The famous Pajero and the no less famous Prado - how to do it right choice? For 30 years, there has been a battle between these “mastodons”, and each owner believes that his car is the best, most unpretentious, .
Is it really? Let's compare these two popular cars and find out which car is worth buying, and which one is better to pass by.
Technical features of the models
Mitsubishi Pajero– Japanese-made car, SUV, leader model range this company. The first Pajero went on sale in 1976. Today the 4th generation of the popular car is being produced.
When the fourth generation first appeared on the market, critics of the auto world immediately began to argue about what it was - a new model or just a complete remake of the third generation? Externally, the cars are actually very similar.
Prado is also a car from a Japanese manufacturer, and is also now in its 4th generation. We can say that both automakers are going head to head and the dispute has not yet been resolved, which is better - Prado or Pajero?
Both cars have diesel and petrol engines. The body type is identical in both the first and second cases. It is coded as an SUV, which in Russia is often called a “jeep,” or you can call this car a “light truck.”
Both cars have all-wheel drive - 4 driving wheels, which distinguishes them from other counterparts, which are also commonly called “jeeps”.
The differences start with the transmission. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a 6-speed automatic transmission. The enemy is only a mechanical version with five gears.
Engine volume, on the contrary, changes the leader - for Prado it will be 2,754, and for Pajero 2,835 cubic centimeters. But in terms of power, Prado will still be ahead - 177 horses versus 125. The volume of the fuel tank differs by only 1 liter - 87 and 88 liters.
As for the car's ground clearance, the leader here will be the Mitsubishi Pajero, for which this figure will be equal to 235 mm. For the second car the figure is smaller, although not critical - only 215 cm.
To compare the Mitsubishi Pajero and its most important Toyota competitor Prado, we also need to look at such an indicator as the number of passengers. The second car is designed to carry 5 people, including the driver, while the first can accommodate 9 people including the driver, and everyone will feel like they are in the cabin.
Appearance
The appearance of these cars is a separate issue. Many people decide whether to buy a Prado or Pajero based on this indicator. And indeed, it is important.
Restyling of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has made the car look more austere. Its front part stands out in particular. And here the designers really tried. Massive curved radiator grille with black and chrome inserts.
A well-recognized manufacturer's mark is also installed here. And so that the style actually matches the strong character of the owner, the radiator grille also received a border. Due to its appearance, which inspires confidence, the car has become incredibly popular.
If you look at the car from the side, it has practically not changed, and indeed, restyling did not affect it. The rear part of the body has changed, but only slightly. The trunk lid has been enlarged, the brake lights have changed slightly in shape, the space for the license plate has increased both front and rear, the spare wheel has been removed from the trunk door - now it is located inside the car, in a special recess.
The roof can be solid or panoramic with a sunroof. She hasn't changed much. All the changes that have occurred to the car favorably emphasize its strength and power, which means that any trip, even with complete off-road conditions, will be without surprises.
Mitsubishi Pajero is a classic of the genre, and manufacturers have never deviated from this rule. No rough shapes or menacing appearance. Simplicity, brutality and reliability – that’s what comes to mind when you see this car for the first time.
New radiator grille, front bumper modern design and the fashionable shape of the foglights - this is what the car received after the latest restyling. And this is pleasantly surprising.
A flat hood that reminds many of a dining table in a living room, large wheel arches, doors that you don’t have to squeeze through, wide footrests - this is for those who value comfort. And the one who constantly travels completely off-road, will appreciate the high rear bumper, reliable fastening spare wheel and roof rails.
Therefore, if you do not need to chase fashion, then this car is made especially for you.
Salon and trunk
When they say that Pajero always opposes Prado, there is some truth in these words. Indeed, these two cars literally go head to head, not only in terms of engine power, but also in interior comfort or trunk volume.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is leather and natural wood with small elements made to look like aluminum. The center console, although it has a strict classic look, will be understandable even to a novice driver who gets behind the wheel of this car for the first time.
However, even the increased dimensions of the screen did not allow us to get rid of the main disadvantage - a poor image on the screen. Therefore, before making a choice in favor of one car or another, it is better to check everything yourself.
If we talk about the Mitsubishi Pajero, then a person of any size can easily fit here and it will be comfortable for him to sit in the back seat. The driver's seat is adjustable in almost any direction, but it can only be adjusted in height, which is a big minus for some.
It is impossible to reach your head to the ceiling, however, as is resting your feet on the front seats. This is exactly what appeals to those who choose this classic version of the car over all others on the market.
