Toyota Prado Exhaust Upgrade Guide: Every Series, Every Engine.

Toyota Prado Exhaust Upgrade Guide: Every Series, Every Engine.

So You Want to Upgrade Your Prado's Exhaust?

Good choice. Whether you're running a well-loved 120 Series on weekend tracks or a brand-new Prado 250 fresh off the lot an aftermarket exhaust is one of the best bang for buck upgrades you can make to a diesel 4x4. More flow means better breathing and better breathing means more power, better fuel economy and a note that actually sounds like it means business.

At Outback Exhausts we've built systems for every generation of the Prado from the old 1KZ-TE thumpers right through to the latest 1GD-FTV in the 250 Series. This guide walks you through what's available for your specific vehicle so you can make a confident informed decision.

Understanding Your Options: Turbo Back vs DPF Back

Before we get into the specifics it's worth understanding the two main exhaust configurations for diesel Prado:

  • Turbo Back Exhaust — Replaces everything from the turbocharger outlet to the tailpipe. This is the most comprehensive upgrade and delivers the biggest gains in flow and sound. Best suited to pre-DPF engines.
  • DPF Back Exhaust — Replaces the exhaust system from after the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to the tailpipe. This is the correct option for newer Prado fitted with a DPF from the factory keeping your emissions compliance intact while still improving flow and sound.

Not sure which applies to your Prado? Keep reading we've broken it down by series and engine below.

Prado Exhaust Systems at a Glance

Exhaust System Engine Fit Pipe Size Best For Key Benefit
Turbo Back — Prado 120 (1KZ-TE) 3.0L 1KZ-TE (2002–2006) 3" Weekend touring, general upgrade Maximum flow on pre common-rail diesel
Turbo Back — Prado 120 (1KD-FTV) 3.0L 1KD-FTV D4D (2006–2009) 3" Towing, highway touring Improved throttle response & mid-range torque
Turbo Back — Prado 150 (1KD-FTV) 3.0L 1KD-FTV D4D (2009–2015) 3" Pre-DPF full system upgrade Full exhaust flow from turbo to tailpipe
Turbo Back — Prado 150 SWB (1KD-FTV) 3.0L 1KD-FTV D4D (2009–2015) 3" Short wheelbase variant Correct fitment for SWB body style
DPF Back — Prado 150 (1GD-FTV) 2.8L 1GD-FTV (2015–2024) 3" Street-registered daily/touring Emissions compliant, improved flow & sound
Turbo Back — Prado 150 (1GD-FTV) 2.8L 1GD-FTV (2015–On) 3" Off-road, farm & mine use Maximum flow for DPF-deleted builds
DPF Back — Prado 250 (1GD-FTV) 2.8L 1GD-FTV (2024–On) 3.5" New 250 Series, street registered Direct bolt-on, no modifications required

Toyota Prado 120 Series (2002–2009)

The 120 Series is a legend in Australian 4x4 circles tough, capable and still incredibly popular on the used market. It came with two diesel engines depending on the year and we've got systems for both.

3.0L 1KZ-TE (2002–2006) — KZJ120R

The older 1KZ-TE is a naturally aspirated style engine that responds well to exhaust upgrades. Outback Exhausts' Turbo Back Exhaust for the Prado 120 KZJ120R 3.0L 1KZ-TE is built from premium stainless steel and designed to bolt straight in no cutting no fabrication.

3.0L 1KD-FTV D4D (2006–2009) — KDJ120R

The later 120 Series switched to the more modern 1KD-FTV D4D engine which is a proper common-rail diesel. Outback Exhausts' Turbo Back Exhaust for the Prado 120 3.0L 1KD-FTV is engineered specifically for this engine and delivers a noticeable improvement in throttle response and mid-range torque.

Browse all Toyota Prado 120 Series exhaust systems

Toyota Prado 150 Series (2009–2024)

The 150 Series had a long production run and went through a significant engine change mid life moving from the 3.0L 1KD-FTV to the newer 2.8L 1GD-FTV in 2015. That engine change also brought a DPF into the mix which changes what exhaust options are appropriate.

