. For many, the off-road capabilities of cars, as well as the reliability and safety of Toyota SUVs in extreme conditions, remain important. Both cars, the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, regularly receive prestigious awards, for example, this year the cars were awarded the “SUV of the Year 2019” award, the Land Cruiser 200 in the “Full-size SUV” category, and the Land Cruiser Prado - “ Mid-size SUV." Undoubtedly, they have an indestructible image of prestigious SUVs, the best in their class, and when wanting to purchase one of the best-sellers of the Toyota brand, a motorist cannot always easily make a choice. To understand which car is best suited, you need to compare the characteristics of the models.

Comparison of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser 200

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History of the confrontation

Each model has a long history, which began in the distant 90s. Toyota released the first generation in 1990. The SUV was called J70. It was positioned as a car for active recreation and had good driving performance for those times.

However, the second generation Prado in the J90 body was released as a response to the company producing Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Both cars came out in 1996. From that moment a competition began that continues to this day.

Toyota Prado J90 successfully coped with its task and did a good job of ousting its opponent. This car has forever entered the history of SUVs, and many, without exaggeration, consider it a legend.

The third generation helped Toyota finally establish itself in the market and in the minds of Toyota buyers. The Land Cruiser Prado 120 was produced from 2002 to 2009. In the middle of this period, a redesigned version of the model with new engines and gearboxes was released.

In parallel with Toyota, the competitor released the second generation Pajero Sport in 2008. The SUV had 2 types of engines: a 3-liter gasoline engine. and diesel 2.5 l. For the Russian market, all cars were equipped with a rear differential lock.

Pajero Sport 1st generation

But when Mitsubishi just released the second generation of SUVs, produced until 2015, Toyota Prado had already introduced the fourth generation to the world. Prado 150 appeared on the market in 2009. It was built on the basis of the previous generation model and had permanent all-wheel drive, like its predecessor. A few years later, the model underwent changes and a restyled modification of the Prado 2012-2013 was released. She became even more passable and brutal. More and more, the Land Cruiser began to resemble a straight-line tank, both in handling and in design.

Pajero Sport 2nd generation

And then came 2015, which gave us Pajero Sport 3. While Pajero 4 continues to be in great demand, and manufacturers do not promise a fifth generation in the near future, the Sport modification is confidently wedging itself into the fight with its main competitor. He will become the object of our comparison today.

As for the Land Cruiser Prado, it sold well until 2017 and was the market leader for a long time. In addition, along the way it underwent a successful restyling, which established its position in the markets. This model could compete with Pajero for a long time, because the J150 body had good prospects.

But before Toyota had time to skim off all the cream from the latest modification, at the end of 2021 the company announced the release of a new SUV - Prado 2021. After a short excursion into the history of both models, we present to you the long-awaited duel: Pajero Sport 2021 in a 2015 body vs Land Cruiser Prado 2017-2018.

Technical features of the models

For the Russian market, the mid-size Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV is available in a 5-door body version. The updated body of the model is traditionally mounted on a spar frame, the car has a frame structure, permanent all-wheel drive and a solid axle, the dimensions of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado have remained virtually unchanged - its length has increased slightly due to new bumpers and is now 4840 mm, the width remains the same (1885 mm.) and height (1845 mm.). The wheelbase of the model is 2790 mm. The “cosmetic procedures” carried out by Toyota on the car made the model look similar to the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser 200 SUV, but the difference is still noticeable. The front suspension of the Land Cruiser Prado is independent, spring, with anti-roll bar, the rear suspension is available in two versions - dependent, linkage on springs or pneumatic.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 all-terrain vehicle is a full-size car; it is larger in size and significantly heavier than its younger brother. The model is also available in a station wagon with 5 doors, 5 or 7 seats. The dimensions of the car are as follows: length - 4950 mm, width - 1980 mm, height 1955 mm, wheelbase is 2850 mm, while the weight of the “two hundredth” exceeds 2.5 tons (from 2582 to 2815 kg, depending on the modification ), while the Prado when loaded weighs up to 2165 kg. The modernized Toyota Land Cruiser 200 SUV, also, preserving family values and not compromising principles, is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. Under the car body there is still the same spar frame, and at the rear there is a continuous axle, while the structure has been strengthened, thanks to which it has been possible to increase rigidity. The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 has an independent spring suspension at the front, on wishbones with a stabilizer bar, and a dependent spring suspension at the rear; in addition, the Executive model version received a hydropneumatic suspension and a number of additional functions associated with its operation.

Reviews of Prado 150

Regau, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
- Prado 150 2.8 diesel, 2021 release. Great engine, is different soft And flat work. Thanks to the high torque and sufficient speed on the highway, it makes it easy to maneuvers and doesn't get dull. Very pleased with the quality no breakdowns occurred from the moment of purchase. No shortcomings identified.
  
