new car

Without knowing exactly what you are after (diesel or petrol or dual fuel) I can only suggest that if they are all similar in specs for what you want, and the future resale (if you don't keep it for 15yrs) drive them all for at least 1/2 and hour in both petrol and diesel form and go from there.
Personally I have driven both Prados and Pajeros and I would have a Prado over the Paj anyday the build quality is great and justifies the extra$ in comfort, off road ability fuel range and resale.

Cheers
Dave

brand new? second hand? top of the range? diesel? petrol?

The Paj leaves the Prado for dead on the road. The Prado may ultimately have better off road capability, but I suspect the van behind you may be the limiting factor. Unless you do rock crawling the Paj will go anywhere the Prado can.

The range issue in real life seems not to be such an issue. By the time you have driven 600 km between fuel stops most people are ready for a stop of one kind or another anyway. Remember, if you do carry 180 L of fuel around it is extra weight. If it really is that important you can get a LR tank fitted.

I am not sure if the Prado has closed the gap enginewise on the Paj yet (speaking diesel), but for a long time Toyota saw fit to give Australians a real dog of an engine. The Paj DiD/auto is a very sweet unit.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the build quality of the Pajero.

In my limited experience (my mate has one) the Pathy is very thirsty, and had trouble keeping up with the others in medium desert touring conditions. It feels like a station wagon rather than a 4WD tourer.

I have a NS Pajero diesel and comfortably get 500 klms out of a tank on dirt roads through central Australia.

The newer Paj (NT) has even more grunt and better fuel economy than my model and 3 tonne towing capacity.

I noticed a lot of statements above along the lines of "the Prado is better off road", but without offering any basis for that opinion. In short, thats BS. There are Prados and Pajeros in my 4WD club and barring issues of ground clearance (the Paj has 235, the Prado 200) any difference seems to come down to driver ability. Plus unless you buy the top of the line Prado, no traction control. Traction control is standard across the Pajero range.

I think the suggestion to drive each model in petrol and diesel for at least half an hour is an excellent one. Don't over think things, they are all good vehicles, just buy the one that you most enjoyed driving and liked the most. Its your hard earned, so your opinion is the only one that matters. The Paj and Prado handle quite differently, so it may come down to a personal preference about driving style that decides it for you.

Good Luck!!

Ben

Hi Michael

Prado's have a relatively poor side slope performance, you don't say which one's you are looking at but I would look at threads like 62388 before using one to tow that Van.

Currently have 2006 Prado and new Pajero will be delivered Tuesday.
Having driven both current models towing the Pajero has better engine torque and better vehicle to drive. 3.2 Pajero engine and gearbox match towing is perfect. Pajero power up hills was magical. Pathfinder would not be on the radar. Had Pajero and Prado away for 1 week towing trying them out which was a decent test. Van weights in with water tanks full loaded up 2230kg.

Hi Michael,
I have an NS diesel Pajero and use it to tow a horsefloat and campertrailer. I find it very comfortable to drive and quite fuel efficient.
It has an 88L petrol tank, and on the highway and not towing, I can get up to 700kms on one tank.
I have one major bug bear with it though, and this would be an issue with the Prado as well (not sure about the Pathfinder - not sure what sort of rear door set up it has). While towing, it is very difficult to open the rear door - either the door itself or the spare wheel catches on the hydraulic fluid chamber on the horsefloat, or the handle of the handbreak on the campertrailer. I also have a cargobarrier, so my only access to the cargo area is through the back door.
The NT Pajero does have an advertised towing capacity of 3 tonne, but it is with a reduced ball weight than the NS, so be careful.
Leanne