What transmission does Prado have?
The Prado’s current and most common setup is a 6-speed automatic transmission, with manual gearboxes now rare and largely limited to older regional variants. The exact transmission depends on the model year and market.
Current generation: standard setup across markets
In today’s lineup, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is predominantly equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This has become the standard pairing for most engines and trims in recent years, aligning with global trends toward automatic drivetrains for off-road utility vehicles.
- The most widely installed configuration in current Prado models is a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Manual transmissions are not commonly offered on new-prado configurations in most markets today.
- Diesel and petrol engines in recent generations are typically paired with the 6-speed automatic, prioritizing smooth off-road shifts.
While the modern Prado favors automatic gearboxes, buyers in some regions may encounter older stock or specific trims that featured a manual option. Always verify the exact specification for a given vehicle before purchase.
Historical variations by era and region
Looking back, transmission options varied more widely. Earlier generations and certain markets offered multiple choices, including 5-speed automatics and 5-speed manuals, especially with diesel engines. These older configurations are increasingly uncommon on new or near-new Prados but can appear in used-market listings.
- Older models (pre-2010s) sometimes offered 5-speed manual transmissions alongside automatics, depending on the engine and market.
- Some regions historically sold diesel variants with 5-speed manual options, while others paired the same engines with 4- or 5-speed automatics.
- As generations advanced, Toyota shifted toward the 6-speed automatic for greater on- and off-road refinement.
In summary, if you’re shopping for a new Prado today, expect a 6-speed automatic. If you’re evaluating a used model from earlier years, check the specific trim and regional specs to confirm whether a manual option exists.
How to confirm your Prado’s exact gearbox
To verify the transmission on a specific Prado you’re looking at, follow these steps and use this information as a practical checklist.
- Check the vehicle’s window sticker or official brochure for the listed drivetrain and transmission type.
- Inspect the gear selector inside the cabin: does it have a traditional PRND plus manual shift gate, or is it a simple PRND only typical of automatics?
- Inspect the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and build date plate; cross-check with the manufacturer’s spec sheet for the exact transmission configuration.
- Ask the dealer or seller for the model code or transmission code if available; this can confirm whether the vehicle is automatic or manual.
Keeping these checks in mind will help you confirm the Prado’s gearbox for any given model year or regional spec. If you need, provide the year and market of the Prado you’re considering, and I can help narrow down the most likely transmission configuration.
Summary
Today’s Toyota Land Cruiser Prado predominantly uses a 6-speed automatic transmission across most markets, with manual options largely a relic of older generations and limited regional variants. For precise confirmation, review the vehicle’s documentation, inspect the gear selector, and reference the VIN/model code with official specifications.
