Flat Tailgate vs Wheelback Prado 150 // Detailed Comparison and Why You Should CHOOSE CAREFULLY! 

Have you seen my followup video after owning these vehicles for over 8 months? Here is part 2: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0oFSAhQ170s.html

I'm with Dad 100%. I read somewhere that Toyota made the change to flat back due to the 150's increasing popularity as an urban driver, and to accommodate lady drivers who may find the wheel mounted door a bit heavy. However, it seems easy enough to operate and looks better too.. The extra tank is a huge feature to pass up...

Your Dad is absolutely intelligent. Very organized. I love how he carefully and patiently brought forward his ideas ✅

Awww... nice having your Dad on screen....ensure you do more videos with him... it's rare in the industry

I like both, but the boys and I settled on the fact that having the spare wheel on the back makes a prado a prado. We love it especially the 1KD motor ones. We do see the appeal of the flatback but just love the classic spare on back

Hi Mark. As per my previous comments posted here on your channel, I went for the 2022 VX Prado with the additional fuel tank which, recently receiving official word from the stealership, will FINALLY be delivered mid-May 22 (on order since Aug 21). Straight up, my reason for particularly going for the extra fuel tank option is that I intend to tow either a camper trailer or a hybrid van in the future to explore this big beautiful country of ours with my young family - including outback Oz. A few other general points (some of which had been mentioned in your video) that I’d like to share as follows: a) extra fuel tank allows for bulk purchase of diesel when and where it happens to be cheaper; b) you don’t need to drive around with a full tank ALL the time especially if remaining in areas with ready access to reliable fuel sources; c) the weight on the tailgate is significantly more than the flat tailgate to the point where it tends to drop slightly from wear and tear over time in the much older Prado’s which Kaon have come up with a solution for; d) you can get a Kaon bracket to relocate the reversing camera attachment to the number plate mount (so the wheel cover can be permanently removed) which also changes the view inside the car when reversing but still good enough; e) I’m told (by Kaon) that you can fit a Kaon 30L stainless steel water tank under the vehicle where the spare wheel would normally sit but ONLY if you fit the factory Toyota towbar (e.g. won’t fit with a TAG towbar); f) Kaon also make a bracket which fits to the hinge mount of the rear barn door to allow fitment of a UHF aerial (instead of the bullbar); g) the only opening option of the big ‘barn door’ can be tricky in tight spaces e.g. when reversed into underground shopping centre carparks; h) I reckon the wheel on the back looks ‘tougher’ especially with aftermarket wheels. I think that’s about it ... the above info comes from doing some fairly solid research into tourer/camper builds for the past two years towards which your channel has given me some additional ideas. Luv your work!!! 🤙

The wheel back looks so much better and its one of the distinct features of the prado

Having extra fuel capacity is the number one reason I purchased the Prado, deal breaker for me. Plus storage of bin bags on the rear spare tyre etc

Nice Family & the Best Trucks ever. You are really to be proud of your Dad! Godspeed to both of you. Respect & Honor.

Great video mate! I have the wheel back prado model. And I agree with all your Dad’s points. Although, flat back looks more sexy.

You can always replace the rear door tyre with a frame mounted rear bar dual tyre carrier, extra fuel is more important.

Nice looking cars both of them. My 22 year old VZJ95 is still going strong at 394,500 km, can't believe mine was once as new as your dad's one!

Great video and great explanation of everything. I agree the flat back looks alot better. But having the extra fuel tank is worth the rear looking a bit uglier. Also havung the spare tyre up higher is better for water crossings. When spare tyres are underneath a car then can make them more likely to float. Great video cheers nate.

Thanks for the comparison - the Prado's a great tourer. Re: GVM - the extra weight you're talking about is assuming he's filled up the tank :) And if you need the extra capacity to carry a whole lot of other stuff, you're probably on a long/remote trip, in which case you still need to carry the extra fuel, in which case you have to carry the same weight in fuel, but in Jerry Cans :) Re: centre of gravity - if you have more fuel down low, that's going to offset the higher position of the wheel somewhat. Just my two cents! Personally, I'd still take the wheel back version for that built in extra fuel capacity which is great for touring.

