Toyota Highlander Vs Prado: Which One Is The Better Value For Your Money?

The Toyota Highlander and Prado are two of the most popular SUVs on the market, and for good reason. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander and Prado head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Body and Dimensions

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It has a length of 194.9 inches, a width of 76.1 inches, and a height of 68.9 inches. The Prado, on the other hand, is a five-door SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It has a length of 184.6 inches, a width of 73.4 inches, and a height of 69.3 inches.

Engine and Performance

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a six-speed automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Prado, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic transmission. With the CVT, it gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Prado, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual transmission. With the six-speed automatic transmission, it gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Features

The Toyota Highlander has a spacious and comfortable interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It comes standard with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate. The Prado, on the other hand, has a more rugged interior with a focus on off-road capability. It comes standard with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a sunroof.

Safety

The Toyota Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Prado, on the other hand, received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It also received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

Price

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $34,810. The Prado, on the other hand, has a starting price of $43,500.

Which One is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Prado are both great SUVs with a lot to offer. The Highlander is a more affordable option with a more spacious interior and better fuel efficiency. The Prado is a more rugged SUV with better off-road capability. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Unique Features and Capabilities

Apart from the core differences discussed above, the Toyota Highlander and Prado offer unique features and capabilities that set them apart. Let’s delve into these distinctive aspects:

Toyota Highlander:

• Hybrid Powertrain: The Highlander offers a hybrid powertrain option that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
• All-Wheel Drive: The Highlander is available with an all-wheel drive system that enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions.
• Third-Row Seating: The Highlander has a spacious third row of seats, making it a versatile choice for families and groups.

Toyota Prado:

• Off-Road Performance: The Prado boasts impressive off-road capabilities with features like a robust suspension, four-wheel drive, and a locking rear differential.
• Terrain Select System: The Prado’s Terrain Select System allows drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance for different terrains, including mud, sand, and snow.
• Crawl Control: The Prado is equipped with a Crawl Control system that automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes to maintain a steady speed in challenging off-road situations.

The Verdict: A Matter of Choice

Both the Toyota Highlander and Prado are exceptional SUVs with their own strengths and appeals. The Highlander offers a combination of practicality, efficiency, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for families and daily commuters. The Prado, on the other hand, excels in off-road performance and ruggedness, catering to adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a vehicle capable of handling challenging terrains. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on your specific needs, preferences, and driving habits.

Popular Questions

Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or Prado?

A: The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency than the Prado. With its hybrid powertrain option, the Highlander can achieve up to 35 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Q: Does the Toyota Prado have more off-road capabilities than the Highlander?

A: Yes, the Toyota Prado has superior off-road capabilities compared to the Highlander. It features a robust suspension, four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and a Terrain Select System, making it an ideal choice for tackling challenging off-road terrains.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Highlander or Prado?

A: The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the Prado. It offers three rows of seating, allowing it to accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably. The Prado, on the other hand, has a more compact interior with two rows of seating and a maximum capacity of seven passengers.