1996 Toyota Prado RZ vs 1999 Prado TZ | Epic Modified SUV comparison |Prado off-road vs street build

Overview
The 1996 Toyota Prado RZ (red) and the 1999 Toyota Prado TZ (super white) are two well-regarded iterations of Toyota’s midsize, body-on-frame SUV. Both examples here have undergone extensive aftermarket modification, transforming them from capable off-roaders into head-turning, performance-oriented machines. Below you’ll find a detailed description of each vehicle’s visual upgrades, feature set, and core technical specifications—followed by a side-by-side comparison.

1. Detailed Descriptions
Toyota Prado RZ 1996 (Red)
Exterior: Finished in a deep, candy-apple red, the RZ sports a custom wide-body kit with integrated flared wheel arches, side skirts, and a front bumper extension. The factory grille has been swapped for a blacked-out mesh unit bearing a retro-styled “PRADO” badge.

Lighting: Upgraded to projector HID headlights with LED daytime running strips, plus smoked LED taillight clusters.

Wheels & Tires: 18″ staggered alloy wheels in gloss black, wrapped in 265/60 R18 all-terrain tires. Lowered by 2″ via adjustable coilovers.

Interior: Reupholstered in black leather with red contrast stitching. Sports bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with RZ-style emblem, and carbon-fiber trim accents. An aftermarket touchscreen head unit powers Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker sound system.

Toyota Prado TZ 1999 (Super White)
Exterior: The TZ’s Super White paint is complemented by a custom off-road body kit: vented hood, roof-mounted spoiler, and a skid-plate-style front valance. The stock grille has been rechromed and fitted with a slim LED light bar.

Lighting: Full LED conversion (projector low/high beams) and sequential LED indicators. Rear fog lamps added.

Wheels & Tires: 17″ beadlock-style wheels in matte gunmetal, shod with 285/70 R17 mud-terrain tires. Lifted by 1.5″ with a suspension spacer kit for improved off-road clearance.

Interior: Retains TZ’s premium fabric seating, but with custom white leather inserts and red piping. Upgraded center console with digital climate controls, JBL component speakers, and an under-seat subwoofer.

2. Key Feature Highlights
Feature Category Prado RZ ’96 (Red) Prado TZ ’99 (Super White)
Body Kit Wide-body flares, side skirts, front splitter Ventilated hood, roof spoiler, skid-plate valance
Suspension Adjustable coilovers (–2″ ride height) 1.5″ lift spacers
Wheel/Tire Setup 18″ gloss black alloys, 265/60 R18 AT 17″ gunmetal beadlock, 285/70 R17 MT
Lighting Projector HID + LED DRLs, smoked LED tail clusters Full LED conversion, slim grille LED bar, rear fogs
Interior Black leather w/ red stitching, carbon-fiber accents White leather inserts, red piping, JBL audio + subwoofer
Electronics Apple CarPlay head unit, six-speaker stereo Digital HVAC, JBL component system

3. Performance & Technical Specifications
Specification Prado RZ ’96 (Modified) Prado TZ ’99 (Modified)
Engine 3.0 L 1KZ-TE turbo-diesel 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6 petrol
Output (Modified) ~160 hp @ 3,400 rpm
350 Nm @ 1,600 rpm (remapped ECU) ~200 hp @ 4,600 rpm
310 Nm @ 3,400 rpm (intake/exhaust upgrade)
Transmission 5-speed manual (short-throw shifter) 4-speed automatic (reinforced torque converter)
Drivetrain Part-time 4WD, locking rear diff Full-time 4WD, limited-slip center
Brakes Front drilled/slotted rotors + Red calipers Front cross-drilled rotors + Black calipers
Fuel Economy ~10 km/L combined (post-tune) ~8 km/L combined (post-tune)
Weight ~2,200 kg ~2,300 kg

4. Comparative Analysis
Off-Road Versatility: The ’96 RZ’s lower stance and coilovers favor sporty on-road handling, whereas the ’99 TZ’s lift spacers and mud-terrains improve rock-crawling and deep-dirt traction.


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