What are the differences between the Highlander and the Prado?
4 Answers
The differences between the Highlander and the Prado lie in their powertrain and body dimensions. The Prado, also known as the Land Cruiser Prado, is more focused on off-road performance, while the Highlander is positioned between the RAV4 and the Land Cruiser, belonging to the urban SUV category rather than a true off-road vehicle. Below are the specific differences: 1. Powertrain: The Highlander is equipped with 2.0T, 2.7L, and 3.5L engines, with front-wheel drive and front four-wheel drive configurations. The Prado, on the other hand, comes with 2.7L, 3.5L, and 4.0L engines, featuring front four-wheel drive. 2. Body Structure: The Highlander is a typical urban SUV with a unibody construction, where critical components like the engine and transmission are supported by the body structure. The unibody relies on high-strength steel and structural design to maintain rigidity. In contrast, the Prado features a body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame, where essential components such as the engine, transmission, and suspension are mounted on the frame. The frame maximizes body rigidity and can bear most of the impact from rough terrains, preventing body distortion and deformation.
As a dad who often takes family trips, the Highlander gives me the feeling of spaciousness, with the third-row seats being particularly practical—not too cramped, and the ride is smooth and comfortable. Especially the hybrid version, which has low fuel consumption in the city, is quite economical. In comparison, the Prado offers a stronger off-road feel, with higher ground clearance and a robust four-wheel-drive system, making it suitable for mountain roads or sandy terrain. However, its fuel consumption is relatively high, which might feel costly for daily commutes. If you have kids and mainly drive in the city, the Highlander offers better value for money. But if you love adventure and off-roading, the Prado is more reliable. Both vehicles are durable, with Toyota's quality assurance, so the choice depends on lifestyle habits and budget.
I've driven SUVs for many years, and the Prado is truly top-notch when it comes to off-roading. It has a sturdy chassis and differential lock, making it easy to handle muddy or rocky roads. The body feels solid, and I never worry about bumps. The Highlander, on the other hand, is more road-oriented, offering a quieter and more comfortable ride, especially with its excellent wind noise control, making it ideal for long trips. Their sizes are similar, but their design styles differ greatly—the Prado has a more rugged appearance, while the Highlander is sleeker and more modern. In terms of price, the Prado is more expensive, while the Highlander hybrid is fuel-efficient but weaker in off-road capability. If you frequently work in the wild or engage in outdoor activities, the Prado is the top choice; otherwise, the Highlander is more comfortable and convenient for daily commuting.
I've done the math before buying a car. The Highlander has low urban fuel consumption, and the hybrid version can go a long way on a full tank, with 5-6 liters per 100 kilometers being quite normal, making it fuel-efficient and economical. The Land Cruiser Prado, while robust, has higher fuel consumption, potentially exceeding 10 liters per 100 kilometers in the city, making the accumulated fuel costs less economical. In terms of size and space, the two are comparable, but the Highlander's three-row seating layout is more family-friendly. Maintenance costs are similar, with Toyota parts being easy to find. I recommend the Highlander for those who mainly drive in the city, as it balances comfort and cost. If you frequently drive on rough roads, consider the Prado, but it's tougher on the wallet.
