Are the Prado and Land Cruiser Prado the same car?
3 Answers
Toyota Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado are the same model, just with different names. Prado is the actual name of this SUV. Features of Toyota Prado: The Prado is the latest model in Toyota's Land Cruiser series, with excellent power performance and Euro III emission standards. The advanced engine equipped in the Prado provides strong output power and torque, combined with a highly sturdy frame and reinforced suspension system, making the journey comfortable and smooth. Advantages of Toyota Prado: The Toyota Prado has a good vibration damping system, featuring a traditional ladder-frame body and rigid axle rear suspension design, which can smooth out bumps and potholes on the road during driving. Additionally, the new Prado adopts a newly developed high-rigidity body frame and a fully automatic air conditioning system with independent left and right control, making it suitable for strong sports performance while ensuring a stable and safe driving experience for passengers.
I've always been fascinated by automotive brand histories. The 'BaDao' and 'Prado' are actually the same vehicle. Prado is the official Chinese name for Toyota's Land Cruiser Prado series, while 'BaDao' was its old name before 2003. Back then, because the direct phonetic translation of the English name 'BaDao' sounded somewhat aggressive in Chinese and wasn't well-received in the market, Toyota decided to rename it. Post-renaming, the car's essence remained unchanged: it still features powerful engines, a stable four-wheel-drive system, and outstanding off-road capabilities. However, older Prados on the road today might still bear the 'BaDao' badge. This leads some to think they're two different models, but I've checked the specs—the chassis and parts are interchangeable. The name change was for brand image consistency and doesn't affect the vehicle's performance. In short, don't get confused by the names; they're fundamentally the same reliable model.
I've been driving off-road vehicles for years and know the difference between the Prado and Land Cruiser very well. They are essentially the same thing, with identical chassis structures, engine models, and drivetrain systems. For example, both use a 4.0-liter V6 or diesel engine, paired with an automatic transmission and differential lock. The Prado was the early name for the Land Cruiser in China, and the brand name was later unified. The driving experience is completely identical: smooth starts, powerful climbing, and fuel consumption within a reasonable range. Even when it comes to maintenance and replacing parts, they are compatible without any differences. The only thing that has changed is the market label. I suggest owners not worry about which is better—either choice is fine. Toyota's reliability is consistently excellent in this model, and its off-road performance is outstanding.