Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Medium SUV
With the J90, Toyota lost some ground to its fans since the car was not exactly a hit on the market due to its poor off-road performances compared to other 4x4s. So then, the carmaker burned the midnight oil and managed to create the Land Cruiser/Prado 120, which matched the carmaker's reputation.
In its three-door version, the SUV sported a shorter wheelbase than its five-door sibling but shared some important parts. For instance, they had the same front fascia with swept-up headlights. The plastic wrapped-around front bumper was mandatory to comply with safety regulations regarding pedestrian protection. From its sides, the 3-door Land Cruiser/Prado provided the same-size doors as on the five-door version, which made problematic the ingress and egress to the rear seats. In addition, the rear side window featured a pop-out mechanism so the cabin could get some fresh air.
Inside, the carmaker's design team took its inspiration from sedans and hatchbacks, creating a tall center stack that hosted the controls for the HVAC and the sound system. They placed the gear stick and the transfer-box selector between the front seats. Apart from the difficult access, the 3-door Land Cruiser/Prado 120 provided enough room for two adult occupants in the back. The trunk, on the other hand, was tiny.
Toyota offered the Land Cruiser/Prado with either a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. Both were mated with a five-speed manual as standard, while a four-speed automatic was on the options list. Moreover, all versions featured a two-speed transfer box with a locking center differential.