Engines and transmissions
Still deciding which car to buy - a classic Mitsubishi Pajero or a formidable one Toyota view Prado? Everything can be decided by the engine performance.
Mitsubishi Pajero can be chosen as a variant with gasoline engine, and on diesel. A total of three motors with different characteristics are produced.
- Three-liter engine with 178 horses, 24 valves, with a consumption of 12.2 liters per 100 km.
- 3.8-liter engine with 250 horsepower, 24 valves and 13.5 liters per 100 km.
- Diesel with 4 cylinders and 3.2 liters, with 16 valves for 200 horsepower, with a consumption of 8.9 liters per 100 km.
As for the transmission, this car has both automatic and manual transmissions. Everything, again, will depend on what type of motor you prefer to choose.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is also presented in three options engines - two gasoline and one diesel, everything is exactly the same as that of its famous competitor.
- Gasoline 4 cylinders, volume 2.7 liters, power 163 horsepower.
- Gasoline with 6 cylinders of 4.0 liters, with a power of 249 horsepower.
- Diesel 4-cylinder with a volume of 2.8 liters and a power of 177 horsepower.
In both the first and second cases, there is plenty to choose from. However, experts advise choosing a diesel engine - fuel consumption will be minimal, which means the costs will not be so high.
Dynamics and fuel consumption
If we compare Toyota Prado and him direct competitor Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or another model, then you need to look at the dynamics and fuel consumption.
Both cars only require gasoline to operate properly. High Quality– AI-95. Concerning diesel fuel, then fill the tank with fuel Low quality no one advises.
Fuel consumption per 100 km. will depend on which engine was chosen by the future owner of the car. Both cars have approximately the same numbers. This is 8.5 - 8.9 liters for diesel engine, 12.2 liters for a 3-liter engine and 13.5 liters for a larger engine.
Handling and maneuverability
You can compare Pajero and Prado, as well as cross-country ability. Cars do not like strong side winds, so in such weather the driver needs to be especially careful on the road and not accelerate to the maximum possible speed.
If you drive off-road, then you need to do it as slowly as possible, practically without using the brake pedal. And although 4 driving wheels will help you move more or less comfortably around deep snow, and on water, this must be done, guided only by common sense.
Therefore, when comparing cars according to these indicators, both presented options will be excellent assistants for movement both in winter and rainy autumn.
Safety
Mitsubishi Pajero IV generation is sometimes called the most safe car. Indeed, the car can easily overcome a ford up to 70 cm deep, drive up a mountain with a climb angle of 36.6 degrees and can tow a trailer weighing up to 3,300 kg.
The manufacturer calls the main feature a special reinforced body structure, which was not the case before. ABS, EBD, Break Assist, Brake Override System are real protectors of both the driver and the car.
And testing showed that out of 37 possible points, this car scored 28.4.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is in no way inferior in safety to its opponent. All modern systems security systems are also installed on this car. Traction control system, assistance system when climbing or descending, constant speed support, excellent cruise control - this is not a complete list of why you should choose this particular car.
Therefore, there are no losers in the Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado dispute. Both cars are excellent for complete off-road use.
Price of all configurations
Now it remains to decide main question- price. Let's start with Pajero. Prado will come later. So, for example, the Sport option will cost 2,029,000 rubles.
Basic vehicle equipment (Intense AT) with five-speed gearbox automatic transmission and a 3-liter engine costs 2,302,100 rubles.
Machine in fully equipped(Ultimate AT) will cost much more – 3,300,000 rubles.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150, and this is the most popular option, is presented on the market various configurations. The classic version will cost from 2,249 thousand, but as practice shows, such a car is bought the least often.
Usually they prefer standard for 2,546 thousand or comfort for 2,922 thousand rubles.
There are cars in configurations whose cost has exceeded . These are Elegance for 3,237 thousand and Prestige for 3,589 thousand. And finally, the most expensive and inaccessible option for many is the Safety 2 Suite (7 seats) for 4,064 thousand rubles.
Therefore, in terms of price, it makes no sense to compare Pajero and Prado - you will have to pay more than 2 million for both cars.
Which car should you prefer?
So what to choose - Pajero or Prado? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses, both will require a lot of money to refuel, but at the same time they can be driven on any terrain, even where other cars cannot drive. So it's more a matter of personal preference.
