Has the China VI Prado been released?

[VanBrooke]

The China VI Prado has already been released. Vehicle Power: The new Toyota Prado 4000 is equipped with a V6 4.0 engine, providing continuous strong power for the new Prado. Whether on urban roads or off-road mountain terrain, it delivers sharp acceleration performance. Vehicle Engine: The new Prado offers two transmission types: a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic locking device features a 'second-gear start' function (especially suitable for slippery road starts), avoids unnecessary upshifts when climbing, and provides appropriate engine braking when descending, thereby improving driving comfort.

[VonFrancisco]

From last year until now, the Prado has been a love-hate relationship for me! Honestly speaking about the China 6 emission standards, the domestically produced Prado has indeed been discontinued long ago, so if you want to buy a new one, you can only look at parallel imports. But those Middle Eastern version Prados with 3.5L engines are now stuck at the China 6b certification. A few days ago, I asked a friend in Tianjin Port, and he said the plan to dismantle the exhaust pipe and install DPF equipment is basically dead, as it can't pass the environmental protection test line. If you really want to buy one, you might have to grit your teeth and look for a used China 5 version with warranty, but the prices are even crazier than new cars. If you truly love this car, maybe wait for FAW Toyota—I heard they might resume production of a hybrid version in 2024.

[BarrettLee]

A repair shop owner with 20 years of experience mentioned that recently, many people bring their old Prados in for thorough maintenance. When asked why they don't change cars, the answer is always 'waiting for the new National VI model'. Honestly, it's tough! In Toyota's global strategy, the Prado focuses mainly on North America and the Middle East, while China's emission regulations are too stringent. Currently, parallel importers are modifying the Land Cruiser LC300, which with its 3.5T twin-turbo engine, surprisingly passes environmental evaluations more easily. If you're in urgent need of a car, consider the Nissan Patrol Y62. Ports now have National VI compliant models available for just over 600,000 yuan, with off-road performance not inferior to the Prado.

[DiTucker]

Operating tourist charter services in Tibet, our fleet consists of eight modified 2700 models all converted to natural gas. Last year during the vehicle inspection, we almost failed collectively, and now we're particularly sensitive to the China VI emission standards. I'm familiar with the Toyota 4S manager, who mentioned that the domestic Prado production line won't restart until at least the fourth quarter of 2024, and it depends on whether Toyota headquarters provides a China VI-compliant engine. Don't hold your breath for it in the short term. If you really need an off-road vehicle, consider checking out the Beijing BJ60—it comes with three differential locks and is priced at just 300,000 RMB, plus it runs on 92-octane fuel without being picky.

[CameronDella]

Having been in the parallel import business in Tianjin for six years, this year has been the toughest for Prado customers. The Middle East version of the Land Cruiser LC300 obtained the China 6b emission standard as early as March, but the entire Prado lineup is stuck at the OBD certification. Currently, the only reliable option is to purchase 2019-2020 China 5 emission standard inventory vehicles, but be cautious as some may have altered mileage. It's advisable to bring a car-savvy friend to check the chassis number and inspect the spare tire well for signs of rear-end collision repairs. Honestly, the diesel version of the Prado is even more appealing, but unfortunately, domestic policies prohibit its import.

[StDavid]

Our vehicle management office inspected over 300 parallel-imported vehicles this year, and Land Cruiser Prado owners are generally devastated. The key issue lies with the particulate filters—Middle Eastern versions lack this exhaust system component, and retrofitted ones frequently trigger warning lights. Last week, I met a guy who bought a retrofitted China VI-compliant model that went into limp mode after just 3,000 km. For serious off-roading, the Tank 500 is a better choice—it comes with electronic differential locks and runs on 92-octane fuel. Of course, it's a different story for vintage car enthusiasts. My 2004 LC120 still roars through Sichuan-Tibet routes, though its fuel consumption is terrifyingly high...