Toyota Prado vs Fortuner: What's the Difference?

If you're shopping for a tough and reliable SUV in the UAE, the Toyota Prado and Fortuner are two top picks from Toyota. Both are great for city drives, family trips, and even off-road adventures in the desert. But they have some key differences in price, power, features, and more. 

Overview of the Toyota Prado 2025

The Toyota Prado, also known as the Land Cruiser Prado, is a mid-size SUV that's built for luxury and serious off-roading. It's bigger and more premium than the Fortuner, with a focus on comfort and advanced tech. In the UAE, it's popular for its strong build and ability to handle tough terrains like dunes.

Key highlights:

• Engine: 2.4L turbo petrol with 267 horsepower.
• Seats: 7 passengers.
• Fuel efficiency: Around 10.6 km/L.
• Starting price in UAE: AED 199,900.

Overview of the Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is a more affordable SUV that's still tough and versatile. It's great for daily use in cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with good space for families. While it can handle off-road, it's not as advanced as the Prado in that area. It's a bestseller in the UAE for its value for money.

Key highlights:

• Engines: 2.7L petrol (164 hp) or 4.0L V6 petrol (235 hp).
• Seats: 7 passengers.
• Fuel efficiency: Around 10.4 km/L.
• Starting price in UAE: AED 127,900.

Price Comparison in UAE

Prices can vary based on trims and dealers:

Engine and Performance Comparison

Here's a table comparing base models.

Dimensions and Space

This is great for long UAE road trips.

Features and Interior

The Prado wins in luxury with things like leather seats, a bigger touchscreen (12.3 inches vs. 8 inches), wireless charging, and ventilated seats. The Fortuner has basic fabric seats and fewer tech extras, but it still includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For comfort in UAE's hot weather, the Prado's tri-zone AC is a big plus over the Fortuner's standard setup.

Safety Features

Both are safe Toyota SUVs:

• Common in both: ABS, airbags, stability control, rear camera.
• Prado extras: Crawl control, emergency call system, more airbags.
• Fortuner extras: Basic but reliable, with parking sensors.

Off-Road Capabilities

If you love desert drives in the UAE, the Prado is better with its AWD system, higher ground clearance, and features like multi-terrain select. The Fortuner is capable but more suited for light off-roading.

Best Tyres for Toyota Prado and Fortuner in UAE

For the Prado, recommended options include Kumho Solus KL21 for quiet city drives or Falken tyres for value. For the Fortuner, go for Michelin Primacy SUV for premium grip or Hankook Dynapro HP2 for budget-friendly all-terrain use. Standard sizes are 265/65R18 for Prado and 265/65R17 or 265/60R18 for Fortuner.

You can buy these tyres easily from PitStopArabia, an online tyre shop in UAE offering brands like Bridgestone, Dunlop, and Michelin. They provide free delivery to over 250 installers, a lifetime warranty on tyres, and services like wheel alignment and fitting.

Pros and Cons

Toyota Prado

Pros:

• More power and luxury.
• Better for off-road.
• Higher resale value in UAE.

Cons:

• Higher price.
• Slightly less fuel-efficient.

Toyota Fortuner

Pros:

• Cheaper to buy and maintain.
• Good for city driving.
• Reliable and tough.

Cons:

• Less premium features.
• Smaller size.

Which One Should You Choose?

If your budget is under AED 170,000 and you want a practical SUV for daily use, go for the Fortuner. For luxury, more power, and serious off-roading, the Prado is worth the extra cost. Always test drive at a UAE Toyota dealer to decide.

FAQs

What's the main difference between Toyota Prado and Fortuner?

The Prado is larger, more powerful, and luxurious, while the Fortuner is more affordable and compact.

Which is better for off-road in UAE deserts?

The Prado, thanks to its advanced AWD and higher clearance.

Are there diesel options in UAE?

No, both are petrol-only in the UAE market for these models.

What's the fuel consumption?

Both around 10-11 km/L, depending on driving.

How many seats do they have?

Both have 7 seats for families.

Is the Prado worth the extra price?

Yes, if you want premium features and better performance; otherwise, the Fortuner offers great value.