Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Prado: A Comprehensive Comparison

Introduction to SUVs

The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is irrefutably one of the most iconic types of vehicle on the roads. For most people, the SUV represents a large, mobile, powerful icon of utmost capability, ruggedness, brute force, and sometimes, even a symbol of status. However, SUVs (or 4x4s as they’re more lovingly known) were brought into existence with a purpose in mind - to tackle and conquer any type of terrain that mother nature could hurl at us. This purpose has not been forgotten by a select few automakers to this day. One of the most iconic brand names in the SUV market is Toyota. Two of the best examples of this Japanese marque’s 4x4 prowess come in distinctly identifiable and almost immediately recognizable avatars: the ‘King of Every Terrain’, full-sized Land Cruiser and the remarkably capable Prado.

Key Differences Between the Land Cruiser and Prado

To begin with, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado (referred to as the Prado) are two different vehicles - not just by their market positioning & price, but also because they’re targeted at different car buyers. In the United Arab Emirates, buying the ‘King of Every Terrain’ is definitely not a cheap purchase, as it costs between AED 215,900 to AED 329,000. On the other hand, the latest-gen of the Toyota Prado could be yours if you’re looking for a solid, reliable, and comfortable 4x4 between AED 129,900 to AED 189,900 - making it far more affordable for a larger audience.

Size and Interior Capacity

It’s not just the price that differentiates these two fantastic SUVs; their exterior dimensions and interior design also play a significant role. Let’s start with the big boy, first…

Toyota Land Cruiser Dimensions

The Toyota Land Cruiser is truly a massive vehicle, not meant for someone who has difficulty parking a B-segment hatchback or C-segment sedan. Here are its dimensions:

• Length: 5.115 meters
• Width: 1.980 meters
• Height: 1.905 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.850 meters

Toyota Prado Dimensions

In comparison, the (slightly) smaller Prado comes in at:

• Length: 4.990 meters
• Width: 1.885 meters
• Height: 1.889 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.790 meters

On the inside, the Prado can accommodate up to seven occupants, while the Land Cruiser can fit a maximum of eight people across its three rows. Additionally, the quality of materials between the two vehicles is noteworthy; the more expensive Land Cruiser feels more premium and posh compared to the Prado.

Performance and Features

Engine Specifications

Both the Land Cruiser and Prado come with selectable four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes. The heavyweight Land Cruiser can be equipped with:

• 4.0-liter V6 with 271hp and 385Nm of torque
• 4.6-liter V8 with 304hp and 439Nm
• 5.7-liter V8 with 362 horses and 530Nm of torque

If straight-line performance on-road is essential for you, then the V8 should satisfy your thirst for speed, boasting a top speed of 220 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 7 seconds. Meanwhile, the most powerful version of the Prado features a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 with 271hp and 381Nm of torque.

Interior Features

In terms of features, the fully-loaded Prado comes with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Remote engine starter
• Automatic LED headlights
• Keyless entry & go
• Tri-zone climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Cool box
• 6-speaker sound system
• 9-inch touch infotainment system with navigation
• All-round parking sensors with rearview camera
• Power sunroof
• Powered front seats

Meanwhile, the range-topping Land Cruiser is equipped with:

• 20-inch rims
• Quad-zone climate control
• Radar-guided cruise control
• LED headlights with auto high-beam
• Adaptive suspension
• LED front fog lights
• Power tailgate
• Driver’s seat & adjustable steering wheel with memory
• Heated & ventilated front seats
• LED cabin lights
• Wireless charging pad
• Rear seat entertainment system
• 14-speaker JBL audio system
• 9-inch JBL head unit
• Surround-view cameras