
Prado is equipped with a 3.5L 280 horsepower 6-cylinder engine. Here are the relevant details about Prado: 1. Interior configuration: Features an 8-inch central control color LCD screen, automatic air conditioning, and leather seats. 2. Powertrain: Equipped with a 3.5L 280 horsepower 6-cylinder engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 3. Body dimensions: Length, width, and height are 5010mm, 1885mm, and 1890mm respectively. The wheelbase is 2790mm. 4. Chassis: The drivetrain is front-engine four-wheel drive, with a part-time four-wheel drive system, and the front suspension is a double-wishbone independent suspension.

As someone who frequently helps friends choose cars, I know the Prado's engines inside out. This vehicle has undergone multiple power adjustments, from the early 2.7L inline-four engine to the later mainstream 4.0L V6 large-displacement engine, and now the new model is equipped with a more powerful 2.4T four-cylinder hybrid system. In daily driving, the V6 version is the most popular among experienced drivers—smooth, powerful, and exceptionally durable. When climbing high-altitude slopes, it delivers as much power as you need with the throttle, and with proper , it can easily run 300,000 kilometers. For recommendations, the most reliable option in the used car market is the post-2010 V6 version, as its power reserve and stability have stood the test of time.

I run an auto repair shop and work with Land Cruiser Prados every day. The latest models all come with a 2.4T four-cylinder hybrid engine, but the most classic one in recent years was the 1GR 4.0-liter V6 engine, with six cylinders neatly arranged in two rows. I've disassembled plenty of them during repairs—the cast iron cylinder block is exceptionally sturdy, though valve cover gasket oil leaks are a common issue. Honestly, this engine's simple structure makes a breeze. Our shop loves handling these jobs—changing spark plugs takes just half an hour, way easier than dealing with turbocharged models. Plus, the long service intervals make it very owner-friendly.

When I ran a leasing company before, I had hands-on experience with hundreds of Prados. The early imported versions were equipped with a 2.8T diesel four-cylinder engine, the domestically produced 2700 used a 2.7L four-cylinder, while the 4000 version featured the classic 4.0L V6. The new model now comes with a 2.4T four-cylinder hybrid, which offers a noticeable power boost, but veteran drivers still swear by the V6 version—the six-cylinder operation is exceptionally smooth, especially on unpaved roads, delivering very linear torque output at low RPMs. When selecting a used one, it's advisable to check the cylinder block for any signs of water scale buildup.

Last year when a car, I thoroughly researched the entire powertrain lineup of the Prado. The current model comes standard with a 2.4T turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor hybrid system, delivering 330 horsepower. However, classic models mostly feature a 4.0L naturally aspirated V6 engine - that deep, powerful exhaust note is an experience the new models can't replicate. If your budget allows, I'd recommend finding a 2017 V6 version. It offers more of that raw, large-displacement off-roader wildness when driving, and maintenance parts are over 30% cheaper than the new hybrid system.

During a self-driving trip, I drove my friend's old-generation Prado on the Sichuan-Tibet route, and the V6 engine left a deep impression on me. At a 5,000-meter-high mountain pass, the six cylinders could still maintain stable output, unlike some four-cylinder vehicles that showed obvious high-altitude power loss. The new model's switch to a four-cylinder hybrid does reduce fuel consumption, but the reduction in cylinder count always feels like a loss of purity. If you mainly drive in the city, it might not matter, but if you're long-distance off-road adventures, seasoned enthusiasts would recommend looking for a used V6 version. The reliability of large-displacement, multi-cylinder engines in extreme conditions is undeniable.