I love your Dad way of seeing things ❤very natural indeed , by the way i taught you would talk about the long term effect of having a back tire model cause compared to the 200 series with back tire the fact that it’s directly attached to the door doesn’t have any bad effect on the long term compared to your flat one , i hope you understand my concern 😂

I’m totally agree with your dad, he’s such a clever man. I have a flat back Prado and would love to have a bigger fuel tank with a spare wheel on the back, but it’s impossible to get here in Europe, unfortunately. I just love this off-road look with the wheel on the tailgate, just like Jeep Wrangler I had before.

Wheel back prado looks more masculine and aggressive. Great presentation mate.

In UAE we get 4L V6 and 2.4L V4 Petrol only. We have both with spare at rear and at bottom. After watching many videos from Australia, I realise our SUVs are quite similar. We have Prado 150 LC 200 LC 300 Patrol Y61 Patrol Y62 And these all sell like hot cakes here.

I pray one day God bless me with this Prado with the wheel on the back. Always ma dream car

You will find the rear camera on the tyre will not quite allow you to see the tow ball when hitching up the caravan. The tyre cover blocks the view. Thanks for posting. It was something I considered for our new Prado. But the extra fuel tank won out

The flatback are very rare to see on Aussie roads so I had to look twice first time I saw one to check it was actually a prado. I wouldn't want to be without the extra fuel capacity myself but I can see the appeal of the rear door setup on the naked model. I have a 90 series so there was no choice, but I've always thought the wheel underneath is a soccer mums shopping trolley vs a real tourer.

I prefer the wheel back. The larger fuel tank is useful for a long trip without the caravan and very useful when towing the van as fuel consumption nearly doubles. The offset rear view camera gives you a parallax error when reversing up to the towbars.

I also was leaning towards flat back, because it looked like a Land Cruiser… but didn’t know about the extra fuel tank. That makes me want to change my mind.

Waiting for me my flat and it's being 12 months. I love the flat tail. 87L is good enough. It looks awsome without tye wheel at the back. Both are great cars

I picked myself up a 2015 Kakadu Prado with the rear mount. I do a lot of highway driving, about 45-50,000km a year. Currently running a largish tyre 285/70/R17, Maxxis Razr At811. The reason for the rear mount was simply because I plan on stepping up to a 305 or 315 and didn't want that hung up on trails offroad. Keep a full sized spare on the rear with no door sag yet. Gets used offroad heaps as well as plenty of onroad use. Next suspension upgrade with include a superior engineering 3 inch lift with gvm upgrade.

My pet hate with wheel back Prados is the visible indent on the door when you get a dual wheel carrier. I have no need for such a hard core tourer but if I did I'd get the flat back and spec an after market fuel tank and dual wheel carrier

Interesting views; heard some things that I did not thin about. I had always wanted the wheelback Prado but got the 2022 Flatback instead. I feel that once I am driving my dream car (a Prado), it doesn't matter which. I absolutely love my Prado!

The big + of no wheel in the back is that you can open the back glass without having to open the door

I go for the flat back, wanna be unique and try something new also larger on reversing.

The cars are good but the better thing I see here is that a father and a son are doing something together.

Flat back disadvantage is you don't know you've lost your spare until you need it, reduced fuel capacity / range, I wouldn't be recommending filling a few cans of spare fuel and travelling with them in the back! Also not so easy to change wheels in the dark and wet weather or off road. Weight distribution is a very weak advantage when off roading as uneven surfaces often determine weight distribution. The side walls of the under-slung spare wheel's tyre are exposed to sharp snags and rocks etc when off-roading. I prefer the tried and tested wheelback option thanks. The flat tailgate is good for shopping and picking up the kids - looks nice around town.

excellent review. I never knew about the extra fuel tank feature. I used to think the wheel back has more center of gravity than the flat back.

Well guys I had a Nissan safari with the spare wheel on the back and what a pain it was 1 it blocks your rear view 2 it makes the door really heavy and hard to open . Luckily the Nissan had a split door systems. But it’s to heavy and your Toyota whole door systems would be really heavier. 3 and backing was a real pain and the fibre glass cover was a pain to deal with also and lifting the spare off and back on is really heavy as well . But thanks for your presentation and views 👍👍🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

With or without all the explanations, for me, Wheelback all the way. It looks more Masculine than the flat back.

I don't know but for some reason I like the spare wheel on the back. Makes the car look so badass and huge

I’d go the flat, with the extra tank and a dual wheel carrier on the back.

Wish I could get my hands on a rear door with wheel mount for my Lexus GX 460.

