Toyota Highlander vs Prado: Shocking Results Revealed in This Head-to-Head Battle!

Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when considering two titans like the Toyota Highlander and Prado. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, reliability, and off-road capability, but their strengths lie in different areas. This comprehensive guide will delve into the Toyota Highlander vs Prado, examining their key features, performance, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision.

Highlander: The Urban Explorer

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV designed for family adventures and urban commutes. Its sleek, modern design and spacious interior make it a popular choice for families seeking a comfortable and versatile vehicle.

Strengths of the Highlander:

• Spacious and Comfortable Interior: The Highlander boasts a roomy cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all three rows, making it ideal for families and long road trips.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander offers impressive fuel economy, especially in its hybrid variant, making it a cost-effective option for daily driving.
• Advanced Safety Features: The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that enhance safety and provide peace of mind.
• Smooth and Refined Ride: The Highlander’s suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease, making it suitable for both city streets and highway driving.
• Technology and Convenience: The Highlander is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, a wide array of connectivity options, and various convenience features that enhance the overall driving experience.

Prado: The Off-Road Champion

The Toyota Prado, also known as the Land Cruiser Prado in some markets, is a rugged and capable SUV built for off-road adventures. Its robust construction, powerful engine, and advanced four-wheel drive system make it a formidable off-roader.

Strengths of the Prado:

• Unrivaled Off-Road Prowess: The Prado’s legendary off-road capabilities are unmatched in its class. Its high ground clearance, low-range gearing, and locking differentials allow it to conquer challenging terrain with ease.
• Durable and Reliable Construction: The Prado is renowned for its robust build quality and exceptional reliability, making it a long-lasting and dependable companion for any adventure.
• Powerful Engine: The Prado is equipped with a powerful engine that delivers ample torque and horsepower, enabling it to tackle steep inclines and challenging off-road conditions.
• Spacious and Versatile Interior: Despite its rugged exterior, the Prado offers a spacious and comfortable interior with ample cargo space, making it suitable for both everyday driving and off-road expeditions.
• Prestige and Legacy: The Prado carries a prestigious heritage as a true off-road icon, with a reputation for durability and reliability that has stood the test of time.

Performance Comparison: Power and Capability

The Toyota Highlander offers a range of engine options, including a powerful V6 and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. While it provides adequate power for everyday driving, it’s not designed for hardcore off-roading. The Prado, on the other hand, is equipped with a robust V6 engine that delivers ample power and torque, making it capable of tackling even the most demanding off-road conditions.

Highlander:

• Engine: 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder (265 hp), 3.5L V6 (295 hp), or hybrid powertrain (243 hp combined)
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Prado:

• Engine: 2.7L four-cylinder (163 hp), 4.0L V6 (275 hp)
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Economy

The Highlander excels in fuel efficiency, particularly its hybrid variant, which offers impressive fuel economy figures. The Prado, with its powerful engine and off-road capabilities, sacrifices some fuel efficiency for performance.

Highlander:

• City/Highway/Combined: 21/29/24 mpg (gasoline), 36/36/36 mpg (hybrid)

Prado:

• City/Highway/Combined: 16/22/18 mpg (2.7L), 15/21/17 mpg (4.0L)

Interior and Cargo Space: Comfort and Functionality

Both the Highlander and Prado offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Highlander provides more passenger space, especially in the third row, making it a better choice for larger families. The Prado, while still spacious, prioritizes off-road functionality, with a more rugged and utilitarian interior.

Highlander:

• Passenger Capacity: 8 or 7
• Cargo Space: 16.3 cubic feet (behind third row), 48.4 cubic feet (behind second row), 83.7 cubic feet (all seats folded)

Prado:

• Passenger Capacity: 7
• Cargo Space: 11.9 cubic feet (behind third row), 43.8 cubic feet (behind second row), 85.6 cubic feet (all seats folded)

Technology and Features: Modern Conveniences

The Highlander comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system, a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a wide range of advanced safety features. The Prado, while not as technologically advanced, offers a simple and reliable infotainment system and a focus on off-road functionality.

Highlander:

• Infotainment System: 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more

Prado:

• Infotainment System: 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity
• Safety Features: Standard safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control

Price and Value: Balancing Budget and Needs

The Toyota Highlander is generally more affordable than the Prado, making it a more budget-friendly option for families seeking a practical and comfortable SUV. The Prado, however, commands a premium price due to its off-road capabilities, durability, and prestige.

Highlander:

• Starting MSRP: Around $36,000

Prado:

• Starting MSRP: Around $50,000

The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV

The choice between the Toyota Highlander and Prado ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient SUV for family adventures and urban commutes, the Highlander is an excellent choice. However, if you crave off-road prowess, durability, and a rugged vehicle that can handle any terrain, the Prado is the ultimate off-road champion.

Beyond the Comparison: A Look at the Future

Both the Highlander and Prado are expected to receive updates and enhancements in the coming years. Toyota is committed to maintaining the Highlander’s position as a leading family SUV, focusing on technology, safety, and fuel efficiency. The Prado, on the other hand, will likely continue to evolve as a legendary off-roader, with advancements in technology, performance, and overall capability.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1: Is the Highlander a good off-road vehicle?

A1: While the Highlander offers all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance, it’s not designed for hardcore off-roading. The Prado is a far superior choice for off-road adventures.

Q2: Which SUV is more reliable?

A2: Both the Highlander and Prado are known for their reliability. Toyota is renowned for its durable and dependable vehicles, so you can expect long-lasting performance from either SUV.

Q3: Is the Prado worth the higher price?

A3: The Prado’s higher price tag is justified by its exceptional off-road capabilities, durability, and prestige. If you prioritize off-road adventures and a vehicle that can handle any terrain, the Prado is worth the investment.

Q4: Is the Highlander a good choice for a family?

A4: The Highlander is an excellent choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient SUV. Its three rows of seats, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features make it ideal for family adventures and everyday commutes.