How fuel efficient is a Toyota Prado?
The Toyota Prado, known globally as the Land Cruiser Prado in many markets, is a mid-size SUV prized for off-road ability as much as on-road practicality. Its fuel efficiency varies widely by engine, transmission, drivetrain, load, and driving conditions. This article outlines typical numbers, what drives those numbers, and how real-world use might differ.
The Prado’s fuel economy depends largely on the powertrain and configuration. Diesel variants generally offer the best efficiency, while petrol engines consume more fuel. In practice, you can expect a spectrum of figures depending on market and setup, with real-world results often different from official tests due to off-road use, payload, and driving style.
Engine options and official figures
Across markets, the Prado is offered with several engine choices. The most efficient option is typically a turbocharged diesel, followed by petrol variants. Test cycles differ by region (WLTP in many places, EPA in the United States), so official numbers are published per market. The figures below reflect common ranges reported for modern Prado variants.
- 2.8‑litre turbo diesel (1GD-FTV): Combined fuel economy commonly around 7.0–8.0 L/100 km, which translates to roughly 29–34 mpg (US) depending on test cycle and drivetrain.
- 2.7‑litre petrol (2TR-FE): Combined fuel economy typically about 9.5–11.0 L/100 km, or around 21–25 mpg (US).
- 4.0‑litre V6 petrol (1GR-FE) in older/configuration options: When available, commonly around 12–14 L/100 km, or roughly 17–20 mpg (US).
Official figures can vary by market due to testing standards and vehicle specifications. Always check the numbers for your exact model year and region when making a purchase decision.
Real-world performance and influencing factors
Fuel economy in everyday use often differs from official figures. Several practical factors influence actual consumption for a Prado:
- Vehicle weight and drivetrain: Four-wheel drive and added equipment increase the energy required to move the vehicle.
- Tire choice and rolling resistance: All-terrain or oversized tires can raise fuel use compared with highway tires.
- Terrain and driving style: Off-road driving, frequent acceleration, and high-speed highway cruising can significantly affect efficiency.
- Engine and transmission tuning: Turbo diesel engines with modern transmissions tend to optimize economy better than older setups.
- Payload and aerodynamics: Extra cargo, roof racks, and roof-mounted gear increase drag and weight, reducing efficiency.
Practically, many drivers report that diesel-equipped Prados deliver better real-world mileage than petrol variants, especially on long highway trips, while payload-heavy use or heavy off-road work can push numbers higher than the highway averages.
Market differences and availability
The Prado is not sold in the United States under the Prado name; in North America, a similar platform is marketed as the 4Runner. Outside the US, the Prado is common across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Official fuel economy numbers are published by Toyota for each market and model year, typically reflecting WLTP or JC08 cycles in many regions and EPA testing in the United States. No hybrid Prado variant has been introduced broadly as of 2024, so efficiency gains come primarily from engine technology and transmissions rather than a hybrid system.
How to estimate your expected economy
To estimate the Prado’s real-world fuel economy for your use case, consider the following approach:
- Identify your market’s official figures for the specific engine and transmission on your trim level.
- Factor in your typical driving conditions (highway vs. city), cargo load, and whether you’ll regularly drive with 4WD engaged.
- Account for tires and accessories that affect weight and rolling resistance.
In practice, if you intend mostly highway driving with a diesel Prado, you’re likely to see fuel economy near the diesel’s lower end of the official range. If you do a lot of off-road work or carry heavy loads, expect higher consumption than the highway figure.
Summary
The Toyota Prado offers solid fuel efficiency for its size, especially with the 2.8‑litre turbo diesel, but actual numbers hinge on market, engine choice, drivetrain, and usage. Diesel variants typically deliver around 7.0–8.0 L/100 km (roughly 29–34 mpg US) in official tests, while petrol options range from about 9.5–14 L/100 km (roughly 21–20 mpg US). Real-world results will vary, but with mindful driving and proper tire selection, a Prado can be a reasonably fuel-efficient choice for a capable, family-friendly SUV. Always refer to your exact market’s official figures and consider your typical usage to gauge expected economy.