Today we will talk about real titans, about bestsellers in the SUV class: Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser. Let's try to find out which of them is cooler. Both of them answer modern requirements picky buyers in matters of external and internal design, as well as comfort in the cabin. But are our heroes real off-roaders, or are they just upstarts who have received undeserved recognition?
The new Toyota Land Cruiser has a power of 173 hp. pp., and at the same time Toyota promises . However, there is also a downside - it expensive price. For the version with an automatic transmission you will have to pay 45 thousand euros. Not a little, you say. But it's worth it!
Despite large volume, the Mitsubishi Pajero produces 3 horsepower less than the Toyota Land Cruiser engine. But, nevertheless, the Mitsubishi Pajero will need 3 seconds more to accelerate to 100 km/h, and, plus, it is more voracious. But, again, on the other hand, Mitsubishi is 4 thousand euros cheaper than Toyota.
Someone is counting them sports SUVs, but in fact this is not the case, given their noble origins. The Pajero model has been produced since 1982. From that time until today, the company has sold about 2 million copies. The pinnacle of their achievements is 13 victories in the Paris-Dakar rally.
The Mitsubishi Pajero has obvious charisma. Straight lines with a rugged appeal create an impression of raw power and speed. Side panels and a spare wheel on back door Gives a classic SUV look. It literally exudes genuine reliability and durability.
Toyota looks completely different. The car is almost 8 cm longer than its competitor. But appearance deceptive. Despite all the smooth lines, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a real SUV. By the way, this is the best-selling SUV in the world. On this moment More than 5.3 million cars have already been sold.
Now let's talk about cross-country ability. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado climbs the slopes easily and naturally. at 22 cm and front overhang at 20° prevent unsightly scratches on the bumper when raised to an angle of up to 42°. To overcome particularly large climbs, additional support is provided low gear.
Depending on road grip, the center differential distributes power between the front and rear rear axles. It does its job well, but can be completely blocked if necessary.
Thanks to the chassis frame design, the car body is very durable. Creaks and noises in the cabin are not his thing. The high one allows the Toyota Land Cruiser to pass through water obstacles up to 70 cm deep, leaving the driver’s feet dry.
Mitsubishi Pajero overcomes slopes up to 70°. And this should not surprise you, because it has everything that a real SUV should have, including a central and rear differentials coupled with a low-range gearbox.
The Pajero's ground clearance is 0.5 cm greater than that of the Land Cruiser. This additionally increases the angles of the bumpers by 5 cm. Now they are: 37° rake angle, and not small 25° rear.
Both cars have a fairly long wheelbase - 2.8 meters, however, the Mitsubishi Pajero adapts somewhat better to sudden changes in the track surface. Compared to the Land Cruiser, the Pajero's independent rear provides better traction. All this makes it a winner in the off-road competition.
Toyota entered the European top level just a few years ago. High quality build and quality materials have provided the Toyota Land Cruiser with a reputation luxury cars, and the absence of problems with spare parts made the car easy to maintain.
On the outside it is 100% an SUV, on the inside it is almost like a limousine, although all this, of course, costs money. Approximately 45 thousand euros with an automatic transmission - that’s what they will ask you for, and 55 thousand euros for the “Executive” version.
The price includes satellite touch screen, comfortable seats and adjustable in all directions steering column. It would not be bad if the Mitsubishi Pajero could offer all this. But Pajero looks different.
Already in basic equipment includes automatic climate control and multi-disc CD player. But the more luxurious versions “Intense” and “Instyle” will lighten your wallet by another 8 thousand euros.
The fairly large interior volume of the Mitsubishi Pajero (1119 liters) allows it to have such an innovation as the installation of an additional row of seats. Toyota Land Cruiser has something similar. By paying an additional 1180 euros, two additional chairs will be installed.
It's safe to say that these two cars are the true kings of off-road driving! But how do these Japanese all-terrain vehicles perform in urban environments?
WITH high cabin, having large mass At 3.2 tons, Pajero cannot be called “ideal for asphalt roads.”
To accelerate to hundreds, this heavyweight with its 3.2-liter diesel engine will need at least 14 seconds. Not impressive dynamics, isn't it? In addition, reminding others of its class, it is too noisy and very thirsty - 14 liters per 100 km.
Despite the good suspension, the Pajero does not handle very well sharp turns- he is taken to the side by them. However, the presence of a stabilization system and directional stability with good brakes create positive impression when driving in a straight line.
There is a difference in the Toyota Land Cruiser. Here the control is smooth, and when driving on asphalt you feel comfort throughout (the noise level is minimal). But the “feeling of the road” is not enough - you almost don’t feel it. It's not easy. But when cornering, the situation is somewhat better than that of the Mitsubishi.
