
The new Prado comes in two displacement versions. The Middle East version features a 4.0-liter engine, while the domestic version is equipped with a 3.5-liter engine. The domestic Prado is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine with the model code 7GR-FKS. This engine delivers 280 horsepower and 365 N·m of torque, incorporating VVT-i technology, hybrid injection system, and an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. As a rugged off-road vehicle, the domestic Prado adopts a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a four-link non-independent rear suspension. It features a part-time four-wheel-drive system and utilizes a body-on-frame design.

I've been keeping a close eye on the off-road vehicle market. The new Prado has made a significant change in the Chinese market this time, swapping its engine for a 2.4-liter turbocharged one with a 48V mild hybrid system. The older models used to have larger displacements of 3.5L or 4.0L, but this new powertrain delivers a combined output of 330 horsepower, which is actually 10% higher than the previous models, and the torque has skyrocketed to 630 Nm. There's even a diesel version available overseas, but unfortunately, it's not offered in China. During my last test drive, I noticed the electric motor responds incredibly fast at low speeds during off-roading, making hill climbs effortless. Although the displacement seems smaller, the off-road performance has actually been upgraded—a pretty smart move.

Last week I accompanied a friend to a 4S store to check out the new Prado. The salesperson mentioned that all domestic versions now use a 2.4T hybrid system. I specifically looked up the specs—the engine itself is a four-cylinder, and combined with the electric motor, the total power output is 243 kW. The salesperson explained that this was to meet the China 6B emission standards, as the old 3.5L naturally aspirated engine couldn’t comply. When starting up, the electric motor is very quiet, and the low-end torque is surprisingly strong, making it well-suited for off-road conditions. However, the fuel tank seems to have been reduced to 87 liters, so the range might be shorter compared to the old 4.0L version. It’s advisable to carry extra fuel for long-distance overland trips.

From a technical perspective, the displacement of the new Prado is quite interesting. The combination of a 2.4T engine and an electric motor clearly balances requirements with performance. The turbocharger features a twin-scroll design, delivering peak torque at just 1,800 rpm. The hybrid system primarily recovers braking energy and can briefly boost torque output during off-road recovery situations. Compared to the Land Cruiser's 3.5T engine, the Prado's choice of a smaller displacement clearly prioritizes fuel efficiency and cost. However, for off-road enthusiasts, the absence of the roar from a large-displacement engine is somewhat regrettable. It's worth noting that the transmission has been upgraded to an 8-speed automatic, with shift logic significantly smoother than the previous model.

In our off-road community, everyone's talking about the new Prado. The downsizing to a 2.4T engine has sparked quite a debate. Actual tests show the electric motor kicks in very promptly during mud escape situations, eliminating the need for high revs. The pack is hidden under the second-row seats, giving it a lower center of gravity than the previous model, making it much more stable during articulation tests. However, turbo lag is still more noticeable than naturally aspirated engines during high-altitude testing - you need to step on the gas earlier above 4,000 meters. The manufacturer probably made this choice to balance urban driving needs. If you're purely into extreme off-roading, I'd suggest waiting for the Middle Eastern 4.0L version.

Compared to the 2020 4.0L naturally aspirated version, the new Land Cruiser Prado with a 2.4T hybrid system has shed over 200kg, resulting in noticeably improved cornering stability. The displacement tax reduction from 25% to 9% translates to significant savings for buyers, potentially lowering the price by over 100,000 yuan. With even the Wrangler adopting 2.0T engines now, Prado's downsizing follows industry trends. However, the reduced ground clearance of the transmission oil pan necessitates skid plate installation for serious rock crawling. Overall, this powertrain delivers urban fuel consumption around 11L/100km - 3L better than its predecessor, making long-distance overlanding much more economical.


