What is surprising about the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV? More than 5 years have already passed since the presentation of the updated model, and interest in it remains at a consistently high level. The “typically Japanese” level of comfort, which has already become familiar to car enthusiasts in all CIS countries, has become a distinctive feature of the third generation Prado. Unlike its predecessor, a typical “city dweller,” the Land Cruiser 120 again returned the proud title of an all-terrain vehicle to the line. And even though most often the owners of a luxury Japanese car conquer city streets with it, it is its ability to drive off-road that is so attractive to domestic car enthusiasts.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO 120
Review of Toyota Prado 120: exterior and interior
Externally – a bright elegant look. But the desire to challenge off-road conditions is clearly visible - the aggressiveness is present.
The long wheelbase is a conceptually new approach. The hood, front bumper, and optics make the model visually taller. Huge headlights extend onto the hood. Compared to its predecessors, the car looks athletic (but stylish). Authority, power and prestige – these are the comments on the Prado 120 review video.
The perimeter of the body is surrounded by plastic linings. Wheel arch extensions and a running board give the car a somewhat “urban” look, but the wide bumpers protest – the jeep is ready to conquer the elements of the road.
The spare tire is located under the bottom - “city dweller”. They are removed with special tools, and after manipulating the rear bumper, the spare wheel is lowered on a chain.
Inside, Japanese asceticism gave way to European luxury. Everything is neat and sound. Seats – velor or leather. The indicators on the soft optitron dashboard are easy to read.
All parts fit perfectly, there are no squeaks or rattles. In combination with sound insulation, this creates a feeling of peace: the measured hum of the engine and the rustling of wheels on the road surface do not irritate.
Land Cruiser Prado 120 is supplied in two trim levels:
- “Moon” – minimal. No frills, strict but neat. The anatomical front seats with airbags are upholstered in velor and have two positions. There is climate control for the front row, an audio system with 9 speakers and a CD changer.
- “Sol” is an improved configuration. Electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats. Leather has replaced velor in the upholstery, and climate control is also installed for the rear row of seats. Additional side airbags, parking sensors, and headlight washers add to the comfort of travel.
The basic and extended versions have found their admirers among Russians.
Inside the cabin
The five-seater Land Cruiser Prado 120 is considerably more spacious. Still, 7 seats, this is a format for larger jeeps. But if the passengers are of average build, or two children/teenagers, this is a good option.
If you have a five-seater model, then you get a truly huge luggage compartment, which can easily accommodate not only a bag or suitcase, but also the owner of the vehicle.
The interior space is organized ergonomically. The chairs are comfortable and anatomical. If you have to spend many hours behind the wheel, you will be able to appreciate how well thought out their shape is.
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For 1.4 - 1.6 million rubles you can buy a 2008 Toyota Cruiser Prado 120 in excellent condition. New it cost about twice as much.
Specifications
A video of an off-road test drive of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 demonstrates the technical power of the all-terrain vehicle.
Dimensions - 4850 x 1875 x 1865 mm, weight - 2440 kg.
All-wheel drive SUV with a five-speed automatic transmission. The body structure is frame. On the highway it reaches 180 km/h. It takes 9 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h.
The engine is located longitudinally at the front, volume – 3,955 cm3. V-shaped arrangement of 6 cylinders. Power – 249 l. With. In the city, the car consumes 16.7 liters of fuel per 100 km; on the highway, consumption drops to 9.8 liters; in the combined driving cycle it consumes 12.4 liters. Refueling to a full tank – 87 liters. The maximum possible load is 815 kg.
The five-door Prado 120 carries 7 passengers. Body - station wagon, luggage compartment -193 l.
Ground clearance is 220 mm. To increase it, they resort to tuning. Raise the car above the road by 6-8 and even 15 cm.
The fuel in the Prado 120 engine range is diesel or gasoline.
Salon
The cabin is comfortable for both the driver and passengers, as durable and high-quality, but inexpensive materials are used here. It is pleasant to sit behind the wheel, good visibility, since the height of the car is not small.
Land Cruiser Prado models available on the market
You can distinguish the Land Cruiser Prado by its smooth curves of the body, its masculine appearance and its large radiator grille. For example, if you take the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, then all these features are especially noticeable - beautifully rounded bumpers, a large, prominent radiator grille. The car looks serious and confident, unlike the 2021 Tiguan.
