Toyota is a century-old brand known for its durable and technologically advanced vehicles. The brand has secured a significant position in the automotive industry especially because of its SUVs and off-roaders. The Prado is also counted among one of Toyota’s most iconic SUVs. The Prado series is a perfect blend of off-roading and luxurious features that makes it suitable for all types of terrains.
Initiation of Toyota Prado
Let’s discuss the Toyota Prado’s history, its models and different generations in more detail.
The journey of Prado started when the majority of customers started using Land Cruiser for daily use. Toyota designed the Land Cruiser as a perfect off-roader, but due to the increase in its daily usage, the demand for lightweight Land Cruiser increases. To cater to this demand, Toyota first launched the Land Cruiser station wagon and later a lightweight SUV named Prado. Therefore, Prado is also referred to as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Toyota Prado Generations
Toyota Prado is reputed in the market for its technologically advanced features, driveability and comfort it provides. According to non-luxury annual car market report 2021, Toyota Prado is one of the most famous SUVs in the UAE.
Here are the complete details of Toyota Prado evolution and its journey.
First Generation 70 Series (1990 to 1996)
The first generation of Prado was launched in the market in 1990. The car was featured in three and five-door versions with a shorter and longer wheelbase. The three-door version of Prado contained two rows of seats that can accommodate five passengers. Whereas, the five-door had three rows of seats with a seating capacity of eight. The car has an independent front suspension to ensure higher driveability and comfort.
The exterior of the car was bulky with wide front fascia and a small radiator grille placed over the plastic bumpers. Plastic stripes and contours run from the rear to the front end to provide a more rugged-off look to the car. A space for spare tyres was present at the rear end of the car.
To power the car a wide range of engines were offered including a 2.7-litre or 3.0-litre V6 engine. Moreover, a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission system was also available.
Second Generation 90 Series (1996 to 2002)
The second generation of Prado was designed to be more passenger-oriented. The car was available in two wheelbases, a short wheelbase (3-door) and a long wheelbase (5-doors). However, this time, the exterior of both versions was different.
The shorter wheelbase model was a sportier look: whereas, the longer-wheelbase models were provided with a rugged-off exterior. To maintain comfort, coil-over suspension systems were installed on the rear and front wheels.
Both petrol and diesel engines were offered in this generation. Customers can choose from a 3.4-litre V6 engine and a 3-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Later, in 1997, a 2-7-litre DOHC petrol engine was also introduced. For better off-roading performance, a 4WD drivetrain system was installed in the second generation.
Third Generation 120 Series (2002 to 2009)
Toyota Prado’s evolution started with the launch of its third generation. The third generation Prado receives a facelift with swept-up headlights, a popped-up option in rear windows and plastic-wrapped bumpers. This generation was carefully designed to be an equilibrium of off-roading and driveability features.
An advanced centre differential system was installed to cater to both on-roading and off-roading. Moreover, an active traction control system was also installed to assist while driving on hilly terrain. For higher driveability, an electronically controlled air suspension system was also installed.
The generation was offered with a 4.0-litre V6 engine or a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. Both the engines were paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission system or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Fourth Generation 150 Series (2009 to 2020)
Toyota Prado’s fourth generation was launched in 2009. This generation was also offered in two different wheelbases, a long and a short wheelbase. The interior of the car was equipped with all the possible comfortable features. The car had multi-terrain response system to support off-roading. Also, the crawl control feature in the fourth-generation Prado adjusts the brake and acceleration on all wheels evenly to overcome difficult terrains.
The second row of seats can slide back to provide a comfortable ride experience. Whereas, the third row of seats can be adjusted with a button, also the floor in front of the third row was lowered 50mm for extra leg space.
The generation received two major facelifts in 2013 and 2017. The 2013 facelift received redesigned front grille, headlights, tail lights and bumpers. For the interior, a new instrument cluster and infotainment system were installed. In the 2017 facelift, the instrument cluster was redesigned with a new infotainment and navigation system. Heated and ventilated front seats were also offered in the 2017 Prado.
The generation was offered with a 4.0-litre V6 engine and 5.7-litre V8 engine. Along with this, a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine was also available in the later models.
Next-Generation of Toyota Prado
Toyota upgraded its legendary SUV series, Prado, in 2020. The exterior, interior and features of the latest generation are completely changed from its predecessors. The front facia of the Prado is completely redesigned with black radiator grilles, elongated headlights and extended bumpers.
The centre console is now covered with an upgraded infotainment system that can be connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the front row, ventilated seats are installed to ensure a higher comfort level. The car also has a cruise control, lane departure and tri-zone climate control system.
Under the hood, it has an upgraded 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine or a 4.0-litre V6 engine with a differential lock. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system.
These were the complete details regarding Toyota Prado generations. If you are fascinated by this ultimate SUV, browse through these used Toyota Prado for sale in the UAE and leverage all the information features.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on the history of Toyota Prado.
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