  Toyota Prado 150 after restyling 2021
Alexey, Novosibirsk
11555742 Prokopyevsk

Appearance

When deciding which is better to buy, Land Cruiser 200 or Prado, every motorist pays attention to the appearance of the cars. It just so happens that a large SUV inspires respect with its appearance alone and thereby guarantees exemplary behavior of neighboring cars in traffic.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado model in its new brutal design looks more aggressive than its previous version, but despite the more confident exterior, the sophistication of the style is visible in the body lines. The SUV's design update mainly affected the front part - the hood, headlights, bumper and radiator grille; these elements are now increasingly reminiscent of the Toyota Land Cruiser 200. Modern high-tech optics attract attention, the headlights have become LED, and the fog lights in the bumper are located slightly higher, as well as the rear lights acquired a relief shape. Such transformations did not radically affect the true character of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado; it is still a solid and beautiful SUV for strong and purposeful owners, ready for testing on any road.

The Toyota land cruiser with index 200 retains its usual brutal appearance; here, breed and power are felt in every detail of the exterior. As a result of restyling, the appearance of the Land Cruiser 200 has changed slightly. The impressive dimensions and weight of the car form the iconic image of a real SUV, so the car still looks monumental, demonstrating indestructible power, grandeur and charisma with just its appearance. The transformation affected the radiator grille, the hood, in the center of which there is now a recess along the entire length, and head optics. The front body kit of the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 has fog lights on the sides, built into a chrome element. The optics of the rear of the car have also been updated, the headlights are now with LEDs, and the body kit is equipped with foglights.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200

We will not judge the appearance, since this is always a matter of taste, especially since Toyota takes any adjustments, including in the exterior of such successful models, quite seriously, and the brand’s cars have always had a decent appearance.

Salon and trunk

The interior of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado matches the exterior. The spacious and functional interior of the SUV provides comfort for the driver and passengers, and premium-quality finishing materials - leather and decorative wood-look inserts, in combination with background lighting, create an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. The Prado's interior can be had in one of three upholstery options - ivory, dark brown and classic black. The interior is quite roomy, and as for the trunk volume, for the 5-seater Prado there is a compartment of 621 liters; with the second row of seats folded, the space increases to 1934 liters. In the 7-seater version, the luggage compartment volume is 104 liters, the maximum with the second and third rows of seats folded is 1833 liters. The spare tire is located under the bottom, on the street.

The control blocks are grouped on the new center console. An enlarged 8-inch screen displays images from four 360° panoramic cameras. The Surround View system offers simultaneous front and side views, a 'through the hood' function and route guidance. For operation in harsh Russian winters, a full winter package of options is provided, guaranteeing comfortable trips.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 interior

The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 SUV impresses not only with its appearance, but also with the luxury of its interior decoration. The spacious interior is decorated with high-quality materials with a choice of different colors, especially the driver's seat is designed in a royal manner, all controls are located as conveniently as possible, and there is a modern, informative dashboard. The salon also features excellent sound insulation. In the center of the front panel is a solid 9-inch display of multimedia and navigation systems; data from the all-round view and rear view camera are also displayed here; under the screen there are buttons for controlling some functions. The passenger control panel controls the climate control system and allows you to separately adjust the temperature in the rear compartment. The winter package includes a large arsenal of options that allow you to feel comfortable regardless of the raging elements outside.

Continuing the comparison of the Land Cruiser Prado with the Land Cruiser 200, we note that the “200” has a larger trunk. Thus, the 5-seater model offers 909 liters, and the 7-seater version offers 259 liters, and with the second and third row seats folded, the compartment capacity reaches up to 1431 liters. The spare wheel is located under the bottom.

Engines and transmissions

Both models are equipped with high-power gasoline and diesel power plants, but if you compare the engines of the Land Cruiser 200 with the Land Cruiser Prado, then the “200” has more powerful units.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers the following options to choose from:

2.7 l. gasoline engine with a power of 163 horsepower, with a maximum torque of 246 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission.
2.8 l. diesel engine with a power of 177 hp. s., torque 450 Nm, paired with 6 automatic transmissions.
4.0 l. gasoline unit with a capacity of 249 hp. s., torque 381 Nm, also working with 6 automatic transmissions.

The updated Toyota Land Cruiser SUV 2021 model year is equipped with the following installations:

4.6 l. gasoline engine with 309 horses, maximum torque 439 Nm.
4.5 l. diesel engine with a power of 249 hp. s., torque 650 Nm.

The units are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Technical equipment

The Land Cruiser 150 goes well off-road with a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, which is characterized by increased noise levels. The diesel unit is offered with a 6-band automatic transmission, which pleases with good technical data. The initial 2.7-liter gasoline engine is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. At the same time, the best parameters are demonstrated by a 4-liter engine running on gasoline.