The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds, which is 3 seconds less than its opponent. This is facilitated by 100 kg less. But, compared to the Pajero, the weak point of the Toyota Land Cruiser is its brakes.
So, let's summarize.
The spacious and comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser is somewhat inferior to the Mitsubishi Pajero due to worse handling and high price. However, the latter beats the Land Cruiser in the off-road capability category and has a great and cool appearance. But high consumption fuel and disadvantages when driving in urban conditions, again equalize the chances of victory for both SUVs.
But, one way or another, in the general mass of estimates, the Toyota Land Cruiser is only catching up with the Mitsubishi Pajero. After all, it is the Pajero that brings the distinctive character of an SUV to the urban environment, thanks to its unique style!
These cars are like dolmens - ancient structures made of stone blocks: powerful frames, strong bridges, diesel engines. Although the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport For almost a year it was sold only with the petrol “six” and was not in high demand. But now with a 2.4 turbodiesel, a stone has been lifted off your shoulders - be afraid, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado!
Why not be afraid: have you seen this Pajero Sport in person? Although yes, we didn’t see it... If the result of this comparison was influenced by sales volume, then Mitsubishi would have to count a technical defeat for failure to show up for the match. Nine thousand Toyotas and five hundred Sports in the second half of 2016!
And it’s certainly not a matter of specific Mitsubishi design: you get used to it after three days, although the almost complete absence of a rear bumper is still surprising. It’s impossible to get used to the fact that they are trying to pass off a simple, utilitarian car as a flagship - with a corresponding price. SUV with 181 hp turbodiesel and an eight-speed automatic transmission costs at least 2.6 million rubles, and a Pajero Sport like ours, with all-round cameras, a multimedia system and active cruise control, sells for three million!
More precisely, it is not for sale.
I can imagine how difficult it is for managers. In essence, their task is to prevent a person from examining the car carefully, to overwhelm him with information about the 15,000-mile interval between maintenance, low insurance rates and an advanced automatic transmission: the client does not yet know how this box works. You can’t be distracted - otherwise the potential buyer will find that you can’t really stand on the narrow sill, and it’s cramped behind the wheel: the roof presses in, the knee props up the wide silver edging of the central tunnel, the pillar hangs over windshield.
True, this is the first time that a Sport has such a comfortable seat: soft leather trim, a hugging back, a long cushion. The surroundings are poor, but clean. There are few buttons, and among them there is not one that would turn on the heating of the windshield or the resting zone of the brushes. And why does an SUV, which is tempting to go somewhere further away, have so little space for small things? The tunnel between the front seats is empty, the box armrest is too small and not cooled, and opening the glove compartment is a whole story: first you need to press a button, and then pry the edge of the lid with your finger.
Three million rubles look clearly more attractive than this interior. The seating position is low for an SUV, but the seat is comfortable. Only the driver's window has an automatic closer, the mirrors are large, but without auto-dimming, and the mirrors in the sun visors are not illuminated. Climate control in automatic mode works logically, there is no navigation program in the Mitsubishi Connect system, you have to display Google maps using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
If a Prado is standing nearby at this moment, then Mitsubishi has little chance of not missing out on a client. True, the advertising version of Classic for 1 million 997 thousand rubles is just right to make feature films, because no one has seen it live. Prices for a normal Prado with a 2.8 diesel engine (177 hp) and a six-speed automatic transmission start at three million rubles, our car is decorated Style package and another 250 thousand more expensive. Plus more frequent maintenance, expensive insurance, because the Toyota will definitely be stolen, and also...
That’s it, Pajero no longer has any trump cards. We scolded Prado for wide armchair, covered with slippery leather, but for many buyers this is only a plus: it does not press on the sides. But you still need to throw a sheepskin cape on top. The wide table around the automatic lever is conveniently organized, the two-level box between the seats is spacious, and there is an air duct in it. The huge audio system knobs are reminiscent of old cassette decks, and using Toyota's secondary electronics is more convenient than trying to hit the touch keys on the display on the go Mitsubishi systems Connect.
Simple instruments are easy to read; digital speedometer readings can be displayed on the central display; when cruise control is on, the selected speed is displayed nearby
The Prado is friendlier not only to the driver: the rear seat is located noticeably higher than in the Mitsubishi, where you sit as if on your haunches. But the Pajero Sport has heating and a separate air conditioner in the rear. The luggage compartments are similar in volume, but the roof rails on the Prado will fit almost any crossbar, while the Pajero Sport requires special ones.
