I wheel with a buddy's Raptor that's built with top shelf everything on 37s. It's in its element running open washing and fire roads, and no one would argue otherwise. Everywhere else, it's size becomes a not so small issue creating drama where there would be none. Even here in the southwest where you'd think all the open expanses would give the Raptor an advantage.
The 200-series can hold its own on open washes, and with some building can hold pretty strong pace itself. Everywhere else, the 200-series owns. He's had to turn around multiple times in pinches where he can't fit. Or technical areas where he can't choose a line because of size, has to fall back on the immense capability of the rig, and still winds up dinged up sliders on what would otherwise be no drama. Speaking of which, that's the name he gives my rig, because he knows everywhere he can take his rig, mine will follow with little to no drama. Or I'll take mine on obstacles where he won't have the confidence to do in his, even though his is built relatively more.
The 4WD systems are fundamentally different. The Raptor has multiple modes, but in AWD, it has limited torque distribution and heat capacity, as it uses wet clutches. The 200-series setup uses a mechanical center torsion diff that has unlimited torque partitioning capacity so it's more sure footed on mixed stuff, with longer life. Both have full locked center 4x4 mode.
We both tow large campers. Raptors use rather soft suspensions so it's not exactly suited well for heavier trailers. This could be said to be the same for the Land Cruiser, but the LX has as more adaptable dynamic suspension.
Comfort, there's no comparison. On, off, everywhere... the kids in the group will pick my car every time.
IMO with the throttle response - this is not as big of a deal and is just something that is just a characteristic of each car to get use to. The throttles are probably tuned a bit more linearly in the 200-series, particularly in the 8-speed '16+ models. It's also a matter of turbo powerbands that have more low to mid-range torque. I drive very disparate cars between my LX, Porsche Turbo, and Tesla on a daily basis. They're all so very different but I can appreciate and learn the personality of each. IMO, as a previous engine tuner, I hate throttle controllers as all they do is increase gain, while reducing throttle pedal finesse. I give my right foot a lot more credit to learn and adapt than rely on 3rd party gizmos. In return, maybe our expectations could be rewarded when it finds that balance world class OEMs aim for.