Looks heavy, capable of overcoming off-road conditions. After 2013, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado began to be produced, the design of which was slightly changed, large triangular headlights appeared, making the car more elegant.
Options. Equipment
You can evaluate the car’s equipment using the video Test Drive Prado 120 4 liters.
Taking care of users, manufacturers have equipped the machine with the following equipment:
- Fog lights: for safe driving in snowy, rainy and foggy weather. Economical energy consumption allows them to be used as daytime running lights.
- Heated seats and steering wheel: relevant for Russian winters.
- Parking sensors and rear view camera: reduce the risk of damaging your own and other people's property.
- Cruise control: makes it easier for the driver to choose a route.
- Electric front seats: reduces the load on the spine on a long journey.
- Zone (separate) climate control and rain sensor: take care of the comfort and health of travelers.
- Hands-free phone interface.
- Audio system, radio receiver.
- Electric windows.
- Exterior mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable.
- Active head restraints.
- Rear differential lock.
The car was also equipped with assistance systems when starting uphill and when descending. They reduce dynamic performance, but add “all-terrain” qualities. In slushy weather, the driver activates the traction control system.
Diesel versions have an autonomous pre-heater.
Toyota Prado 120 off-road
Prado 120 is different from other TLK jeeps. It does not look like army equipment: there is no rudeness, the car looks neutral. For driving on rough terrain, country roads, steep slopes, there is everything you need: assistance on descent and ascent, emergency braking.
The main thing is the center differential. Its task is to distribute engine power between the front and rear axles. The front accounts for 40% of the power, the rest goes to the rear axles. When it is not needed, the driver blocks it.
The wide wheelbase with 265/65 tires overcomes potholes, obstacles and ponds half a meter deep. The video shows how the Prado 120 goes off-road.
Dimensions allow the car to be maneuverable. Stiff suspension springs control roll. This type of transport feels confident among rocks and ditches.
But the versatility of the model lies in the fact that even on city streets the car fits harmoniously into the traffic flow.
A little history
The first generation of Toyota Prado was released in 1987. This car had high cross-country ability, and the comfort of passengers during the trip was comparable to a passenger car. The first generation was produced with all-wheel drive and reduction gear. The series ended in 1996.
Since 1997, the second generation came out - Prado 90. It changed its appearance, became more expressive and looked less like a Land Cruiser. The updated Prado has an independent suspension that replaced the front axle, and a differential lock was added. During the production process, the model underwent restyling; configurations with an automatic transmission and a turbodiesel appeared.
From 2002 to 2009, the Prado 120 appeared on the automobile market. Externally, it differs little from its predecessor and gives the impression of a powerful and authoritative car.
The Prado 120 was produced with a 5-door and 3-door body, with a gasoline or diesel engine. Over the years of production, more than 30 versions of the car were released.
Since 2009, the concert has modernized the third generation of the Prado 120 and called it the Prado 150. The body of the car has become larger, but the wheelbase has remained the same. Therefore, the SUV began to look more massive and more like an off-road vehicle. It is produced in a 5-door variation, but with the maximum configuration there are 7-door cars with electric drive for folding the third row seats.
Operation in winter
In cold weather the car behaves predictably. The suspension remains soft at -30-35 °C. Heavy equipment slips only on ice covered with freshly fallen snow.
Before winter operation, prepare:
- Change antifreeze.
- Diagnose the oxygen sensor. Often, under heavy loads in cold weather, the system displays the “Lean Fuel Mixture” error.
- Change oils and filters (including cabin filters).
- Insulate the engine compartment. They purchase original insulation and glue vibroplast under it.
- They “change” the car.
Winter tires are a must. Tires hold vehicles securely, especially if they are equipped with tetrahedral Bear Claw studs. Such devices provide lateral grip and stability.
The rubber compound for off-road vehicles should include rapeseed oil. It enhances traction on ice and impacts on rocks in high-riding vehicles.
Winter tires Prado 120 have a stiffening rib between the tread blocks. The grooves are smoothly polished: snow porridge slides easily. With such tires the car cannot slip. She effortlessly navigates snow-covered roads in difficult terrain. Wear indicators signal when driving becomes dangerous.