By this point, it will come to a test drive - and it will become clear that it was not necessary to delve so thoughtfully into the details. I recognized the petrol Pajero Sport as the worst car in terms of ride smoothness among all those sold in Russia. Now I know who takes the penultimate place - the Pajero Sport with a diesel engine. On relatively flat roads, especially in the city, the Mitsubishi can feel smooth and lulled. Shifts from one front wheel to another, sometimes vibrates unsprung masses, but there is no constant small shaking, like the gasoline version. However, if you go out of town... What else is such a car for?
Two legendary cars that can rightfully be called the best in their class. Like twin brothers, these “mastodons” have been fighting for the right to leadership in the consumer market for more than 30 years. The history of the appearance of both cars goes back to the distant 80s of the last century, directly to the land of the rising sun. It is from there, from the region where typhoons and earthquakes rage, that the SUVs that the whole world knows about come from.
Both cars are already in their fourth generation, and during the entire production period several restylings and improvements have been made. Quality and reliability are one of the main components on which manufacturers place the main emphasis, and the designs of both cars would hardly be called “super complex.”
Montero, Shogun and Pajero, one car with different names
As for the Mitsubishi Pajero 4, the SUV takes its roots from the third (previous) generation. Moreover, many auto experts and critics confidently declare that the car of the previous series has simply undergone a more in-depth modification. Indeed, the changes in the appearance, interior and technical part of the car were not so significant. With the naked eye or from afar, you may not even notice the differences, besides, many components, assemblies and parts of the machines are interchangeable.
But nevertheless, the automaker radically changed the following:
1. Front and rear end body, found the new kind, the shapes of the bumpers and optics have also changed.
2. Turbodiesel engine 4M41 used on the “three ruble”, received a new injection system Common Rail. Due to this, it was possible to increase power from 165 to 200 hp, and torque from 351 to 441 Nm.
Concerning gasoline engines, then from Pajero 3, two engines were inherited, 6G72 and 6G75. True, the latter has undergone some changes, in particular, a new MIVEC variable valve timing system has been applied (our own development Mitsubishi Motors), resulting in an increase in power of 19 hp.
3. There were also changes to the chassis and suspension. Wheel bearings(the weak point of its predecessor), so the designs were modified and the service life increased. The suspension arms are made of aluminum and are smaller in size. The springs have become longer and thicker, the ground clearance has not changed, but the rigidity has increased. The fourth generation handles much better on a good road; roll and roll in corners are a thing of the past.
4. The door cards remained the same shape, only the finishing materials changed. In the interior, by and large, there was a slight update and nothing more. So, for example, the seats remained absolutely identical to their counterparts, and the headrests became without holes. In general, the interior space, with the exception of the center console and panel, remains unchanged.
Now let's take a closer look at our opponent
The 120 series was replaced in 2009 by the generation 150 body (4th in a row) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The car is built on the same chassis as the earlier variation. A little change the supporting frame was subjected to reinforcement in the spar part. It is worth noting that the closest relatives of the Prado are also considered to be the FJ Cruiser, 4Runner and Land Cruiser 200, the components and parts of which are largely identical. The power plants used on the fourth Pradika are, for the most part, the same as those on the predecessor.
The very name of the SUV family Land Cruiser-translated from in English, means land cruiser. And the name Prado translated from Spanish as meadow.
Used engines and their weak points
1. Atmospheric petrol engine 2TR-FE, previously also installed on the 120 series. Previously, cars with this engine were not supplied to European countries, and cars with such an engine, as a rule, indicated that this was an export option for the countries of the Middle East, or as in common people call him "Arab".
With the advent of the 4th generation of SUVs, this motor again found a second life, but now also on the European continent. In the line of all power units, this engine is considered the weakest, and its power reaches only 163 hp, with a torque of 246 Nm, which does not produce extremely high performance when driving.
The engine itself is not young, but comes from the same Toyota 3FZ-FE engine, once installed on the “one hundred and twentieth”. The cylinder head was modified and a new variable valve timing system was installed, thereby increasing the power from 150 to 163 hp, and the timing drive, in the form of a chain, was modernized and made more reliable. By and large, this engine time-tested and proven"to the point." All ailments have been cured over the years. The only pity is that the car operates at the limit of its capabilities, which cannot have any positive effect on its service life.
