What are the 3 and 2 gears in the Prado?

[McAubrey]

Prado's 3 and 2 gears are the sport gears of the D gear. Gear selection for different road conditions: 1. Uphill: When going uphill, greater power is needed, so you should use "D-" to downshift the vehicle to obtain high torque for climbing. Some slopes are not very steep, and using too low a gear at this time will waste power, so it is necessary to use "D+" to upshift in time. When encountering steep slopes, even after downshifting, the vehicle may still lack power. In this case, please use the S gear sport mode. 2. Downhill: You should use "D+" to shift up to 2/3 gear. Engine braking can prevent the brake pads from overheating and failing due to prolonged braking. 2 or 3 gear can meet the power demand without requiring the high torque of 1 gear. When the vehicle cannot control downhill sliding, you should continue to use "D-" to downshift for braking.

[SanLeila]

The gear positions 3 and 2 in this Prado are actually low-speed gears in the automatic transmission, typically seen when you pull the gear lever down from the D position. Gear 3 limits the transmission's highest gear to 3rd gear and below, while gear 2 restricts it to 2nd gear and below. I love using it when descending mountain roads to avoid frequent braking, especially when off-roading in an SUV like the Prado. On steep slopes, it helps control speed using the engine's braking force, preventing the brake pads from overheating and causing danger. Switching is simple: just shift directly from D to 3 or 2 while driving—it doesn't affect speed, but make sure the car isn't completely stopped before shifting. For normal city or highway driving, D gear is sufficient, and there's no need to use these. Remember not to use them frequently on flat roads, as it can increase transmission load and shorten its lifespan. Learning to use these gears can make driving safer and more worry-free, especially providing better traction in rain or snow.

[NovaLee]

Gears 3 and 2 in the Prado automatic transmission are highly practical settings, primarily designed for engine braking and hill descent assist. Gear 3 limits the highest gear to third, making it suitable for gentle downhill slopes or slippery surfaces, providing moderate control. Gear 2 restricts the transmission to second gear, offering more reliability on steep slopes or muddy terrain. I've used it multiple times during off-road adventures—for example, when descending a hillside, switching to Gear 2 helps stabilize the vehicle and prevents brake failure. The operation is straightforward and safe: simply shift the gear lever from D to 2 or 3 while driving. This not only enhances driving comfort but also protects the transmission from excessive wear—though shifting at excessively high speeds may cause issues. I recommend beginners start practicing with Gear 3 before moving on to Gear 2 once they're comfortable, as this improves understanding of the vehicle and boosts driving confidence.

[AbelAnn]

The 3 and 2 gears in the Prado are low-speed control gears. Gear 3 limits the transmission to operate between 1st and 3rd gears, while gear 2 restricts it to 1st and 2nd gears, primarily used for saving brakes on steep slopes or downhill. While driving, simply shift the gear lever to 3 or 2, which helps stabilize the speed. For example, using gear 2 when driving on mountain roads in rainy weather prevents the vehicle speed from surging abruptly.