
Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado compared, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a larger body. Below are the relevant details: Body dimensions: The 4Runner measures 4795mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1750mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2950mm. The Land Cruiser Prado measures 4840mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1890mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. Chassis specifications: The 4Runner features front-engine, front-wheel drive, with a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. The Land Cruiser Prado features front-engine, four-wheel drive, with a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear four-link non-independent suspension.

My Land Cruiser Prado has been with us for three years, mainly used for school runs and weekend family outings. In terms of space performance, the Prado's trunk is exceptionally spacious—last time we moved, it easily accommodated two 28-inch suitcases plus a stroller. The Land Cruiser's third row offers more legroom, comfortably seating three adults without feeling cramped, though its trunk height is slightly lower than the Prado's, requiring the third-row seats to be folded down for bulky furniture. Both vehicles share a wheelbase of around 2.79 meters, with the Prado being 5 cm wider for slightly better lateral space, while the Land Cruiser's taller roof provides more headroom. Overall, the Prado excels in daily cargo capacity for families, whereas the Land Cruiser suits frequent group travels better.

Off-road enthusiasts know that vehicle dimensions directly impact off-road capability. The 4Runner's width of 1.93 meters makes it prone to branch scrapes on narrow forest trails, but its 18cm ground clearance paired with a superior approach angle gives it better steep hill climbing agility than the Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado's near 1.9-meter height helps prevent underbody scraping in deep pits, but its wide tires actually deliver inferior mud traction compared to the 4Runner. During our last river crossing, the 4Runner's wider body provided superior stability in water fording, while the Prado's higher ground clearance handled deep trenches more effortlessly. When it comes to extreme terrain, both vehicles feature part-time 4WD with differential locks - their actual off-road capabilities are quite comparable, it just depends on how you prioritize specific trail conditions.

Driving these two cars in the city every day, the Prado with its 4.8-meter length makes parallel parking easier, while the 4Runner, being slightly over 4.8 meters, has a larger turning radius. Last week at the mall's underground garage, the 4Runner almost scraped a pillar, whereas the Prado parked in one go. Both have relatively high fuel consumption, but the 4Runner's 5-speed transmission shifts more smoothly, making it less tiring in traffic jams compared to the Prado. The Prado's steering feels lighter, making it effortless even for female drivers, while the 4Runner offers clearer road feedback but has a heavier steering wheel. For urban commuting, the shorter Prado is more convenient, whereas the 4Runner's chassis provides better stability for frequent highway driving.


