What are the pros of the Land Cruiser Prado 150?

Sweet spot of size, price, and capability KDSS on higher specs dramatically improves articulation Comfortable and refined daily driver Huge SA used-car market — great selection and competitive pricing Strong resale value Good fuel economy vs full-size Land Cruisers

What are the cons of the Land Cruiser Prado 150?

Post-2017 power jump to 150kW makes earlier models feel underpowered IFS front — not as capable as 70 Series in extreme terrain Smaller fuel tank than full-size LC Ground clearance lower than the 200 Series More expensive new than its size suggests

What should I check when buying a Land Cruiser Prado 150?

Post-2017 (150 kW / 500 Nm update) is significantly better — target these VX spec includes KDSS, leather, and more — worth the premium on used market Check KDSS for leaks — actuators and lines on older examples Diesel only for overlanding — the petrol V6 is thirsty Inspect the front diff and transfer case for leaks and unusual noises Full Toyota service history is important — parts costs are significant on older examples

What are common issues with the Land Cruiser Prado 150?

KDSS leaks on high-km examples DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues on vehicles used mainly in urban stop-start traffic Pre-2017 diesel engine: adequate but noticeably less torque than later units Brake dust accumulation causing squeal on some early examples

Home › Models › Land Cruiser Prado 150

Prado 2009 – 2024

Land Cruiser Prado 150

J150 Series

"South Africa's most popular Land Cruiser. The right size, the right price, the right capability."

About the Land Cruiser Prado 150

The 150 Series Prado became South Africa's most popular Land Cruiser by threading a needle no other vehicle quite managed: genuine off-road capability in a practical, comfortable, family-sized SUV at a price point more people could reach. With a 2.8-litre turbodiesel, KDSS on higher specs, and full Multi-Terrain Select, it could tackle serious off-road terrain while also serving as a daily family car. Over its 15-year production run it refined itself into a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

Who It's For

Families, weekend overlanders, and buyers who want a capable, comfortable 4x4 for a mix of tar and off-road use without the running costs or size of a full 200 Series. The 150 Prado is South Africa's ideal do-everything vehicle.

Pros & Cons

Strengths

Sweet spot of size, price, and capability
KDSS on higher specs dramatically improves articulation
Comfortable and refined daily driver
Huge SA used-car market — great selection and competitive pricing
Strong resale value
Good fuel economy vs full-size Land Cruisers

Weaknesses

Post-2017 power jump to 150kW makes earlier models feel underpowered
IFS front — not as capable as 70 Series in extreme terrain
Smaller fuel tank than full-size LC
Ground clearance lower than the 200 Series
More expensive new than its size suggests

Buying Tips

1 Post-2017 (150 kW / 500 Nm update) is significantly better — target these
2 VX spec includes KDSS, leather, and more — worth the premium on used market
3 Check KDSS for leaks — actuators and lines on older examples
4 Diesel only for overlanding — the petrol V6 is thirsty
5 Inspect the front diff and transfer case for leaks and unusual noises
6 Full Toyota service history is important — parts costs are significant on older examples

Common Issues to Check

KDSS leaks on high-km examples
DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues on vehicles used mainly in urban stop-start traffic
Pre-2017 diesel engine: adequate but noticeably less torque than later units
Brake dust accumulation causing squeal on some early examples

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