2. Diesel turbocharged 1KD-FTV, in-line four-cylinder engine with 16 valves, a displacement of 3 liters and an output of 173 l/s. Just like the previous unit, it migrated from the Land Cruiser Prado, only in the second generation. The motor first appeared in 2000 and already then it was installed fuel system battery type Common Rail, which was an innovation at the time. Over the entire period of its production, engineers carried out whole line activities to refine and improve engine reliability, but still some The disadvantages are still relevant today:
The belt drive of a diesel engine, and even with a high compression ratio, is not the most ordinary solution. Meanwhile, the manufacturer in the instructions recommends replacing it once every 120 thousand kilometers, which is disproportionately large even for gasoline engines. To avoid timing belt breakage, it is recommended to replace the entire set at an earlier date.
Fuel injectors are very sensitive to fuel quality. As practice shows, their average resource is 120-150 thousand km, and in cases of using bad diesel fuel, even less. Surprisingly for many, there are 4 such injectors in the engine, cost of each approximately around 25 thousand rubles.
3. The top-end naturally aspirated petrol 1GR-FE, with a displacement of 4 liters, producing 282 horsepower and a torque of 387 N.M. Once upon a time, the same engine was installed on the Prado 120, only with less power(249 hp). Improvements were made to the gas distribution mechanism, namely, a completely new phase change system appeared, somewhat similar to a clutch, instead of the traditional gear pulley on the camshaft. The valve drive remains unchanged. As before, it is subject to manual adjustment every 250-300 thousand km.
The engine block is made of aluminum alloy, and the cooling system has jackets even between the cylinders, thereby preventing zone overheating of parts. This engine we can say with confidence flagship in the line of power units, and the mileage done without major repairs often exceeds the mark at 650-700 thousand. Large weak points, no owners of SUVs with such an engine have been identified. A leader's reputation can only be spoiled by a high transport tax, calculated from the power of the unit.
What is better than Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Over many years of production, both SUVs have gained a whole army of fans and haters. Each in his own way is a standard among idols. By examining various criteria and factors, we will try to determine the pros and cons of each car, and in the meantime, everyone will think about the conclusions to themselves.
Body, appearance, dimensions
It's no secret that Mitsubishi Pajero 4, practically 80% body inherited from its predecessor. The frame, as before, remained integrated into the body, the doors and fenders are absolutely identical, the trunk lid (or the 5th door) differs only in the niches for the spare tire. In general, the appearance has not changed dramatically, but there is still something new.
For the Toyota LC 150, the situation is completely different. The car's body has changed beyond recognition, and its dimensions have actually grown to the size of its older brother LC 100 in the previous generation. The latest fashion trends, angular body lines and IH-shaped slanted shapes are visible on the face.
If the Prado's predecessor, with its rounded and smooth features, was more like a typical American SUVs, That today's SUV doesn't look like him at all. Notes appeared in the design, clearly of Japanese flavor, somewhat reminiscent of the auto industry from early 90s. Apparently, as the proverb says, everything new is well forgotten old, nevertheless the car was a success and turned out to be quite brutal.
The new generation of bodywork is not always beneficial, of course, and sometimes you just need to carry out a light facelift. But in the case of the Land Cruiser, the situation is completely different; in appearance, it is clearly superior to the Mitsubishi, which has lost its charm in almost 20 years.
As for the sizes, here there is some catch. The official length of the Pajero is 4900 cm, versus 4780 cm for the Prado. Here, many car enthusiasts will immediately be outraged by such indicators, because to the eye, the situation is inversely proportional. The thing is that the length of the body is measured along all the protruding parts in front and behind the car, and Mitsubishi has an external spare wheel, which adds about 25 centimeters.
In terms of width, the “pradik” surprisingly loses 1.5 cm to its opponent, and in terms of height, it gains the same one and a half centimeters in its favor. “Somewhere it has decreased, somewhere it has increased.”
Chassis, suspension, transmission
The TLC 150 design uses a classic machine layout off-road. A solid axle is used in the rear, and a multi-link with CV joints in the front.
Regarding the “Padzherik”, then here in simple words, all the components are more like a “SUV”. There are no bridges, and the entire suspension is completely independent, and even on aluminum levers. Such Mitsubishi design will clearly win from the opponent, in stability on the asphalt track, especially on high speeds, but for off-road use, this is its obvious disadvantage.
Ride in a "land cruiser" along the highway, on high speed It's not comfortable, it sways and rolls a lot when cornering. But comfort and softness, with leisurely movement, are its strong point, which can confidently be called an advantage over its counterpart.
