A couple of quick advantages the FJC has over the 5dr Prado 120 (both stock):
- Shorter wheelbase with better breakover
- Shorter front and back overhangs with better approach and departure
- Longer rear shocks (better flex)
- Thinner swaybars (better flex)
- Suspension more tuned for offroad use, better ride and handling offroad
- Profiled gas tank = less gas tank hang up and better breakover in real world
- Option of having rear locker and ATRAC working together = better offroad traction
- Washable interior (seats and rubber floor)
- In gear start for manual models (not sure if Prado has this feature)
A couple of advantages of the PRado 5dr over the FJC:
- Much bigger interior can seat 5 adults comfy and lots of cargo, or 5 adults and up to 3 kids and a little cargo
- 4 reald doors for access
- Better visibility on and off road
- Better on road handling and ride
- Larger gas tank (better range) if fitted with dual tanks and diesel much better range
Just a couple I can think of the top of my head, and the major ones.
If your thing is longer expedition travel the Prado will be a better choice due to the option of dual tanks, diesel and much bigger body/cargo. You can easily fit a locker or 2 to compensate for the traction and an aftermarket suspension and a couple of tweaks will give you the same traction as the FJC (also when fitted with same options). This will largely solve breakover and angles as well for the Prado.
I wish we had the Prado available in the US, with some US options to it like KDSS, V8, etc. I like the bigger body and visbility without paying the Lexus GX price for it here and being stuck with variable shocks and rear airbags.
