Is the Toyota Highlander the same as the Prado?
4 Answers
Toyota Highlander is not the Prado. The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV under the Toyota brand, while the Prado is a mid-to-large-size SUV under the Toyota brand. Taking the 2020 Highlander as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4890mm, width 1925mm, height 1715mm, with a wheelbase of 2790mm, a fuel tank capacity of 72.5 liters, and a curb weight of 2080kg. The 2020 Highlander features a MacPherson strut front suspension and an E-type multi-link rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 220PS, a maximum power of 162kW, and a maximum torque of 350Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Highlander is definitely not the Prado. I used to get them confused. The Highlander is actually the Chinese name for the 'Highlander,' positioned as a mid-size family SUV, more suited for urban roads and comfortable driving. Having driven the Highlander for years, I feel its suspension is relatively soft, with low fuel consumption, making it ideal for daily commutes or family outings. On the other hand, the Prado is the brand name for the Land Cruiser Prado, part of Toyota's off-road series, designed to conquer rugged terrain with features like high off-road capability and ground clearance. I remember once driving a Prado at a friend's place on sandy terrain—it was incredibly robust, something the Highlander simply can't match. If you mix them up, you might end up choosing the wrong vehicle. The Highlander focuses on practicality and reliability, while the Prado is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts, with different pricing and positioning. Before your next car purchase, check Toyota's official lineup first—don’t rely on names to guess.
Many people confuse the Highlander with the Prado, but in reality, they are completely different vehicles. Having studied cars for several years myself, the Highlander is officially called the Highlander—it's a city-oriented midsize SUV with a lightweight chassis, ideal for urban commuting or family trips. The Prado, also known as the Land Cruiser Prado, belongs to Toyota's Land Cruiser family, emphasizing off-road capabilities with a rugged chassis that can handle rough terrain like mountains or mud. I've test-driven both: the Highlander has light steering and fuel consumption around 8-9L, while the Prado delivers strong acceleration but is thirstier. Technically, the Highlander primarily uses front-wheel drive, whereas the Prado is four-wheel drive—they're not even in the same league. When buying, don’t just rely on Chinese names to avoid confusion; Toyota's official website clearly categorizes them. My advice is to consider usage first—the Highlander suits daily driving, while the Prado is built for off-road adventures. Understanding this distinction saves regret later.
When I first bought a car, I naively asked my friend if the Highlander was the same as the Prado. My friend burst out laughing and said they're completely different. The Highlander is Toyota's regular SUV, with a soft and smooth ride, perfect for city cruising. The Prado, originally named Land Cruiser Prado, is Toyota's off-road vehicle code-named for toughness, with a chassis as solid as a tank. I looked it up online—the Highlander targets the family market in Asia, offering spacious interiors but weaker off-road capabilities. The Prado is a beast designed for tough terrains, more reliable for mountain climbing and water crossing. I remember when we formed a convoy, Prado owners always volunteered to lead the way. Don’t choose a car just because the names sound similar. Toyota’s official website has comparison charts—the Highlander is more affordable and practical, while the Prado costs significantly more. Make sure you understand the difference before buying, or you’ll waste your money.