But it is difficult to overcome high snowdrifts. When the hood hits it, it jams the electronics. They shift into a lower gear and overcome the snowy mountain. Electronics behave the same way when driving in deep mud.
In winter, the interior is warm; frosts of 30 °C are not felt outside. The engine runs smoothly. The standard pre-heater keeps it at operating temperature. But it “eats” battery power.
Fuel consumption in winter increases to 17 liters per 100 km.
Is Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 really that reliable?
Gasoline engines have shown greater reliability in Russian conditions. The timing chain drive has a huge resource - there is no need for major repairs.
The valves are adjusted using washers at a mileage of 200-250 thousand km. The gap is lost by 0.1 mm. Traction is reduced and operation becomes unstable when the injectors become clogged. They are cleaned every 60-100 thousand kilometers.
The submersible filter of the fuel pump also becomes clogged with debris. To replace the fuel tank, remove it. The pump itself is reliable and lasts 180-220 km.
Diesel engines need to be replaced more often. The timing belt drive lasts 120 thousand km. Valve clearances are also adjusted with a washer.
Pistons often burn out, in such cases you have to open the engine. Fuel injectors can withstand 80-100 thousand km, although their service life is 150-200 thousand km.
Problems with diesel engines are not structural; they arise due to the quality of Russian fuel.
The reliability of the car suffers from an incomprehensible weight distribution: the jeep is prone to overturning.
Main advantages and disadvantages (according to owners)
If you read reviews about the Prado 120 diesel 3 liter, you can highlight the following disadvantages:
- poor starting in cold weather, which often depends on the general condition of the car, and not on the fuel;
- in cold weather it takes longer to warm up the car or it is necessary to install additional mechanisms;
- capriciousness of the engine to low-quality diesel fuel;
- it takes more time to accelerate;
- timing belt drive, which needs to be changed every 150 thousand km.
Some drivers note that if you choose a more recent car, for example a 2008 Prado 120, then gasoline and diesel compete with each other. In new Prados, the diesel engine is less capricious, accelerates better and even starts faster in cold weather.
At the same time, both diesel and gasoline have advantages:
- reliability of design;
- safety;
- cross-country ability;
- reliable engines.
Frequent problems and malfunctions
The statistics of breakdowns of components and assemblies of the Toyota Prado 120 is not critical, but there are weaknesses. Experienced car owners note the following:
- Cooling system. The radiator leaks at 150 thousand km. Leaks are easy to detect; an external inspection is sufficient. The water pump is also changed at the same time.
- Center blocking. Occurs when the actuator breaks down after running out of service life. This happens at 200 thousand km.
- The body position sensor is one of the unreliable parts of the car. When the mechanism fails, the body remains in the up position. The mileage is about 100 thousand km. The price of the sensor is high.
- The paintwork is a really sore spot on a jeep. Corrosion begins at all welding points and fastening clips. If the frame is not additionally treated with an anti-corrosion coating, then cracks may form on it. On the body, corrosion appears under the arches and sills.
Spare parts for the Prado 120 are not cheap. But breakdowns do not occur after 20-25 thousand kilometers. Before the first repairs, the car will serve properly for 3-5 years.
Interior and exterior
The appearance of the car was worked out by a French design studio. In general features and shape, the Prado is not far removed from its relatives. The Prado 120 series is distinguished by blown elements on the sides of the car, which increase its dimensions. In the third generation, the interior has more smooth lines, which make the car no longer an all-terrain vehicle, but a presentable city dweller.
We recognize the Prado 120 by its headlights, which extend onto the hood and are larger in size than those of a regular Land Cruiser.
In European and Japanese versions of the Prado, the spare wheel is mounted on the trunk door. In the CIS countries and Russia, the spare tire is located under the trunk.
Dimensions of Prado 120:
- length - 4850 mm;
- width - 1875 mm;
- height - 1895 mm;
- ground clearance - 220 m;
- trunk volume - 586 l;
- weight - 1880 kg.
The interior is different from ordinary Japanese cars. There is no more asceticism and restraint here. After the Prado moved into the category of an executive car, the interior began to look more luxurious. The chairs are upholstered in leather or velor, depending on the configuration. The dashboard fits organically into the interior of the cabin. Toyota engineers carefully thought through and checked the dimensions of all parts and adjusted them millimeter to millimeter so that there were no unnecessary sounds in the cabin.
