Toyota Will Allow You to Factory-Upgrade Your Old Land Cruiser, Provided You Pay for It | Carscoops

      Toyota is bringing back the discontinued 150 Series SUV, known in the United States as the Lexus GX, with a factory enhancement that is priced significantly higher than anticipated.

      Toyota has introduced a Newscape kit for the older 150 Series Prado.

      This initiative is a collaboration with The North Face and the Japanese biotech company Spiber.

      The kit provides factory-designed upgrades for the exterior and interior of used SUVs.

      The Land Cruiser name continues to hold significance in Toyota's offerings, and older models aren't being neglected. With the new 250 Series, which debuted in 2023, Toyota is revisiting its predecessor, the 150 Series, produced from 2009 to 2023 and marketed in the US as the Lexus GX, by introducing a new update.

      Although production has ceased, the 150 Series is undergoing a refresh with a "Newscape" kit, a factory-supported facelift that enhances both the exterior and interior. This gives the older 150 Series Prado a renewed appeal and, in some configurations, a more rugged look than before.

      A Concept That Gained Popularity

      The Land Cruiser Prado Newscape was first introduced as a concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. However, due to strong interest, it quickly transitioned from concept to production, and it will make another appearance at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.

      The development was spearheaded by Toyota’s Conic Pro division, collaborating with The North Face, Japanese biotech firm Spiber, and Toyota’s in-house Corde by brand, which focuses on customizing pre-owned vehicles. The goal of the project is to extend the lifespan of older models with factory-supported upgrades, enhancing their attractiveness while minimizing environmental impact.

      Rugged or Subtle, Your Choice

      The Land Cruiser Newscape kit is offered in two unique versions. The Graphite Gray option presents a more striking aesthetic, featuring matte black bumpers, bolt-on fender extensions, and Mango Orange accents on the fog lights and rear towing hook. In contrast, the Meld Grey version opts for a subtler look with body-colored bumpers, matte black accents, and Saffron Yellow detailing.

      Regardless of the version selected, both packages come equipped with a roof rack, rear ladder, mud flaps, and a fuel lid adorned with The North Face logo. They ride on matte black 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/65R17 all-terrain tires for improved traction and capability.

      Inside, the standout feature is the new seat upholstery made from Brewed Protein fiber, an eco-friendly material developed by Spiber. The seats are branded with The North Face logo and are complemented by new floor mats from Toyota.

      Pricing and Availability

      The Newscape kit will be available for purchase in Japan starting March 7, 2026. It is compatible only with the TX grade of the Land Cruiser Prado (150 Series) produced between September 2017 and April 2024, available in both gasoline and diesel variants. Note that it fits only models equipped with black fabric seats.

      The starting prices for the packages are ¥3.96 million ($25,300) for the Graphite Gray version and ¥3.85 million ($24,600) for the Meld Grey variant, with an additional ¥150,000 ($960) for various other costs.

      Considering the estimated ¥4 million ($25,600) price for a used Land Cruiser Prado, the total expenditure would be approximately ¥8 million ($51,200). This is notably higher than the starting price of a new Land Cruiser 250 at ¥5,200,000 ($33,300) in Japan, and even exceeds the larger, more advanced Land Cruiser 300, which starts at ¥5,252,500 ($33,600).

      This situation somewhat undermines the concept of sustainability, unless one prioritizes preservation over advancement or simply appreciates the nostalgia and familiarity of a well-maintained classic receiving a new life.