I like the only only with spare wheel at rear..I have the same 2013 V6 petrol beige color. Makes it more masculine

I like the masculine look of the wheelback prado

well the reverse camera is mounted on the rear wheel mount not on the spare wheel cover so it will not be affected in case the cover fall out

Here in Japan, we only have the flat tailgate. I would prefer the wheel on the back and a larger fuel tank, but not possible to choose, so I have a 2022 with the flat tailgate.

I have a December built 21 flat roof but they call it a 22 I love my gxl same colour and I love the flat tailgate as I can still get in the boot through the back window

Love the tailgate option. Thanks, very informative!

Getting a wheel on rear is good for me any time.You get extra fuel for safaris

Love you 2. Very great review. Love the tire on the back. Tjats what drew me to the Prada series...to me its not a Prada without the tireback

Land Cruiser is a great ride. I drive a 1996 model with a back wheel. No regrets so far.

dad and sun doing grate job

I prefer the wheel back version instead of the Flat back. You can put the bigger tires that way and also can put an Auxiliary tank Underneath the trunk area. Love the LC prado!

Good video. Mine is flat because most are where I am.

Wow😊Wonderful representation to us

Great comparisson but you didn't mention how the underslung spare on the flat back gets you stuck in sand. I have a 200 and these owners know to put the spare inside when soft sand driving. The 200 spare also dips down at the front to act like sand brake. Even if the Prado spare is not too low, you cannot release it when bogged as sometimes you need it to help recovery. Otherwise my pick is the square-back

love my 2022 flattailgate kakadu...looks different to the rest..definitely a headturner.. pumps are everywhere U can never run out of fuel, anyone going extreme remote would definitely tow and in that case carrying a few jerry cans is a non issue.

Hi mark, super interesting video, haven’t seen a comparison like this before so well done. Just so you’re aware, the reversing camera is not attached to the spare wheel cover, it’s attached to the mount. We recently upgraded our tyres and wheels and with increased tyre size the wheel cover no longer fit. We were worried about losing the camera but found it was no issue. Hubby also adjusted the camera angle to get a better view when hitching up the boat or camper 👍

A flat back prado where the door doesn’t open upwards is the most ridiculous thing. Imagine losing aux fuel tank to make the door light but it doesn’t open upwards with +/-auto setting. It is very handy if you are towing say a small trailer or a fold down bike rack. You can still open the door without taking bikes or the trailer off.

Nice cars, you can always not fill to top the fuel tanks if you need to carry more weight.

I think wheelback prados and landcrusiers look cool

Loved the insights 🔥 thought of doing same review here in Fiji 🇫🇯.

another good one. i love the flatpack but i love having 150 litres and wheel at the back. if the prado had a 200 series drop tail i would in a heart beat. in 2013 there was only on variant in australia. take the plastic off under your dads reverse camera for more viewing area for the camera

I like the Dad's Prado for the extra petrol tank. Hey son take care of your nice Dad. Big Hi from Algeria

Wow I like presentation and reasons for both

I just checked which is upsetting no tyre pressure monitor have to go aftermarket

One thing you did not mention ..... is there a noticeable difference in opening the back door with and without the tyre on it? In other words, does the extra weight with the tyre on make the door harder to open and close?

Here in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 prados are mostly imported from Japan Domestic market. And around 75% of vehicles have spare tyre on Tailgate!!

I want that Prado

Very nice video. Greetings from Spain for both.

I definitely prefer the aesthetics of the flat gate.

I love both explanations! Thumb up to both of you. 👍👍 I will subscribe to your channel for more insights🤝 Now! My worry is sometimes that the back tire may loosen the door hinges with time!! 🙆🙆 Unless this doubt is cleared I will go with the flat back. Again the question of extra large fuel tank for the back tire Prado is not an issue for me because, now days there are fuel feeling stations everywhere.😋

Good comparison. I agree with most of advantages that your dad mentioned and myself have one like his but I do wonder whether he has tried to dismount and mount the spare tyre? I have tried it once and boy it’s so hard to lift it up to the door as it’s very heavy to the point that I’m dreading having a flat tyre. I know that with the flat back mounting and dismounting involves lots of bending but still I feel it needs much less body strength. Anyway I hope neither of you get a flat tyre but perhaps this can be a topic for a video to continue the rivalry? 😀

Aren’t flat tailgate prados v4 and wheel back ones are v6?

GUYS : THE REAR WHEEL ON THE DOOR CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT!!!!! You have less view due the rear wheel. And have more distance behind to care when you use the reverse. DO NOT BUY WITH THE WHEEL ON THE REAR DOOR!!!

