The Prado has a ladder frame chassis, two-speed transfer boxes and rear beam axles.

The 2.4 L turbocharged diesel engine with 71 kW (97 PS; 95 hp) and 240 N⋅m (177 lbf⋅ft) high torque unit was installed.

The dashboard was replaced with an updated design with minor changes to suspension, brakes and trim details.

The front suspension was replaced with an independent design, shared with the Tacoma and Hilux Surf, made by Hino.

[citation needed] When the Prado was launched in the UK in 1996, it was called the Land Cruiser Colorado and replaced the 4Runner, which had been discontinued from sale.

In the Republic of Ireland most Land Cruisers were sold as commercial vehicles with the rear side windows and seats removed for tax reasons.

In November 2006, Toyota introduced the 1KD-FTV turbocharged diesel D-4D engine to meet Euro IV emission standards.

The five-door variant in the general market is offered in TXL & VXL grades – which are much more option-packed.

This generation of the Prado is offered in the US badged as the 2010 model year Lexus GX 460 with luxury trim.

For example, UK vehicles have the spare wheel mounted under the floor, while in Australia and Argentina the spare wheel is mounted on the rear door, leaving space for an auxiliary fuel tank, which is desirable in countries where long journeys in isolated areas may be required.

From June 2015 onward, the following engines and trim levels available are: [14] The monthly sales target for Japan is 1,000 units.

The Prado Altitude has satellite navigation, two-way moon roof, leather accented trim and 7" Fujitsu-Ten touch-screen/multimedia centre.

[citation needed] In August 2014, a new tailgate without the spare tyre became available as an option for the first time in Australia.

[citation needed] Since the August 2020 update, all Prado models are offered with an automatic transmission only.

They are also only available with the GD 2.8-litre turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine, albeit with increased power (150 kW, 201 hp) and torque (500 N⋅m, 369 lbf⋅ft).

[citation needed] Models are now also available with a 9-inch infotainment screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

[21] In the United Kingdom, the J150 Prado is designated as the Land Cruiser LC3, LC4 and LC5, depending on the equipment levels.

While the engine capacity is lower when compared to the 4.0-litre, the power output remains the same at 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) and 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) of torque.

Some other markets such as Australia, China, Philippines, and other European countries retain the Land Cruiser Prado nameplate.

[29] The vehicle is based on the body-on-frame GA-F platform shared with the larger J300 series Land Cruiser.

The model is also the first "Light Duty Series" Land Cruiser to use an electric power steering (EPS) system, which promises easier steering wheel handling during off-road conditions, improving maneuverability at low speed, and allows the lane tracing assist system to be implemented.

[32] All models are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with Torsen limited-slip centre differential and manual locking.

The Land Cruiser has rectangular headlights and painted body panels, heated and ventilated front seats, an available console cool box, a 2,400-watt inverter, colour-selectable fog lights by RIGID, wider tyres, and a locking rear differential and stabilizer disconnect mechanism.

The First Edition adds a roof rack, rock rails and a front skid plate, while keeping the 1958's round headlights.

[28][43] The J250 series Land Cruiser Prado was launched in Australia in June 2024 with the same trim levels as the fourth generation: GX, GXL, Altitude, VX, and Kakadu.

[45] The Land Cruiser Prado was launched in South Africa on 3 June 2024, with two grades available: TX and VX-R; it is powered by a 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine.

[46] The Chinese market Land Cruiser Prado was previewed in November 2023 at the Guangzhou Auto Show.

The Land Cruiser Prado was launched in the Philippines on 7 June 2024 in a sole variant powered by a T24A-FTS 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

[citation needed] The Land Cruiser Prado was launched in Vietnam on 16 October 2024 in a sole variant powered by a T24A-FTS 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

[54] The Land Cruiser Prado was launched in Brunei market on 17 January 2025 in VX and TX variants powered by a 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine mated with 8-speed automatic transmission.