What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the Toyota Highlander and the Land Cruiser Prado.
- The Highlander’s V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid engine gets up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Highlander is a more modern and fuel-efficient SUV with plenty of space and comfort, while the Land Cruiser Prado is a more rugged and capable SUV with superior off-road performance.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the Toyota Highlander and the Land Cruiser Prado. Both vehicles offer a combination of comfort, capability, and reliability, but they also have distinct strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander vs. Land Cruiser Prado in detail to help you decide which SUV is right for you.
Design and Styling
The Toyota Highlander has a more modern and sleek design compared to the Land Cruiser Prado. The Highlander features a sloping roofline, sharp angles, and a bold front grille, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. The Land Cruiser Prado, on the other hand, has a more rugged and boxy design, with a prominent front grille and flared fenders. It exudes a sense of adventure and off-road capability.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Toyota Highlander and Land Cruiser Prado offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Highlander has a three-row seating arrangement with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. The Land Cruiser Prado also has a three-row seating arrangement, but the third row is slightly smaller and less comfortable. In terms of cargo space, the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, while the Land Cruiser Prado offers 14.9 cubic feet.
Performance and Capability
The Toyota Highlander is available with two engine options: a 295-horsepower V6 engine or a 243-horsepower hybrid engine. The Land Cruiser Prado is powered by a 270-horsepower V6 engine. Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive, but the Land Cruiser Prado has a more advanced four-wheel drive system with a locking center differential and a low-range gearbox. This gives the Land Cruiser Prado superior off-road capability compared to the Highlander.
Safety Features
Both the Toyota Highlander and Land Cruiser Prado offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard safety features on both vehicles include airbags, stability control, and traction control. The Highlander also offers a variety of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser Prado offers similar advanced safety features, but it also includes a crawl control system that helps maintain a steady speed on uneven terrain.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient than the Land Cruiser Prado. The Highlander’s V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid engine gets up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Land Cruiser Prado’s V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850, while the Land Cruiser Prado has a starting price of $43,340. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, so the final price will vary depending on the specific configuration you choose. In terms of value, the Highlander offers a more comprehensive package of features and better fuel economy for a lower price. However, the Land Cruiser Prado offers superior off-road capability and a more rugged design.
Which SUV is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a comfortable and fuel-efficient SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for an SUV with superior off-road capability and a rugged design, the Land Cruiser Prado is a better option.
Conclusion: Toyota Highlander vs. Land Cruiser Prado
Both the Toyota Highlander and Land Cruiser Prado are excellent SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander is a more modern and fuel-efficient SUV with plenty of space and comfort, while the Land Cruiser Prado is a more rugged and capable SUV with superior off-road performance. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the SUV that’s right for you.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which SUV has a better interior?
A: Both the Highlander and Land Cruiser Prado have spacious and comfortable interiors, but the Highlander has a more modern and refined design.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Highlander is more fuel-efficient than the Land Cruiser Prado, with the hybrid engine getting up to 36 mpg in the city.
Q: Which SUV is better off-road?
A: The Land Cruiser Prado has superior off-road capability compared to the Highlander, thanks to its advanced four-wheel drive system and locking center differential.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Highlander has a lower starting price than the Land Cruiser Prado, making it a more affordable option.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Highlander and Land Cruiser Prado are known for their reliability, but the Land Cruiser Prado has a slightly better reputation in this area.