Hello sir, this is Jack who was your P.E student

great car with very good petrol tank capacity

I prefer the look of the flatback and probably could survive without the tank, but would resale on flatback be poorer given so many are bought second-hand for touring?

The wheel back forces you to stay further away from the tow bar so less chances of sheen injuries

Hi there, great content. Thank you. Does Toyota offer Prado without air suspension? I’m not fan, because I don’t have faith in air suspension to last long if I wanna keep it for many years to come.

Hi, would my question be whether these two different doors can be swapped? Are they compatible with each other? I have a 2021 TLC 150. Unfortunately, the Flat tailgate. I'd like to replace it with a wheelback. If I get such a door can I easily replace it? Thank you in advance for your answers! András from Europe!

Wheel all day. So good for a bag on the back

I have a 2010 Kakadu and love the 150litre fuel tank. I hate stopping for fuel and the big tank covers most long trips. I would not be interested in a flat back for that reason.

Has anyone thought about ordering the flat back and fitting the extra fuel tank. Maybe moving spare tire somewhere else.

Hi mate love the video comparison. We are looking at a new prado and are torn between the flat back or tyre rear. We are leaning towards a flat back due to the cleaner look and we won’t be towing a caravan. Is there an aftermarket option to get a bigger fuel tank on the flat back? I.e 100L? It appears it’s 2 to 1 for the normal back. So you think this would affect resale ? Thanks again

What is the maximum spare wheel size under GXL 150 with flat tailgate package? Can we put a bigger tyre than the standard?

Personally - flat back all the way I don't need a long range fuel tank. If I was doing long range driving, I'd buy a 200 Series Landcruiser

Which one would be better to drive through the flowing water like river crossings?

22l per 100km towing? Is that accurate? Seems very high. Some Discovery’s getting aroun 13/100 towing over 3T.

Getting my VXL on 19th this month. Can you let me know which roof rack can be fixed to carry some luggage -considering the sunroof that comes with vxl?

I had a 2013 150 Prado with the spare mounted on the tail gate. it was a pain in the back side. The camera is offset and gives an error when hooking the caravan. The rear view is obstructed by the wheel. I got a flat on a motor way. With my Wife we had huge trouble getting the tyre off and back on the car. The tail gate is like opening a garage door , far to heavy. Why do you need to carry 150 litres of fuel in Aust today, diesel is available in every town and on the highway. I sold the car and recently purchased a 2022 Prado with the flat tailgate. All the above mentioned faults are now rectified. We carry 87 litres of fuel still more than Isuzu and other SUV,s.

What's the fuel economy in normal driving ( not towing)?

Nice video

Congratulations! How long do you have to wait for the delivery?

Love my flat back Prado. Wheel cover no good if you go bigger rubber/wheels. Flat back looks better/cleaner. Also easier to clean. Back window access is great (just like my previous car FJ Cruiser). 80L is fine for 95% of the driving most people do in a year. Finally, I’ve yet to see a rear door with a wheel mounted on it that has not sagged on it’s hinges. They all eventually sag after 5-10 yrs. I hate that aspect.

flat back best any time

I'm with dad

Wheel back is my favourite

Hey mate do you know what size tyre you could fit underneath the flat back model? Also I think your dad mentioned being able to put a rubbish bag on the spare tyre, I’m pretty sure that would cover the camera 🤷🏼‍♂️

I wonder if you and your dad could both look at your reverse camera at night. I had a Prado like your dad with rear wheel, now i have yours. The reverse lights reflect into the camera im assuming its because it is more recessed into the body than the one that goes on the rear wheel cover. Would love your feedback and if you think its an issue.

Fully support the flat tailgate Prado. I have 1 as well love ❤ it... SAGIEMAN Group P/L

yes indeed with the weight you save, you have the ability to carry more weight, fuel for example

I love my 2011 Kakadu, but I HATE the tyre on the back door. Always have. Hated it on my 90 series, my 120 and now my 150. They’re heavy, always rattle, impractical, and just plain ugly, but I can’t justify buying a whole new car just for the flat rear door, so I wonder how hard it would be to convert mine? I can’t see the door being an issue as I assume it’s the same hinge and latch setup, but the spare tyre is an issue. I wonder if it’s possible to pull the rear fuel tank out and retrofit the tire under there. Any ideas?

you guys are awesome enjoy

I like flat back style ❤️❤️❤️❤️