All-wheel drive on the Land Cruiser family is permanently connected, in a ratio of 60:40, and forced locking of the central differential is also possible. Mitsubishi uses Advanced transmission Super Select II 4WD, which distributes torque using clutches and an electric drive.
There are much more possibilities here than the competitor, including a single-wheel drive mode and switching the wheel arrangement at speed. There is no doubt about the reliability of both units; the only reason for thought is that the Mitsubishi gearbox is equipped with a number of sensors and electronics that can put the transmission into emergency mode in the event of a malfunction.
Comparison of power plants and selection of the best
If we draw an analogy with engines, it turns out that the number of main units of the compared cars is the same, 2 gasoline and 1 turbodiesel. There are also export options with other engines; it makes no sense to consider them, since they are extremely rare.
On both SUVs, in the lineup power plants, no place for beginners. All motors used have a decent “experience” and proven over more than a decade. Most of the problems that arise during their operation can with great confidence be attributed to systemic ones. So, for example, the timing chain used on the top-end Toyota 1GR-FE engine, without special problems lasts for 250-350 thousand km, and the normal life of the turbine in the 4M41 Pajero engine is almost 200-250 thousand km. Such high performance, many middle-class cars are far from capable.
Interior space
The archaic Padzherik's interior is noticeably tighter than its rival, but surprisingly, the all-round visibility is still better. Big and bold minus in the Mitsubishi showroom, considered to be very close driver's seat and the steering column to the door. Even a person who is not of large build will rest his left foot on the door. Apparently the calculation was for short and thin Japanese.
The finishing materials for the interior panels and seats are significantly higher than in the Prado. Sound insulation is definitely better in the Toyota Land Cruiser j150, but crickets in the hard plastic panels appear more often in the Prado.
Finally, some pros and cons
The luxury version of Pajero 4 will cost about 500 rubles. cheaper than a competitor, and themselves Mitsubishi configurations look much richer.
In the secondary market, these SUVs are found with low mileage in approximately 80% of cases. In order not to be deceived, you can read the special instructions.
Export cars for the countries of the Middle East and the UAE, found in both brands. Buying such a car will most likely not be best investment money. The lack of insulation in the sheathing, poor resistance to moisture and frost, these are the minimum differences from European analogues.
The cost of spare parts and maintenance for SUVs is virtually the same. The only “but” in this matter is that Mitsubishi only fits spare parts from the previous version, which can be found cheaper or used.
Eternal rivals - automobile monsters Toyota and Mitsubishi often confuse future owners, asking them to independently choose the most suitable off-road version. Therefore, the opinion that Pajero 4 or Prado 150 is better is mostly based on the subjective assessment of owners who have experience in operating either one or the other SUV.
Official representatives from both sides are in no hurry to present battle tests, the number of system failures of components and assemblies, returns and modifications of their cars to the general court. They often present dry information in the form of performance characteristics. They pass off wishful thinking, and sometimes they simply briefly describe certain functions of each car, further confusing future owners.
Manufacturers are well aware that being able to operate these two machines at the same time is somewhat strange and even more expensive. That is why most of the value judgments about which is better - Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Prado - are based on the opinions of car owners who drive them every day in hot and cold weather, in urban conditions and off-road.
Both cars have a rich history. And they are offered in the fourth generation. Mitsubishi Pajero. It is the number four that worries experts the most, because many are inclined to believe that the latest Pajero is only a decently updated version previous generation.
These suspicions are confirmed by the interior (except for the front panel) and the appearance of the SUV, which is very reminiscent of the second generation models. Power unit 4M41 remains the same and has a volume of 3.2 liters. A new 3.8-liter 6G75 petrol unit has been added. Let us remind you that Pajero has been produced since 2006.
It’s better not to remember about the frame, because there is none. Instead it was installed independent suspension, which is why the car has turned into a family-class SUV with advanced capabilities all-wheel drive transmission. It is possible to position Pajero as an extreme SUV, but very carefully.
Passengers and chassis elements suffer the most from this design, especially when driving over rough terrain. In this case, the moving parts of the body are subjected to heavy loads and are held by hinges, constantly in contact with the door seals. Over time, such contact leads to rubbing of the rubber and contact directly with the metal parts of the structure.
Particularly inconvenient is the mediocre sound insulation. In case of additional treatment with anti-creak, the issue is resolved only by 50%.
