by Toyota has introduced the Newscape upgrade kit for the previous generation of the Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series SUV. This project was implemented in collaboration with the brand The North Face, the biotechnology company Spiber, and Toyota’s internal division Corde by. The kit allows for the updating of the exterior and interior of used vehicles using factory accessories.
An Update for a Legend
The Land Cruiser name remains important for Toyota, but the company hasn’t forgotten about older models either. Despite the arrival of the new 250 Series generation in 2023, the Japanese manufacturer has returned to the previous, long-lived 150 Series, which was produced from 2009 to 2023. This model was sold in the US under the name Lexus GX, and now it gets a new lease on life thanks to the Newscape kit.
This factory upgrade kit gives the old Prado a fresh look outside and inside. It gives the vehicle a second wind, and in some versions, even makes its appearance more rugged and adventure-ready than before.
From Concept to Series
Initially, the Land Cruiser Prado Newscape was presented as a concept car at the Japan Mobility Show in 2025. However, significant public interest quickly turned the idea into a series offering. The updated vehicle will be presented again at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2026.
The development was led by the Toyota Conic Pro division in partnership with The North Face, the Japanese biotech firm Spiber, and the internal brand Toyota Corde by, which specializes in customizing used cars.
The goal of the project is to extend the lifecycle of older cars through factory upgrades, making them more attractive and reducing environmental impact.
Two Paths: Bold or Restrained
The Newscape kit is offered in two different versions. The Graphite Gray variant has a bolder look thanks to matte black bumpers, bolt-on over-fenders, and mango-orange accents on the fog lights and rear tow hook. The alternative variant, Meld Grey, has a more restrained appearance with bumpers painted in body color, matte black trim, and saffron-yellow details.
Both versions include a roof rack, a rear ladder, mudguards, and a fuel tank cap with The North Face logo. The vehicles also receive matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, shod in 265/65R17 off-road tires for improved traction and capability.
Inside the cabin, the main innovation is the seat upholstery made from Brewed Protein fiber. This eco-friendly material is developed by Spiber. The seats feature The North Face branding, and new floor mats from Toyota are also installed.
Cost and Conditions
The Newscape kit will go on sale in Japan from March 7, 2026. It is compatible only with the TX grade of the Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series model, produced between September 2017 and April 2024, which can have either gasoline or diesel engines. An important condition is that the kit is suitable only for vehicles equipped with black fabric seats.
The price starts from 3.96 million yen for the Graphite Gray version and 3.85 million yen for the Meld Grey model. An additional cost of 150,000 yen is added to either option.
Considering that the cost of a used Land Cruiser Prado is approximately 4 million yen, the total expenditure reaches about 8 million yen. This figure significantly exceeds the starting price of a brand-new Land Cruiser 250 in Japan, which is 5.2 million yen, and is even higher than the price of the larger and more technologically advanced Land Cruiser 300, which costs from 5.25 million yen.
This calls into question the economic rationale of such an upgrade from an environmental standpoint, unless the buyer specifically values preserving the old car and its character more than progress, or simply prefers the charm and familiarity of a proven classic that has been given a second life.
The Newscape offering demonstrates an interesting trend in the automotive industry, where increasing attention is being paid to the circular economy and extending the lifespan of existing products. While from a purely financial point of view, buying a new car may seem more rational, there is a whole category of car enthusiasts for whom the emotional value, uniqueness, and ability to personalize an old but reliable off-roader outweighs logic. This project also highlights the growing role of collaborations between automotive brands and companies from other sectors, such as apparel and biotechnology, to create innovative and ethical products. The success of such an initiative in the market will show how ready consumers are to invest in a future that reimagines the past.
