Does the Prado have a body-on-frame structure?
2 Answers
The Prado features a body-on-frame structure. The Prado, also known as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, comes in three body dimensions: 4760mm x 1885mm x 1845mm; 4820mm x 1885mm x 1890mm; and 4970mm x 1875mm x 1905mm. It is equipped with a 4.0L V6 engine producing 275 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 202 kW and a maximum torque of 381 Nm. In terms of safety, the Prado adopts a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a four-link non-independent rear suspension, along with features such as a tire pressure monitoring system and seatbelt reminder.
As an off-road veteran with over a decade of driving experience, the Prado definitely features a body-on-frame construction, where the body is separated from the chassis. This design is particularly reliable on off-road terrains like rocky paths or muddy pits—the body doesn’t bear weight but merely wraps around the frame, reducing damage from bumps. In the city, it feels heavier and less agile than sedans, but it offers stable handling and higher safety on highways. Maintenance-wise, watch out for chassis rust; I’ve seen fellow owners skip regular cleaning of accumulated water under the frame, leading to major repairs. It handles towing trailers or heavy loads effortlessly, as the body isn’t stressed by pressure fatigue. The downsides might be slightly higher fuel consumption and parking challenges, but for long-distance enthusiasts, it’s worth it. Overall, this body design suits adventure-seeking owners, ensuring durability for years.