Attention! The 200th model has a smaller selection of units, but each of them pleasantly surprises with its power. As a result, the technical equipment still turns out to be more interesting.

When trying to understand which is better to choose, the Prado 150 or the Land Cruiser 200, you need to understand the design features of each Japanese SUV. Only a thorough study of the advantages of both models and a clear understanding of your needs will allow you to make a worthy choice.

Dynamics and fuel consumption

Due to the fact that the engines of the Land Cruiser 200 and Prado are different and produce different power, the differences between the models include dynamic characteristics, as well as fuel consumption.

Salon Land Cruiser Prado

Land Cruiser Prado petrol engines with a volume of 2.7 liters. and 4.0 l. Accelerates to hundreds in 12.3 (12.5) and 9.7 seconds, maximum speed is 165 and 175 km/h, respectively, fuel consumption in mixed mode for these engines is 11.6 (11.7) and 10.8 l/100 km. The diesel engine will accelerate the SUV to hundreds in 12.1 (12.7) seconds, its maximum speed is 175 km/h, the unit consumes fuel 7.4 l/100 km.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 engines accelerate the car faster. So, with a 4.6-liter unit, you can accelerate to hundreds in 8.6 seconds, the maximum engine speed reaches 195 km/h, and the average consumption is 13.9 liters. fuel mixture per 100 km. The second 4.5-liter unit accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h, fuel consumption is 10.2 liters. in mixed mode.

Engine 3.0 1KD-FTV

Toyota 1KD-FTV engine
To replace the previously existing 1KD diesel engine was released in 2000 . Its predecessor became the basis for it; it is used for SUVs and Toyota minibuses .

Cylinder block 1KD-FTV

The cylinder block is made of cast iron material. A crankshaft is installed inside the block , which has 8 counterweights , and the piston stroke is 103 mm . Engine displacement is 3 liters with a compression ratio of 18.4 , piston diameter 94 mm . The cast iron block is covered with an aluminum head with 16 valves and two camshafts .

Cylinder head with two camshafts of the 1KD-FTV engine

For the 3.0 1KD-FTV engine, it is recommended to adjust the valves every 40,000 km , but in practice the clearances remain normal even at 200,000 km .

Timing belt for engine 1KD-FTV

The rotation of the camshafts is ensured by the operation of a toothed belt ; replacement of the timing drive is recommended after a mileage of 150,000 km . Otherwise, the Prado 120 diesel car runs the risk of belt rupture .

Cons and problems

Among the disadvantages of the Prado 120 diesel engine, the following are noted :

Availability vibrations at work, appearance black smoke, knock in the engine, power reduction. Such uneven operation of the motor may be a consequence cracked piston. You can reduce the likelihood of such a breakdown by reducing the load on the car engine. The identified problem was finally fixed by the manufacturer. replacing pistons with updated injectors in 2014.

Crack in the piston
Insufficient pressure oils, White smoke. This malfunction was also eliminated in 2007, the low quality copper washers that were located under the nozzles were replaced with aluminum ones. If the year of manufacture of the car from 2004 to 2007, to solve the problem you should also replace it with an updated analogue.

Fuel injector 1KD-FTV

The total engine resource with proper operation and proper maintenance is distinguished by long-term operation of more than 400,000 km .

Handling and maneuverability

Toyota SUVs are known not only for their spectacular appearance, inspiring respect and emphasizing the status of the car owner, but also for their off-road talents. The new Prado is comfortable to drive, with good steering responses, the car has become much more confident and on a flat road it holds its course perfectly without constant steering. The excellent driving characteristics of the car allow you to feel confident on any roads or in their absence. The disadvantages include slight roll when cornering and when braking. Although the Prado fits quite harmoniously into the urban environment, its natural habitat is outside the cobbled streets - let's not forget that this is a full-fledged SUV with a robust frame and all-wheel drive, characterized by good endurance.

The car is able to adapt to the types of road surfaces thanks to the Multi-Terrain Select driving mode selection system, which now includes an automatic mode. Numerous modern driver assistance systems provide maximum driving comfort, and the geometric cross-country ability of the SUV allows you not to worry too much about obstacles on the way, the car can easily overcome a slope of 42°, and impressive departure, ramp, and entry angles, as well as a ground clearance of 215 mm. and ford depth 700 mm. Of course, if we compare the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and the Prado in terms of cross-country ability, the “two hundredth” clearly wins here.

The Land Cruiser 200's driving comfort is enhanced by the KDSS system, which minimizes body roll on roads and makes the suspension softer off-road, increasing its travel. The SUV's exceptional geometric cross-country ability allows it to chart its own route, regardless of the vicissitudes of the path. When sitting behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser 200, you can, in principle, not take into account the condition of the road or its presence; the vehicle's active traction control system maintains maximum traction and ensures confident movement under any conditions.

