Is Prado gas or diesel?
In short, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is offered with both petrol (gasoline) and diesel engines, with diesel versions being the most common configuration in many markets, while petrol variants exist in select regions and older generations.
The Prado spans multiple generations and markets, so engine availability depends on the model year and country. This article outlines typical petrol and diesel options you might encounter today and explains how regional demand shapes the lineup.
Current engine options by region and generation
Petrol and diesel options have evolved over the Prado’s generations. The following lists highlight typical engines you may find in recent models, noting that exact choices vary by country and year.
Petrol (gasoline) options
- 2.7-liter inline-four petrol engine (commonly used in earlier Prado variants) delivering around 160–170 horsepower.
- 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine (used in select markets, primarily older or regional variants) with higher power for on-road performance and towing.
Petrol availability is regional and generation-dependent; in many markets, diesel is the default choice, while petrol appears where Toyota continues to offer it.
Diesel options
- 3.0-liter turbo-diesel (D-4D/1KD-FTV variants) used in older Prado generations, common in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
- 2.8-liter turbo-diesel (GD-6/1GD-FTV family) introduced in later Prado models, offering improved efficiency and torque for towing and off-road use.
Diesel variants remain prevalent in most markets today, with the exact engine code and output varying by production year and country.
Regional availability and current lineup
Engine availability reflects regional emissions rules, fuel prices, and consumer demand. In many regions, diesel versions dominate the Prado lineup due to torque and efficiency, while petrol versions appear in markets with different regulatory or consumer preferences.
- Europe and Australia: diesel-focused lineups, including 3.0- and 2.8-liter diesels in recent models.
- Middle East and Africa: broad diesel availability for durability and long-distance use.
- Asia (varies by country): mix of petrol and diesel depending on generation and local market choices.
- North America: the Prado nameplate is not sold new; the closest model is the Toyota 4Runner, which typically uses petrol engines.
For buyers, it’s essential to verify the exact engine options for the specific model year and country, since Toyota updates the lineup between generations and regions.
What to consider if you’re shopping
When choosing between petrol and diesel Prado variants, weigh fuel economy, typical driving use (on-road vs. off-road or towing), maintenance costs, and resale value in your area. Diesel engines usually offer greater torque for off-road work and longer-range efficiency, while petrol versions can have lower upfront costs and different maintenance profiles in certain markets.
Summary
The Toyota Prado is not limited to a single fuel type across all markets. It is offered with both petrol and diesel engines, with diesel variants being more common globally in recent years and petrol available in select regions and generations. Always confirm the exact engine options for your country and model year when shopping.
