Can you buy Toyota Prado in the USA?

Officially, no—new Toyota Prado models are not sold by Toyota’s U.S. dealerships. In the United States, the Prado nameplate is not part of the current Toyota lineup. For buyers who want a Prado, the options are to explore import paths for older models or to pursue nearby US-market Toyota alternatives that offer similar capabilities, such as the 4Runner or Land Cruiser variants that are or have been available in the country.

In this article, we’ll explain the current market reality, how people commonly approach ownership of a Toyota Prado in the United States, and what to consider when pursuing an import or a similar alternative. We’ll cover official availability, the legal framework for importing older vehicles, practical steps, and cost considerations.

Current availability and alternatives in the U.S.

What you should know about the U.S. market is straightforward: Toyota does not offer a new Prado in U.S. showrooms. The closest US-market offerings are the Toyota 4Runner and various Land Cruiser variants that have appeared in different forms over the years. For buyers set on a Prado experience, that typically means looking at imports of older models or choosing a US-specification SUV with a similar off-road pedigree.

Ways to own a Toyota Prado in the United States

There are a few distinct avenues that enthusiasts pursue to own a Prado in the U.S.—each with its own prerequisites and caveats. The following options reflect common paths taken by buyers as of the current regulatory environment.

• Import a used Toyota Prado from another country once it meets the 25-year import rule. In practice, that means Prados from the mid-1990s and earlier are typically eligible for importation, though you still must navigate emissions and safety requirements at the state level and arrange compliance work as needed.


• Work with a specialized auto importer or dealer that handles gray-market imports. These firms source Prados from overseas markets, assess eligibility, arrange the paperwork, and often adapt the vehicle for U.S. roads. Expect added fees for sourcing, freight, duties, and any required modifications.


• Consider US-market alternatives with similar capability. The 4Runner, older Land Cruiser models, or other rugged Toyota SUVs may offer a comparable off-road experience and are supported by U.S. service networks and parts supply.

Each path has its own balance of cost, risk, and effort. Importing a vehicle involves international shipping, import duties, potential modifications, and state-level registration hurdles. Buying a US-spec alternative may deliver quicker access to parts and service but won’t be a true Prado badge.

Import rules and practical steps

Understanding the regulatory framework is essential before pursuing a Prado in the United States. The most relevant rule is the 25-year import exemption that allows classic vehicles to enter the U.S. without meeting modern FMVSS safety standards. Emissions standards and other regulatory requirements can still apply at the state level, and many importers handle the compliance process to ease the transition onto U.S. roads.

1. Identify a Prado that is at least 25 years old (model year at or before the cutoff year). This is typically a mid- to late-1990s model or earlier.


2. Confirm the vehicle’s history, condition, and market-specific specifications (especially for right-hand drive vs. left-hand drive configurations).


3. Engage a licensed importer or broker who can handle the paperwork, duties, and regulatory steps required for U.S. entry and registration.


4. Address any state-specific registration and emissions requirements, which may include inspections, modifications, or labeling to satisfy local laws.


5. Arrange titling, insurance, and ongoing maintenance considerations once the vehicle is legally in the U.S. market.

Note that the import pathway can be time-consuming and costly. The exact process and costs vary by vehicle history, origin country, and the target U.S. state’s requirements, so prospective buyers should plan for a multi-month timeline and budget accordingly.

Costs, reliability, and ownership considerations

Costs for importing a Prado can include the purchase price in the source market, international shipping, insurance during transit, import duties, brokerage fees, and any modification or safety-compliance work required for the U.S. market. Ongoing ownership costs will mirror those of other older, high-demand SUVs: parts availability can be good for popular variants, but certain parts may be harder to source than for common U.S.-market models, and maintenance costs can be higher due to the vehicle’s age and import-specific servicing.

Reliability and condition depend heavily on prior use and maintenance. Prados that spent their lives in markets with more permissive rust controls or in harsh climates can show corrosion or wear in areas that affect long-term durability. Buyers should prioritize comprehensive inspection reports, service histories, and a local shop familiar with imported Toyota models.

What to watch for before purchasing a Prado abroad or via import

Because importing a vehicle is a complex process with regulatory and logistical hurdles, prospective buyers should perform due diligence before committing. The following checklist highlights important considerations to avoid surprises after the vehicle arrives in the United States.

• Verify the vehicle’s compliance status and the importer’s credentials. Check references and confirm that the vehicle is eligible for import under the 25-year rule.


• Inspect for rust, prior body repairs, and mechanical wear typical of aging SUVs. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician is highly recommended.


• Confirm that the VIN, chassis, and official documents match the vehicle you intend to import, and understand duties, taxes, and registration requirements.


• Understand potential modifications to meet U.S. standards, such as lighting, emissions, and safety labeling, and who will perform them.

Buying a Prado in the United States—whether via import or alternative models—requires careful planning, a clear budget, and reliable professional guidance to navigate regulatory and logistical hurdles.

