
The tire specification of the Prado is 265/60R18. The vehicle is now officially called the Prado and is an SUV under FAW . Its exterior dimensions are 4840mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1890mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a manual-automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 206 kW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 365 Nm. The vehicle features a double-wishbone independent front suspension, a four-link non-independent rear suspension, engine start-stop technology, tire pressure display, and cruise control.

As someone who frequently drives the Prado on long-distance trips, I can share some insights about tires. The vehicle typically comes with 265/65 R17 specifications from the factory, with Dunlop or Bridgestone AT tires being the most common. This size balances off-road traction and on-road comfort, featuring thick sidewalls that provide excellent cushioning when driving over rough terrain. When I replaced my tires last year, I researched and found that some higher-end versions use a 265/60 R18 design with thinner sidewalls—while these offer better cornering stability, they are more prone to bulging on rough roads. If you're considering upgrading to larger tires, I recommend not exceeding a width of 275, as anything wider may cause rubbing against the fenders during turns. Regularly check the tread depth; if it's below 3mm, it's time to replace them, especially if you frequently drive on unpaved roads.

Having worked in auto repair for over a decade, I've seen many Prado owners come in for tire changes. There are three mainstream specifications: 265/65 R17 is the most common, 265/60 R18 for higher trims, and 265/55 R19 for top configurations. The first number 265 indicates the tread width, 65 is the aspect ratio, and R17 refers to the wheel diameter. Factory tires generally prioritize off-road performance, with deep tread grooves but louder road noise. For modifications, I recommend choosing all-terrain (AT) tires like the BFGoodrich KO2 for a balanced performance. Always check the DOT manufacturing date—avoid tires stored for over two years as the rubber degrades. Maintain tire pressure at 2.3-2.5 bar for optimal performance; too high causes bumpiness while too low increases fuel consumption.

Our off-road team knows that tire replacement is an art. The factory 265/65 R17 specification performs exceptionally well in desert and gravel terrains, but if you frequently drive on snow and ice, we recommend switching to narrower 255-width tires to increase pressure. When modifying, don't randomly change the wheel ET value—the factory +25 setting is essential to avoid brake caliper interference. I've used Cooper AT3 tires, which are one-third quieter than factory tires and offer significantly better wet braking. Remember to rotate front and rear tires every 20,000 km, otherwise front tire wear will be much faster. Also, regularly calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system—don't wait for an alert to take action.

Just replaced all four tires for my dad's Prado, did thorough research before making the decision. The Prado mainly uses 265 width 17-inch rims with a 65% aspect ratio, giving the sidewalls a particularly robust look. The dealership's quote listed compatible models as Dunlop GRANDTREK and Bridgestone DUELER, both balancing quietness and durability. Considering my dad mainly drives in the city, I opted for Michelin PRIMACY SUV, which has lower rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. The mechanic emphasized checking the load index during the tire change, noting that the Prado requires at least 114V-rated tires with a load capacity of 1180kg for safety.

After studying the tire data of all generations of the Land Cruiser Prado, I found some interesting changes. The 2003 model used 265/70 R16 tires with small rims and thick sidewalls, which were upgraded to 265/65 R17 after 2010. Now, the top trim directly comes with 19-inch low-profile tires. I recommend sticking to the original factory specifications for the safest option. When changing tires, pay attention to three key parameters: the 265 width affects fuel consumption and grip, the 65 aspect ratio determines comfort, and the 17-inch rims affect unsprung weight. If you want to enhance the appearance, you can switch to Black Rhino rims with Scorpion tires, but avoid upsizing as it may affect the annual inspection. Northern owners should remember to switch to winter tires before winter, as they reduce braking distance by about five to six meters compared to all-season tires.