How are Prado doing? Land Cruiser Prado 150 came out a little later - in 2009, but, like the third generation, it is built on the same wheelbase as its predecessor 120, which means it has a frame structure. According to company representatives, this will apparently be the last modification to have a frame base.
The dimensions of the body have undergone changes, it has become larger. Permanent all-wheel drive was inherited from its predecessor (there is nothing wrong with that). The last generation has acquired additional option KDSS (it was not present in the 3rd generation), the brand name remained unchanged air suspension Land Cruiser.
Patency
One of the main criteria when choosing is cross-country ability. Both cars were originally designed to comfortably overcome obstacles. You can only compare Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero if you operate them under the same conditions.
In the latter car, the transmission is more responsive, primarily due to well-made factory settings. Electronics that provide braking for wheels in the air guarantee excellent interaction of the remaining wheels with loose soil and mud layers.
Therefore, climbing a mountain in a Pajero or Prado is a big difference. Toyota is clearly losing, constantly slipping. When you press the accelerator pedal at the top of the climb, there is a long pause and only then the wheels begin to slow down. Often this is enough to lose momentum and load.
In both cars, the transmission is in an equal position - a low gear is engaged with an active locking of the center differential. The presence of a cross-axle differential in Toyota and Pajero budget options not provided. Depending on the configuration, the ground clearance for both cars is not the same, 220 and 235 mm, respectively. With the installation of protection it can change downwards by 10-15 mm.
It should be noted that the Prado’s suspension is much more comfortable, especially when overcoming rough areas.
Interior
IN maximum configuration The Ultimate Pajero IV can’t help but be pleased with its fairly large hatch (the Prado doesn’t have one), leather interior. The front seats are mechanically adjustable. The steering wheel is not adjustable for reach.
Land Cruiser Prado 150 in the middle Elegance configuration steering wheel It is adjustable in both height and reach, which is very convenient if used by several drivers. The engine starts with a button and has keyless access.
Taking advantage electrically driven, you can set the front seats to a comfortable position, although the manufacturers did not provide a memory function. All this can be found in the Prestige package, and in addition, there is navigation, a cross-axle differential lock, and 4 cameras located around the perimeter. All this is reflected in the price (400 thousand more).
The front panel on the Pajero looks a little more sophisticated than the Prado. Although the latter has a color monitor, but with a somewhat archaic resolution of 400 by 800. The interior is offered in only three options: ivory, black and brown. The last color was added later. There are no complaints about the quality of finishing and interior materials for both cars.
The Pajero's interior and trunk capacity deserves special attention - it is larger. The car has various niches in the rear under the floor (space for a spare wheel), where bulky items can be placed. In some car trim levels it is possible to install extra row(the car becomes a 7-seater), which will not be very comfortable, especially when traveling long distances. But the opportunity to stay is still provided.
Two cars have music combines, even the Pajero is of high quality, but the sound leaves much to be desired. There is an excellent option with a color monitor on the ceiling, this makes it possible to watch movies and cartoons. Passengers in the second row will not be bored during long journeys, and the driver will be calmer, since he will not have to be distracted by conversations, especially if children are traveling in the cabin.
Economical
It should be noted that the manufacturer recommends filling AI-92 gasoline in Pajero, and AI-95 in Prado. With the same 3-liter gasoline units, the maximum speed of the latter is 10 km less and is 165 km/h.
The cars' consumption per hundred is almost the same and is equal to 10 liters per 100 km on the highway. Therefore, Pajero or Prado, which is better? In this they are practically equal. But in the city it is more profitable to operate the Prado; its consumption is a little over 14 liters, versus 16+ for the Pajero.
Sports version of Pajero
In 1996, Pajero Sport was introduced. Latest version was presented in 2015. It was built on the basis of the Mitsubishi L200. The question of what to prefer - Pajero Sport or Prado is ambiguous. After all, in fact, Toyota remains softer even in relation to Pajero fourth generation
, so you shouldn’t count on comfort in the sport version. The SUV has acquired a completely new Off-Road mode, operating in four options – “gravel”, “snow/mud”, “sand”, “stone”. Therefore, obstacles will be overcome much easier and safer.
The rigid frame has become even stiffer, and the suspension has been tuned for improved handling, although its design elements remain the same as in the previous generation. Which is better Prado or Pajero Sport? Consider the operating features. If you plan to use the car in an aggressive style, in off-road conditions, then give preference to the sport version. If you drive in the city, lean toward the Prado. No less important factor when purchasing is the cost of SUVs. Mitsubishi price
