Toyota Unveils 'Newscape' Genuine Refurbishment Kit for Older 150 Series Prado Models

[PCauto] While global car enthusiasts are captivated by the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser 250 series, the automaker has surprisingly turned its focus to the discontinued legend—the Land Cruiser Prado, codenamed J150.

Debuting in 2009 and discontinued in 2023, this rugged off-road vehicle has recently been revived through the "Newscape" OEM refurbishment kit.

Led by Toyota's Conic Pro division and developed in collaboration with outdoor brand The North Face, biotech firm Spiber, and customisation brand Corde by, this project seeks to balance environmental consciousness with nostalgic appeal.

About the Design Concept of Newscape

The birth of the Newscape kit originated from a concept exhibition at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Due to the enthusiastic response, Toyota quickly moved it into mass production, with a formal debut scheduled for the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The kit provides a factory-certified refurbishment solution designed to extend the lifecycle of older vehicles while conserving resources. The environmentally friendly Brewed Protein fiber, developed by the biotech company Spiber, plays a key role in the interior. This fabric, derived from plant-based sugars, replaces traditional petroleum-based synthetics. It is used for all seats, which feature embroidered The North Face logos. Complemented by exclusive floor mats, the kit weaves outdoor aesthetics into the vehicle's cabin.

The exterior package is available in two styles. The Graphite Grey variant features a matte black bumper, flared wheel arches, and mango-orange fog lamp surrounds, creating a rugged, adventure-ready appearance.

The Meld Grey version, on the other hand, features a bumper in the same color and saffron yellow details, emphasizing a more understated texture.

Both variants come standard with a roof rack, rear ladder, mud flaps, and a fuel filler cap bearing The North Face logo. Additionally, they roll on upgraded 17-inch matte black wheels shod with 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres, completing the off-road look.

The Package and Total Price of the Old Prado 150 Series Are Too Expensive

This nostalgic offering comes with clear limitations: it is only compatible with the TX-grade Prado 150 produced between September 2017 and April 2024, which must have originally been fitted with black fabric seats.

The powertrain is compatible with both gasoline and diesel engines, but the mechanical structure remains unchanged—essentially a "cosmetic and interior" deluxe upgrade.

However, the price has become the biggest point of controversy. The Graphite Gray package is priced at 3,960,000 yen (about 103,000 MYR).

The Meld Grey version costs 3,850,000 yen (about 100,000 MYR), with an additional 150,000 yen (about 3,900 MYR) in miscellaneous fees.

Factoring in the cost of a used Prado—approximately ¥4,000,000 (about RM 104k)—the total outlay climbs to nearly ¥8,000,000 (about RM 208k).

Based on figures from Toyota's official Japan website, this total cost significantly exceeds the Land Cruiser 250's starting price of ¥5,200,000 (approx. RM 135k) and even surpasses the range-topping Land Cruiser 300 priced at ¥7,736,300 (approx. RM 201k).

The Prado 150 Series Has a Long History

The Prado 150 series boasts a strong following across Southeast Asia. Throughout its decade-long production run, the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel variants earned a reputation as reliable workhorses for site surveys and jungle expeditions, thanks to their resilience in high heat and humidity.
Especially in Thailand, the 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine, introduced in 2015, remains a favorite in the second-hand market due to its exceptional adaptability.

Today, even for units that ended production in 2020, used Prado prices remain robust. Examples under five years old typically retain over 70% of their value, far outpacing comparable SUVs. Should Toyota consider introducing an official refurbishment programme like Newscape to Southeast Asia, its commercial prospects appear limited. After all, a brand-new Fortuner is priced from RM 195,880, whereas the projected total cost for a Prado Newscape build already touches RM 208k.