Bottom line and alternatives

In summary, you cannot purchase a brand-new Toyota Prado from U.S. dealers today. If your goal is a Prado-like experience in the United States, you have two practical routes: pursue a formal import of a 25-year-old Prado from overseas markets, or opt for a Toyota SUV that is officially sold in the U.S. and offers similar off-road capability, such as a used Land Cruiser variant or a 4Runner. Each option has distinct advantages and trade-offs in terms of availability, cost, ease of ownership, and ongoing support.

Summary

The Toyota Prado is not available new for the U.S. market, but dedicated buyers can explore import options for older models (typically 25 years or older) or turn to U.S.-market alternatives with comparable capability. If you choose to import, be prepared for a multi-step process involving compliance with federal and state rules, shipping logistics, and potential modifications. For many, a well-maintained US-spec 4Runner or Land Cruiser can offer a more straightforward ownership experience, while a true Prado delivers a distinct badge and styling that enthusiasts often seek.

Is the Toyota Prado available in the USA?

No, the Toyota Prado has not been sold under that name in the USA. However, the Prado has returned to the U.S. market as the new generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser (250 Series), which is essentially the Prado but with the Land Cruiser name for brand recognition. Previously, a similar model was sold in the US as the Lexus GX.
 
Why the change in name?

• Toyota decided to rebrand the Prado as the Land Cruiser for the North American market to leverage the strong recognition of the Land Cruiser nameplate. 
• The Prado was not sold in the US previously because the name was not familiar to the market. 
• The Lexus GX was the luxury version of the Prado sold in the US, but now the standard Land Cruiser will be the version based on the Prado chassis. 

What to expect

• The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is the re-entry of the Prado into the U.S. market. 
• It will be available with a hybrid powertrain and will have features such as full-time 4WD. 
• The new Land Cruiser has a design that is inspired by retro models. 
• The new model will be available in different trims, including the base "1958" model. 

Is the Lexus GX the same as a Prado?

The Lexus GX is a tiny bit longer (5015mm versus 4990mm), but width, height and wheelbase are identical. Both are built on the TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis shared with big brother LandCruiser 300 Series. Prado has a 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel mild hybrid outputting 150kW/500Nm mated to an eight-speed auto.

Can you import a Land Cruiser to the USA?

Yes, you can import a Toyota Land Cruiser to the USA, but it depends on the vehicle's age, as new models are not compatible with U.S. standards unless they are brought into compliance. Vehicles that are 25 years or older are exempt from many U.S. emissions and safety standards, making them easier to import and register. Newer vehicles will need to be professionally modified to meet all federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and emissions regulations, which is a very expensive and complex process for a single vehicle. 
Importing a vehicle 25 years or older

• Benefit: These vehicles are exempt from meeting U.S. emissions and safety standards, simplifying the import process. 
• Process: You will still need to go through the necessary paperwork and clearance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and obtain the proper DOT (HS-7) and EPA (3520-1) forms. 
• Sources: Many classic Land Cruisers (like the 70 series) are available in countries like Japan, Australia, and Europe, which are often a source for these older models. 

Importing a newer vehicle

• Challenge: Newer Land Cruisers, especially those not originally certified for the U.S. market, are not legally importable unless they meet all U.S. safety and emissions standards. 
• Process: This requires professional help to meet complex and costly requirements like crash testing and other modifications. Some companies specialize in this process. 
• Options: It is much more practical to purchase a vehicle that has already been imported and brought into compliance by a specialist importer, such as those who sell modified 70-series models. 

General import considerations

• Costs: Expect to pay around $1,000−$3,000$ 1 comma 000 minus $ 3 comma 000$1,000−$3,000 for shipping, plus potential additional costs for ground transport, customs clearance, and any necessary modifications. 
• Paperwork: You will need a bill of lading, bill of sale, and foreign registration documents, and must complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection forms. 
• Finding a vehicle: Sources include Japan, Australia, and Europe, but you'll need to consider language barriers and currency fluctuations during the purchase process. 
• Specialty importers: Several companies specialize in importing and modifying vehicles like the 70-series to meet U.S. standards, which can be a good option for those who don't want to manage the complex process themselves. 

What is a Toyota Prado called in the US?

The Toyota Prado is now sold in the U.S. as the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. Previously, its equivalent was the Lexus GX, which is the more luxurious version of the Prado, sharing the same platform but with different styling and features. The Toyota 4Runner has also been considered a close relative due to sharing similar platforms and components, particularly in previous generations.
 
Current models

• Toyota Land Cruiser: The new model is a direct equivalent to the latest Prado (the 250-series) and is the most accurate answer. 
• Lexus GX: This is the luxury counterpart to the Prado, based on the same ladder frame chassis but with a more upscale interior and a more powerful engine (a 3.5L twin-turbo V6). 

Previous generation models

• Toyota 4Runner: For previous generations, the 4Runner was the most similar in terms of platform and components, as it shared many parts with the Prado.