The Prado 250 is the new one, on sale in South Africa since June 2024. New, it costs R1,369,200 to R1,543,700 (Toyota South Africa, 19 October 2026).
The Prado 150 is the one before it, sold new from about 2009 until mid-2024. A late 150 with the 2.8 diesel asks about R879,900 (153 listings).
So a new 250 TX costs roughly R450,000 more than a late 150 with the same engine. This guide is about whether that gap is worth it. For every year and trim, see our full Prado price guide.
Live listings · 7 November
Prados for sale now
676 for sale on Land Cruiser SA today.
1999 · 412 012 kmLand Cruiser Prado VX 3.0D 8-SeatR129 990
2013 · 154 347 kmPrado TX 3.0 TDI AutoR337 900
2023 · 86 000 kmLand Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-LR899 900
2025 · 54 261 kmLand Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-RR1 369 899
2026 · 1 kmLand Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-RR1 530 400What changed from the 150 to the 250
The 250 is all new. It shares its base with the Land Cruiser 300, has a boxy, upright shape and a modern cabin. Under the bonnet, less changed than you’d think.
| Prado 150 | Prado 250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sold new in SA | About 2009 to mid-2024 | June 2024 to now |
| Diesel engine | 3.0 D-4D until late 2020, then 2.8 GD-6 | 2.8 GD-6 only |
| Diesel power | 120 kW (3.0), 150 kW (2.8) | 150 kW |
| Petrol | 4.0 V6 | None |
| Gearbox | 5-speed auto (3.0), 6-speed auto (2.8 and V6) | 8-speed auto |
| Braked towing | 3,000 kg (2.8) | 3,500 kg |
| Grades | TX, VX, VX-L | TX, VX-R, VX-L |
| Last new price | R1,168,400 to R1,376,400 (2.8, April 2024) | R1,369,200 to R1,543,700 (October 2026) |
GD-6 is Toyota’s current diesel engine family, the same one in the Hilux and Fortuner. A late 150 and a 250 both make 150 kW from it. So the 250 does not feel much quicker. It feels newer.
What the 250 really adds:
- Two more gears. Eight speeds instead of six.
- More towing. 3,500 kg braked against 3,000 kg. That matters for a big caravan or a boat to the coast.
- Safety kit on every grade. Even the TX gets adaptive cruise, lane-keeping help and blind-spot warning.
- A warranty. New, you get 3 years or 100,000 km, plus a plan of 9 services or 90,000 km.
What the 150 keeps: a huge fuel range for Botswana or the Kalahari, a proven shape and a big local aftermarket. It also has full-time 4WD, so all four wheels always drive.
The 2.8 trap on used 150s
Most used 150s for sale are not the 2.8. The 2.8 GD-6 only came into the Prado 150 in late 2020. Diesel 150s from 2009 to 2019 have the older 3.0 D-4D.
2020 is a split year. A “2020 Prado diesel” could have either engine. Check the engine on the papers, not the year on the advert.
There is a second trap. Some 2024 Prado 150s are advertised as 250s, because the last 150s were registered in 2024. The grade gives it away. There was never a 250 called just “VX”, and there was no 250 VX-L in 2024. So a 2024 Prado sold as a VX or VX-L is a 150. It should cost 150 money, not 250 money.
What they ask on the used market
These are typical asking prices on live listings, pulled on 19 October 2026. Sellers ask more than cars sell for, so expect to pay a bit less. The 2024 150s sold as 250s are left out of the 250 rows.
| Prado | Typical asking | Listings | Typical km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 TX, new or demo | R1,329,000 | 43 | 0 |
| 250 VX-R, new or demo | R1,499,945 | 34 | 0 |
| 250, used (all years) | R1,350,000 | 161 | 23,500 |
| 250 VX-R, 2025 | R1,399,000 | 41 | 24,000 |
| 250 VX-R, 2024 | R1,299,895 | 25 | 46,000 |
| 150, 2023 (all grades) | R929,900 | 51 | 83,600 |
| 150, 2.8 diesel, 2021 to 2023 | R879,900 | 153 | 94,000 |
| 150, 3.0 diesel, 2018 to 2020 | R669,900 | 76 | 150,700 |
| 150, 3.0 diesel, 2014 to 2017 | R479,900 | 97 | 202,000 |
What those numbers say:
- New 250s are advertised under Toyota’s price. A new TX asks about R1,329,000 (43 listings). Toyota’s price is R1,369,200. Ask the dealer what comes with the lower price.
- The 250 holds its value so far. A 2025 VX-R with about 24,000 km asks about R100,000 less than a new one.
- The jump from 150 to 250 is big. A 2023 Prado 150 asks about R400,000 less than a new 250 TX.
- Used 150 sellers are cutting. More than half of the 150s for sale have dropped their price at least once since April. The usual cut is about 5%.
The live spread for each model is on the Prado 250 market page and the Prado 150 market page.
Which one should you buy?
Start with budget and what you tow. Then pick the car.
Buy a late 150 (2.8, 2021 to 2023) if you want the same engine for far less. You save about R450,000 on a new 250 TX. You get 150 litres of fuel, which is a real plus on long trips north. Ask for the service history and a scan for fault codes.
Buy an older 150 (3.0 diesel or 4.0 V6) if your budget is closer to R480,000 to R670,000. It is a simpler, older car, and it still goes anywhere. On a 3.0 diesel, ask about the injectors and fuel filter history.
Buy a nearly new 250 (2024 or 2025) if you want the new car without new money. It is likely still under warranty, which runs 3 years from first registration. Check the grade so you know it really is a 250.
Buy a new 250 if you tow heavy, want the warranty from day one, or keep cars for ten years. The TX makes the most sense. The VX-R costs R161,200 more. The VX-L at R1,543,700 is only R53,100 less than the cheapest Land Cruiser 300 (Toyota South Africa, 19 October 2026). At that money, drive a 300 too.
Check these on any Prado
- Recalls. Prado 250s made from 5 December 2023 to 7 August 2025 have a recall for the dashboard screen software. Warning lights may not show. The fix is free. Ask a Toyota dealer to check the VIN for open recalls on any Prado.
- Insurance. Some insurers want two trackers on any Prado from 2018 on. Prados are often on hijack target lists. Get an insurance quote before you sign.
- Finance. An advertised monthly price often assumes a deposit or a big final payment. Ask what you will owe at the end.
Bottom line
If you want the 2.8 diesel and good value, buy a 2021 to 2023 Prado 150. It asks about R879,900 (153 listings). If you tow heavy or want a warranty, buy a 250, new or nearly new. A new TX at R1,369,200 is the sweet spot. Whichever you choose, check the engine, the grade and the recalls before you pay.
About the data: used prices are typical asking prices on live listings tracked daily by Land Cruiser SA, pulled on 19 October 2026, with the number of listings beside each. New prices are Toyota South Africa prices on toyota.co.za on 19 October 2026. The last Prado 150 prices are from Toyota South Africa’s price list of April 2024.
