The Toyota Prado is the go-to model for a lot of off-road vehicle enthusiasts. According to the data, FAW Toyota Prado has a cumulative sales volume of nearly 350,000 units, which is the sales champion in the same level segment, and has a super high value retention rate in the Chinese market. According to the "Report on China's Automobile Retention Rate in the First Half of 2023" released by the China Automobile Dealers Association, the three-year value retention rate of FAW Toyota Prado is as high as 99.49%. In 2024, FAW Toyota Prado will return after a four-year absence from the Chinese market, upgrading its appearance, interior, and power, and its comprehensive competitiveness will be stronger.
The above manufacturer's guide price only represents the price on April 29, 2024, and is subject to change
The 2024 FAW Toyota Prado will be available in four configuration models, an increase from the 2019 model. In terms of power, the 2024 FAW Toyota Prado adopts a hybrid system composed of a 2.4T engine + electric motor, and is no longer equipped with a 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated engine. For a visual comparison, we chose the 2024 FAW Toyota Prado 2.4T All-round TX Edition 6-seater and the 2019 FAW Toyota Prado 3.5L Automatic TX-L Premium Edition for comparison, so as to be able to more intuitively see the specific differences between the new and old models at the configuration level.
Appearance: Still hardcore style Retro elements have been added
The 2024 FAW Toyota Prado has undergone significant changes to the exterior design. As a replacement model, it is reasonable that the appearance has changed significantly. In terms of the front face, the 2024 FAW Toyota Prado uses a large number of straight lines, with an obvious "square box" flavor, which has a distinct contrast with the 2019 FAW Toyota Prado. The new model has a retro grille style and a rectangular headlight cluster. In contrast, the polygonal front grille and irregular headlight clusters of the older models are more stylish.
In terms of external configuration, the new and old models can be said to have their own trade-offs. The new model adds functions such as adaptive high and low beams, an electric trunk, and remote start, but the more practical tailgate glass opening and roof rack on the old model have been eliminated, which is a bit regrettable.
In terms of body size, the "three measurements" of the new model have been comprehensively improved compared with the old model, especially the wheelbase, which has reached 2850mm, and the longitudinal space in the car is more spacious. Both the old and new models are equipped with 18-inch wheels, and the new model adopts a double six-spoke design, which has a very good visual effect, and after being blackened, it brings a strong sense of sportiness and power.
The rear of the new model has a square design and is mainly straight. The square taillights on both sides have a unique shape, and the placement position is significantly lower than that of the old model, bringing the overall visual center of gravity downward. The new model has a higher tailgate and a silver trim on the rear bumper, adding depth and refinement to the overall effect.
Interior: The sense of science and technology has been comprehensively improved, and the physical buttons have been retained
In terms of interior, the center console design of the new model is very layered, giving people a very stable feeling. The instrument cluster and large central control screen have clear functional partitions. On the other hand, the old model, although the classic center console shape is very attractive, and the division of functional areas is also clear and reasonable, but it lacks a sense of technology.
The newly designed steering wheel integrates more functional control buttons, which has improved both the overall appearance and practical performance compared with the old model. The multi-function buttons of the steering wheel are designed in a physical way, including voice control, multimedia control and other control buttons.
In terms of internal configuration, the new model has a significant sense of science and technology, not only equipped with the Internet of Vehicles, 4G network, voice recognition control system, etc., but also the size of the central control screen and LCD instrument has also increased significantly. At the same time, the new model also has an advantage in the number of USB/Type-C ports, coupled with the addition of wireless charging function for mobile phones in the front row, the performance is more complete in terms of ease of use. Unfortunately, the new model is no longer equipped with a car CD/DVD and a car refrigerator.
Power: more power, reduced fuel consumption, full-time four-wheel drive return
In terms of power, the new model has changed significantly compared with the old model, using a 2.4T hybrid system, consisting of a 2.4T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine + electric motor, with a comprehensive system power of 243kW and a comprehensive system torque of 630Nm. The transmission part is matched with an 8-speed automatic manual transmission. The previous model was powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a maximum output of 206 kW and a maximum torque of 365 Nm. The transmission part is matched with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. In terms of four-wheel drive, the new model adopts full-time four-wheel drive, and the central differential structure is a Torsen differential, while the old model is equipped with time-sharing four-wheel drive.
Space: Increased wheelbase results in improved legroom
In terms of passenger space, the new model has also been improved due to the increase in body size and wheelbase, especially in the rear. Although the overall gap is not large, for hardcore off-road vehicles, even a small improvement is still worthy of praise. The electric adjustment and heating of the second-row seats, which was supported by the old model, was removed on the new model. In terms of seating layout, the new model adopts a six-seat design with a 2-2-2 seating layout. The old model has a 7-seater design with a 2-3-2 seating layout.
In terms of interior storage, the center console of the new model has been redesigned, but the layout of the front storage space has not changed much from the previous model. Although it is not a model with storage space as a selling point, it is equipped with conventional storage slots and cup holders, and the overall amount of storage space is also quite a lot, and the space inside the central armrest box is also considerable, and the practical performance is not bad.
In terms of trunk space, the difference between the old and new models is not very large, and the storage space is relatively small when using the third row of seats. When the third row of seats is folded down, there is considerable storage space.
Security: All-round upgrade
Compared with the old model, the new model has a comprehensive upgrade in terms of active/passive safety and driving assistance functions, such as the addition of front middle airbags, lane departure warning system, DOW door opening warning, forward collision warning, etc., and the cruise system has also been upgraded to full-speed adaptive cruise, and the overall performance is very impressive.
Summary:
As Toyota's star off-road vehicle, the Prado has a high degree of recognition in the Chinese market. Although the just-launched 2024 FAW Toyota Prado has abandoned the V6 naturally aspirated engine, the 2.4T hybrid system not only has a stronger power output, but also can greatly reduce fuel consumption, even if it is used for urban transportation, there is no need to worry about high fuel consumption. Because of the significant improvement in performance and configuration level, the 2024 FAW Toyota Prado is more competitive than the old model.