Toyota’s dueling legends: highlander vs prado, discovering the best all-terrain conqueror
What To Know
- The Highlander boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic with sharp lines and a bold grille, while the Prado exudes a more rugged and adventurous aura with its boxy silhouette and prominent front bumper.
- In terms of technology, the Highlander features a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Prado offers a more basic infotainment system with limited connectivity options.
- The Highlander’s V6 engine is rated for 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Prado’s diesel engine is rated for 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Prado stand out as two formidable options. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and off-road capabilities, making them ideal for families, adventurers, and anyone seeking a spacious and capable SUV. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricate details of the Toyota Highlander vs Prado, comparing their features, specifications, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Toyota Highlander and Prado exhibit distinct exterior designs. The Highlander boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic with sharp lines and a bold grille, while the Prado exudes a more rugged and adventurous aura with its boxy silhouette and prominent front bumper. In terms of dimensions, the Highlander is slightly longer and wider than the Prado, offering a more spacious interior and a larger cargo capacity.
Interior Comfort and Features
Stepping inside the Toyota Highlander vs Prado reveals a world of comfort and convenience. The Highlander offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with premium materials, comfortable seating, and an intuitive infotainment system. The Prado, on the other hand, features a more utilitarian interior designed for durability and functionality. It offers ample headroom and legroom, along with a host of practical features such as multiple storage compartments and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander and Prado offer a range of powertrain options. The Highlander is available with a 295-horsepower V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing ample power for everyday driving and occasional towing. The Prado, in contrast, offers a choice of a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine or a 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Prado’s diesel engine delivers impressive torque and fuel efficiency, while the V6 petrol engine provides more power for off-road adventures.
Off-Road Capabilities
When it comes to off-roading, the Toyota Prado reigns supreme. It is equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential, providing exceptional traction and stability on rough terrain. The Prado also features a crawl control system that automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes for optimal performance in low-speed off-road situations. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers a less capable four-wheel-drive system and lacks the advanced off-road features of the Prado.
Safety and Technology
Both the Toyota Highlander and Prado prioritize safety and technology. The Highlander comes standard with a suite of active safety features, including lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Prado offers a similar range of safety features as well as a panoramic view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings. In terms of technology, the Highlander features a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Prado offers a more basic infotainment system with limited connectivity options.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Fuel economy and running costs are important considerations for any vehicle. The Toyota Highlander offers slightly better fuel economy than the Prado, especially in the city. The Highlander’s V6 engine is rated for 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Prado’s diesel engine is rated for 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In terms of running costs, the Highlander and Prado are comparable, with similar insurance rates and maintenance costs.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander vs Prado debate ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize comfort, space, and fuel economy, the Highlander is an excellent choice. However, if you require a more rugged and capable SUV for serious off-roading adventures, the Prado is the clear winner. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of features and capabilities, but the Prado’s superior off-road performance and durability make it the ideal choice for those seeking an SUV that can conquer any terrain.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a more spacious interior with more headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity than the Prado.
Q: Is the Prado more fuel-efficient than the Highlander?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers slightly better fuel economy than the Prado, especially in the city.
Q: Which SUV offers better off-road capabilities?
A: The Toyota Prado features a more advanced four-wheel-drive system, locking center differential, and crawl control system, making it more capable for off-roading than the Highlander.
Q: Does the Highlander have a better infotainment system than the Prado?
A: The Toyota Highlander features a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Prado offers a more basic infotainment system with limited connectivity options.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable to maintain?
A: The Toyota Highlander and Prado have comparable running costs, with similar insurance rates and maintenance costs.