
The differences between Land Cruiser and Highlander are: 1. Different manufacturers: Land Cruiser is produced by FAW Toyota; Highlander is produced by GAC Toyota. 2. Body dimensions: The length, width, and height of Land Cruiser are 5015mm, 1930mm, and 1750mm respectively; The length, width, and height of Highlander are 4890mm, 1925mm, and 1720mm respectively. 3. Exterior design: Land Cruiser adopts the more fashionable and sporty XSE sports version appearance, which is very appealing to young consumers, while Highlander maintains its consistent elegant and stable design, making it more acceptable to the target consumer group.

I'm currently weighing these two cars, which is quite crucial from a family perspective. The Land Cruiser Prado is smaller in size with a five-seat design, making it more agile to drive, easier to maneuver in the city, and convenient for parking. The trunk space is generally sufficient, fitting two or three suitcases without a problem. The Highlander offers much more space, with an optional seven-seat configuration. The second row is spacious, providing comfort for kids, and features adjustable seats, making it ideal for long trips with the whole family and luggage. It also has plenty of storage compartments, suitable for daily use by large families. Safety-wise, they are similar, with collision warning and lane assist as standard features. In terms of fuel consumption, the Land Cruiser Prado is slightly more economical, especially the hybrid version in city driving. The Highlander has stronger power but consumes more fuel. For small families or commuters, the Land Cruiser Prado might be the better choice, while the Highlander is more practical for larger families. After test-driving both a few times, the seat comfort is not significantly different, and I personally prefer the more practical option.

I place a high value on driving experience, and the difference is quite noticeable after test-driving both models. The Land Cruiser offers agile handling, with quick steering response thanks to its new platform, delivering a sporty feel similar to sedans—making city turns effortless and nimble. The powertrain is smooth, especially the hybrid version, which accelerates seamlessly, though wind noise becomes slightly noticeable at high speeds. The Highlander, on the other hand, features a softer and more stable suspension, effectively absorbing road imperfections for a smoother highway cruise, though it leans more in corners, making it better suited for long-distance comfort at the expense of agility. Noise insulation is superior in the Highlander, which comes standard with sound-deadening materials for a quieter ride. Both offer selectable drive modes: the Land Cruiser feels more spirited in Sport mode, while the Highlander remains steady in Eco mode. Personally, as someone who mostly drives in the city, I prefer the Land Cruiser for its fun-to-drive character. However, if frequent highway trips are your routine, the Highlander’s comfort makes it the more enjoyable choice. A few test drives will clearly highlight these handling differences.

From an economic perspective, the analysis is straightforward. The Land Cruiser Prado starts at a lower price, saving money on the entry-level model; its hybrid fuel consumption is notably low, under 7L, offering significant fuel savings; insurance and taxes are slightly cheaper based on the vehicle's price. The Highlander is more expensive but has a higher resale value, making it more valuable when selling as a used car; its larger space offers more utility, providing higher overall value, with similar maintenance costs—Toyota vehicles are known for affordable and reliable upkeep. If you're on a tight budget or looking to save on daily commuting, the Land Cruiser Prado is a cost-effective choice; in the long run, spending a bit more on the Highlander offers stronger practicality and greater returns.


