Lol, looks like you haven't driven the 1GD Fortuner yet. That 450Nm torque puts enough grunt that it is quicker off the line than even the 4.0 tz Prado. Even Toyota Japan has now discontinued the 1GR-FE engine in their new Prado and has replaced it with the 1GD turbodiesel. Only 2.7 petrol and 2.8 Diesel are sold in Japan now. The 1GR engine is now obsolete, and the 1GD is superior to it in both power and fuel economy.
Remember, ample low-end torque is what you need to be quicker off the line in a 0-100 acceleration test. Horsepower is how fast you can go, not how quick. All luxury cars like Rolls-Royce etc. have copious amounts of low-end torque for that effortless luxurious feeling acceleration at the touch of a pedal.
Also, the rear suspension of Fortuner is different than Hilux. It has coil springs instead of leaf springs in the back and softer suspension tune as compared to a Hilux. Although, a Prado is still more comfortable than a Fortuner. But, I humbly disagree with all those that think it is just a daala with a canopy on top. It seems they are oblivious to the basic suspension setup of both vehicles. For all I care, they can put a carryboy canopy on their Hilux and be happy that they are now in a Fortuner.
Pros of Fortuner:
1. Brand new with local parts and warranty coverage
2. More Powerful engine than the 1GR and better fuel economy at the same time
3. Negligible chances of fraud or getting an accidental vehicle
4. Latest shape. When new facelift is launched next year, just like what people have been doing with a Prado, you can easily swap it's bumper, lights and grill if you are into these things.
5. Diesel fuel is widely available even in the remotest areas of Pakistan
6. 6-speed auto as compared to Prado's 5-speed only option
7. Less body-roll and more sharp and nimble on tight cornering
Cons:
1. Suspension not as comfortable as a Prado
2. Cabin space not as spacious as a Prado
3. A Prado is slightly more quiet inside the cabin, even though both are very quiet and good at cancelling the ambient noise
For Prado
Pros:
1. Wider and taller cabin, more upright driving position and third-row seats a little more spacious than Fortuner. Although, I find both have very congested third-row seats which are only suitable for a child
2. Full-time 4X4. Although this consumes more fuel, but offers better stability on road and loose gravel.
Cons:
1. In a similar price as Fortuner, you get an 8 year old used vehicle.
2. Petrol options only. While 4.0 1GR is a nice and powerful engine, it is still not quite as fun as the 1GD and has very poor fuel economy. Toyota Japan itself has retired the 4.0 1GR engine now. And that too an engine that has been driven for 8 years in God knows what condition.
3. More body-roll on cornering
4. No local warranty coverage, although many regular service parts can be found in the market.
5. Most likely the car you buy will have swapped and repainted front and rear fascia because people want the latest look or maybe the vehicle was in an accident.
6. JDM cars are not equally rust-proofed as their international export model versions. An export model Prado has better rust-poofing done at the factory(the version sold by Indus Motors officially).
7. 4.0 will be higher priced than a Fortuner, higher annual token tax and poor fuel economy.
8. Your JDM Prado will most likely require Euro4 or Euro5 petrol, otherwise it will experience premature catcon choking. And such fuel is hardly even available in major cities, forget about the remote areas.
I was in a similar situation as you a while back and opted for the Diesel Fortuner and quite happy with the decision.
Remember we are discussing a used vehicle with a brand-new one. When both brand-new, a Prado is definitely more expensive and better vehicle than a Fortuner as Toyota itself positions it above Fortuner. But this is not the case here.