The adaptive ABS system determines the type of surface on which the car is moving and regulates the degree of permissible wheel locking. The off-road conqueror's arsenal also includes assistance systems for turning on off-road, starting on an uphill, downhill slope, an all-round visibility system and other modern driver assistants, the role of which is invaluable in extreme operating conditions. The clearance of the “two hundredth” is 230 mm, the ford depth is 700 mm without preparation.

What you need to know about Prado 150

The 150th model appeared only in 2010. For seven years, the SUV has managed to gain a certain fame among car enthusiasts who appreciate the characteristic features of the car.

The SUV pleases with the presence of good units, each of which is intended for a specific circle of motorists:

petrol 2.7-liter 163-horsepower;
4-liter 282-horsepower gasoline;
3-liter 173-horsepower turbodiesel.

You can guess that the dynamics are still accessible to car enthusiasts. In fact, not only this aspect contributes to successfully attracting the attention of the target audience.

The main advantages are as follows:

solid appearance;
ideal vehicle build quality and guaranteed structural strength;
spacious and comfortable interior, ideal even for long trips;
large trunk with a power outlet;
all-round parking sensors and a convenient rear view camera, making travel easier;
adaptive head optics and xenon, guaranteeing optimal luminous flux under all conditions.

However, the Prado 150 has certain disadvantages:

a very thin paint layer on the body leads to scratches appearing even after touching branches;
uncomfortable and hard driver's seat;
rigid suspension;
off-road characteristics do not meet the expectations of motorists in every case.

This is interesting: How to change pistons on a Priora

It should be noted that the Prado 150 has quite a lot of controversy, despite its high level of popularity. As a result, many motorists have a sincere desire to compare the Land Cruiser 200 and Prado 150 in order to understand which SUV deserves the greatest level of popularity.

Safety

Reliability and safety of a car are the main qualities that ensure resounding success, and models such as the Cruiser 200 and Prado should not only look like an armored personnel carrier, but be safe by default.

Maximum protection for the driver and passengers of the Land Cruiser Prado is ensured by time-tested design solutions in combination with innovative technologies. The powerful body of the updated model, equipped with ultra-modern active and passive safety systems, truly ensure safe trips. High quality and excellent debugging of components provided Prado with “5 stars” in EuroNCAP tests.

As for the “two hundredth”, it’s as safe here as in a tank. The large and reliable Land Cruiser 200 SUV, in addition to its structural strength, offers decent equipment with a large number of the most advanced safety technologies. Protection of the driver and passengers, regardless of their location in the cabin, is ensured at a high level. Based on the results of tests by the Australian organization ANCAP using methods no different from European ones, the SUV received its well-deserved “5 stars”.

Price of all configurations

Toyota offers 8 body color options for the Land Cruiser Prado, three engine options and 15 trim levels:

The 200th Land Cruiser is available in 7 color options, with powerful gasoline and diesel engines in the following trim levels:

*Prices for vehicle configurations do not include discounts and special offers from Toyota dealers, as well as the cost of additional equipment that can be ordered separately.

Which car should you prefer?

It is impossible to answer unequivocally that it is impossible to choose better from the two options considered, since both the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 are iconic models that have received recognition from millions of motorists.

The cars, despite their immodest dimensions, generous equipment and high prices, look serious, without unnecessary pathos. There are no variegated colors in the palette of both models, and there are no elegant frills in the design elements, so if you own a Prado or Land Cruiser 200, you won’t be accused of being too majestic. If you have the funds to purchase an SUV of this level and maintain it, you can purchase any of the options. Of course, in the urban jungle, compared to crossovers, these all-terrain vehicles do not perform the best, but on rough roads and in the absence of them they behave excellently. In conditions of frequent use of a car outside the city, the option of purchasing a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is ideal. In addition, Toyota cars are characterized by high liquidity in the secondary market, which confirms the reliability of the models. Whatever you choose, Prado or the “200th” Land Cruiser, you won’t go wrong in any case.

Which SUV is cooler?

Both cars are very reliable and have distinct SUV features. Unlike crossovers, they are not particularly designed for city asphalt and do not like to brake on it. The cars are suitable for buyers who travel more on potholes than on flat terrain.

Toyota's "200" belongs to a higher class and is equipped with more powerful engines. It is more comfortable and has more status. The Land Cruiser 200 on average costs more than the Prado. But Prado is a little more compact (10 cm narrower), more dynamic and more affordable.

Both options are extremely liquid on the secondary market. Choose what is more important to you: status and power (Land Cruiser 200) or the best driving performance along with a reasonable price (Land Cruiser Prado).