The car world is always changing, but few updates have stirred up as much talk as the latest engine choices in the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Lexus GX500. These two SUVs may look like close siblings ready to tackle the same rough roads, but once you pop the hood, you’ll see they’re running on two very different ideas. The new Prado now comes with a 4-cylinder engine, while the GX500 packs a powerful twin-turbo V6. This shift might surprise many, especially long-time fans, but there’s a reason behind it, and to understand it better, we have to take a quick look at where these cars are coming from.
In the previous generation, the Toyota Prado was known and loved for its solid V6 engine. It wasn’t flashy, but it was reliable and tough, the kind of vehicle you could count on whether you were driving through the rough backroads of Ghana or cruising across the countryside. It gave you a nice mix of power and dependability, which made it a favorite among families and adventurers. On the flip side, the older Lexus GX460, which was basically the Prado’s fancier cousin, came with a big, naturally aspirated V8 engine. That V8 gave the GX a smooth, strong ride with enough power to make every drive feel effortless. It wasn’t just about performance that V8 made a statement. It meant confidence, class, and muscle all rolled into one.
But times have changed. With stricter emissions rules, rising fuel costs, and customers asking for better fuel efficiency, Toyota had to switch things up. Now, the new Prado is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine. At first, this might sound like a downgrade, but don’t be too quick to judge. This new setup is more fuel-efficient, still powerful, and built for modern-day use. It’s got enough torque to handle everyday driving and off-road fun without burning as much fuel. Toyota is aiming to make the Prado lighter on the pocket, better for the planet, and more appealing to a wider range of people around the world. For those who loved the old V6, it might feel like a loss, but Toyota is choosing long-term benefits over raw engine size.
Lexus, however, took a different path. The new GX500 doesn’t go small, it goes bold. Instead of sticking with the old V8, Lexus swapped it out for a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. And this new engine is a powerhouse. It delivers more horsepower and torque than the old V8 while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions. It’s a smart mix of performance and efficiency. But Lexus didn’t just upgrade the engine, they fine-tuned the whole SUV to make sure it still feels like a proper luxury off-roader. From smooth highway drives to serious off-road trails, the GX500 is built to handle it all with class. It’s the SUV for people who still want a strong engine, premium comfort, and all the latest tech.
So why did Toyota go with a 4-cylinder for the Prado while Lexus chose a V6 for the GX? It’s simple; they’re aiming at different types of buyers. Toyota wants the Prado to be a practical, fuel-friendly, go-anywhere SUV for a global market. Lexus wants the GX500 to be the go-to choice for drivers who want power, performance, and luxury in one stylish package. It’s no longer just about engine size, it’s about the kind of experience each vehicle delivers.
In the end, whether you’re someone who misses the roar of the old V6 and V8 engines or someone excited for a future filled with turbocharged efficiency, there’s no denying that Toyota and Lexus are moving with the times. They’re not just following the crowd, they’re leading the way, each in their own style. One with a clever 4-cylinder, the other with a fierce twin-turbo V6 both ready to take on whatever road lies ahead.