3.0L 1KD-FTV D4D (2009–2015) — Pre-DPF

These earlier 150 Series Prado's don't have a DPF so a full turbo back system is the way to go. Outback Exhausts' offer two options depending on your body style:

2.8L 1GD-FTV Diesel (2015–2024) — With DPF

From mid 2015 the 150 Series received the 2.8L 1GD-FTV engine a cracker of a motor that makes strong power and torque from the factory. It also came with a DPF so you'll want to keep that in place and upgrade from the DPF back. Outback Exhausts' also offer a full turbo back option for those who have already had their DPF professionally removed and tuned.

Browse all Prado 150 exhaust systems

Toyota Prado 250 Series (2024 On)

The all-new 250 Series Prado launched in Australia in 2024 and brought a fresh platform, updated interior, and the same proven 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel engine. It also comes with a DPF so the approach is the same as the later 150 Series upgrade from the DPF back and keep your compliance intact.

Outback Exhausts' were one of the first in Australia to develop an exhaust solution for the 250 Series and our DPF Back Exhaust for the Toyota Prado 250 (2024 on) is a direct bolt-on fitment no modifications required.

Browse all Toyota Prado 250 Series exhaust systems

What Are the Real-World Benefits?

We get asked this a lot and the honest answer is it depends on your setup and how you drive. But here's what most Prado owners notice after fitting an Outback Exhausts system:

  • Improved throttle response — less restriction means the turbo spools faster and the engine breathes more freely
  • More mid-range torque — particularly noticeable when towing or climbing hills loaded up
  • Better fuel economy — especially on highway runs where the engine isn't working as hard
  • A better exhaust note — deeper and more purposeful without being obnoxious on a daily driver

Pair it with a quality tune and you'll really start to feel the difference.

Why Outback Exhausts?

We're not a generic parts warehouse. Every system we sell is engineered specifically for the vehicle it's designed for correct fitment, correct diameter, correct materials. We use premium stainless steel throughout and our systems are built to handle the Australian conditions that most exhaust systems weren't designed for like corrugated dirt roads, creek crossings and the kind of heat that'll kill a mild steel system in a season.

Outback Exhausts' also back their products with real support. If you're not sure which system suits your Prado reach out and we're happy to help you get it right the first time.

Find the Right Exhaust for Your Prado

Use the links below to jump straight to your vehicle:

Still not sure? Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exhaust does a Toyota Prado 150 need?

It depends on the engine and year. Prado 150 models from 2009–2015 with the 3.0L 1KD-FTV don't have a DPF so a full turbo back exhaust is the best option. From mid-2015 onwards the 150 Series uses the 2.8L 1GD-FTV with a factory DPF for street registered vehicles a DPF back exhaust is the correct choice. A turbo back is available for off-road, farm or mine use where the DPF has been professionally removed.

Does a Prado 250 have a DPF?

Yes. The 2024-on Toyota Prado 250 comes with a factory fitted Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). For street registered vehicles you should upgrade from the DPF back only. Outback Exhausts' Prado 250 DPF Back system is a direct bolt-on fitment with no modifications required.

What's the difference between a turbo back and a DPF back exhaust?

A turbo back exhaust replaces the entire system from the turbocharger outlet to the tailpipe it's the most comprehensive upgrade and delivers the biggest gains. A DPF back exhaust replaces only the section after the Diesel Particulate Filter leaving the DPF in place. For any Prado with a factory DPF (2015 150 Series onwards and all 250 Series) a DPF back is the correct street legal option.

How much power does an exhaust add to a Prado?

Results vary depending on the engine, tune and driving conditions but most Prado owners report noticeable improvements in throttle response and mid range torque rather than peak power figures. The real world benefit is felt most when towing, climbing hills or driving loaded. Pairing an exhaust upgrade with a quality diesel tune will deliver the most significant gains.

Can I fit a Prado exhaust myself?

All Outback Exhausts systems are designed as bolt-on fitments no cutting or fabrication required. A mechanically confident owner with basic tools and a vehicle lift can install one at home. That said if you're not comfortable working under a vehicle we recommend having it fitted by a workshop. Installation typically takes 1–3 hours.

What material are Outback Exhausts systems made from?

All Outback Exhausts systems are manufactured from premium stainless steel. This makes them significantly more durable than mild steel systems in Australian conditions particularly for vehicles that see corrugated dirt roads, creek crossings, salt air or extreme heat cycles.

Do Outback Exhausts systems come with a warranty?

Yes. Outback Exhausts systems are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. Contact us directly for warranty terms specific to your system.

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