What are the differences between FAW Toyota Prado and parallel imported Prado?
2 Answers
FAW Toyota Prado and parallel imported Prado have the following differences: 1. Different four-wheel drive systems: FAW Toyota Prado has canceled the Torsen central differential lock and changed from full-time four-wheel drive to part-time four-wheel drive; parallel imported Prado is full-time four-wheel drive and comes with a central differential lock. 2. Different warranty services: FAW Toyota Prado provides a 3-year or 100,000-kilometer vehicle warranty; parallel imported Prado models do not come with any warranty service. Both FAW Toyota Prado and parallel imported Prado are equipped with a 3.5L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 280PS, a maximum torque of 365Nm, a maximum power of 206kW, and both are matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
When you ask me this question, I have to say that I've driven quite a few cars and think the FAW Toyota Prado is a domestically produced joint-venture version, optimized for the Chinese market. For example, its emission standards better comply with local regulations, and the engine tuning focuses more on fuel economy. On the other hand, parallel-imported Prados are usually directly imported from Japan or the Middle East, retaining the original factory configurations, which might offer higher horsepower but could have emission issues, making the driving experience different. In terms of features, the domestic version includes more localized functions like Chinese navigation, while parallel-imported models may retain the original multimedia system but require aftermarket adaptation. Regarding safety, the domestic version is certified through China's crash tests, whereas parallel-imported ones must ensure compliance on their own, which is something to pay attention to. Overall, if you prioritize after-sales convenience and hassle-free ownership, the domestic version is a good choice, while parallel imports suit those seeking authenticity but require more effort in inspections.