LC Prado vs 4runner

[bigmack]

I know both are on the same platform, but is one really better than the other when it comes to off-road(be it the 2dr or 4dr Prado, vs similar year 4runner).

 

[Containerized]

At least here in East Africa (where the 4Runner is only seen as an NA import), the Prado is seen as superior, mostly because of the D4D motor and the arguably better implementation of off-road aids (Prado TX in Africa has CRAWL control, etc.). The rear door is also marginally better in terms of loading and unloading cargo, though it lacks the power window.

 

[bigmack]

Well I should have been a bit clearer and refer to the 4wd and chassis, not the motor options because diesel will offer better tq for off-roading from what I am told.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Well I should have been a bit clearer and refer to the 4wd and chassis, not the motor options because diesel will offer better tq for off-roading from what I am told.

If you're talking about the current Prado I think it's on the same T120 chassis as the 4th gen 4runner (as are the FJ Cruiser and the Lexus GX-470, which is the North American version of the Prado.) So as far as 4wd and chassis there should be no difference. The Prado I drove in the Middle East was pretty much a GX-470 with the spare tire on the door and a bigger gas tank. It had the same 4.7l V8 petrol (gasoline) engine, auto tranny and full time 4wd. I presume there are other versions of the Prado out there (more stripped down) but we never got them in Kuwait.

 

[bigmack]

What about the current gen 2dr Prado, I take they are like the 4dr, but with less doors obviously, or did they do something different with them?

 

[SWITAWI]

Looks like the 2dr/4dr models are the same underneath. I always figured the Prado 2dr (3dr according to Toyota) was the equivalent of an FJ Cruiser dimension-wise, with better rear visibility but without the added convenience of the rear half-doors. Apparently they can be had with either the 4.0L 1GR-FE gas motor or the 3.0L D-4D diesel, grrr. Seems that the current Prado also has the same multi-terrain system as the 4Runner. Pretty sporty, but I'm not sure I'm diggin' the overgrown RAV4 looks...

 

[bigmack]

Oh my love the 2dr, shame they don't offer them here, or at the very least a RAV4 with that multi-terrain off-road system as an option.

 

[Containerized]

Yep, UN has both, as does NUDEIL (both in East Africa). I can confirm they're essentially the same, except for number of doors.

 

[bigmack]

How about the older Prado vs 4runner of the same year?

 

[Containerized]

With the older trucks, the much better fuel economy of the Prado (with the 3.0TX-D motor) and the fact that it was available in right-hand-drive makes it worth more. Plus, they were usually used by aid agencies or militaries rather than civilians, so they are generally lower mileage and better-maintained versus equivalent 4Runners.

 

[UK4X4]

there is also the latin american varient with low specs and a 2.7ltr 4 cylinder same as the Hilux truck along with the same running gear and axles- independant front an solid rear 5 speed manual

electric windows and leather available- mine has cloth and electric windows

Still made in Colombia venezuela- with the new model just arriving- called the Meru in venezuela and the Sumo here in Colombia

having added 285 75R16 tires I stretched the transfer case chain...but other than that very happy

 

[Mrknowitall]

The Current Prado and 4R are on the 150 chassis. The FJ continues to share the 120 chassis with the Tacoma. Mechanically, everything is pretty simillar, The full-time cases all have a Torsen diff (IIRC). While it would be swell, if they sold all the cool overseas versions here in the States, advantages of one or the other don't outweigh availability. To me, the 4Runner to have is a V8 2005-07 SR5. The Prao to have is a LJ150- NA diesel with distributor injection, baby!

 

[bigmack]

Is there any way to get an older Prado(say 2dr variant) imported to the states? Are there any older LHD models?

 

[Mrknowitall]

Is there any way to get an older Prado(say 2dr variant) imported to the states? Are there any older LHD models?

In general, nothing gets into the States, until its 25 years old. That puts you in a LJ71 (2 door) or LJ78 (4 door). It would probably come from Europe, but most of the ones available there, go to Africa or Eastern Europe. With a lot of trickery, you might be able to get a 2002-2006 4 Door in- depends how much you're willing to spend. All of this would end up costing a fortune.

 

[bigmack]

I take the LJ71 is the Prado variant of the FJ70 series right? If so which would be more likely to be found in LHD and cheaper to buy and work with? Thanks.