Praise for the USA version of the Prado! The Lexus GX470 and newer GX460 are based on the Prado. These models are quite capable off-road right off the showroom floor. If you want more, the Prado is well supported by ARB and other Australian manufacturers.
Prices for some used Lexus GX470 models are below $20K now.
There are a few build threads for GX470 on ExPo, including
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/75987-THE-BUNDU-GEAR-BUILD-LEXUS-GX470
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/67034-The-Time-Has-Come-My-GX-build
And here's a forum member's build, on another site
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4266
A few notes about Lexus GX series
based on Toyota Land Cruiser Prado four door
body on frame construction
independent front suspension
V8 engine, automatic transmission
full time four wheel drive, two speed transfer case
air suspension for rear axle
luxurious interior
--------------------
2002 - 2009
--------------------
Lexus GX470
based on 3rd generation Prado
4.7L V8, 320 ft lb of torque
5 speed automatic transmission
tire 265/65R17, all terrain tread
EPA 14/18 mpg
23 gallon fuel tank
USA models have spare under the chassis. Australian models have spare on the rear door, making space for a second gas tank
Wheelbase 110 in
Length 188 in
Width 74 in
Height 75 in
Curb weight 4,871 lb
cargo capacity 1,329 lb
rear air suspension standard
Adaptive Variable Suspension (continuously adjusts shock absorber firmness)
Downhill Assist Control
tow rating 5000 lb
3rd row seating optional, only for very small kids
2004 Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) optional (hydraulic adjust to stabilizer bars)
2005 Sport model, KDSS standard
--------------------
2009 - 2012
--------------------
Lexus GX460
based on 4th generation Prado
4.6L V8, 329 lb ft of torque
six speed automatic
center locking differential
265/60R18 tires, all terrain tread
EPA 15/20 mpg
23 gallon fuel tank
Wheelbase 112.2 in
Length 190 in
Width 74 in
Height 74 in
Curb weight 5305 lb
Cargo capacity 1295 lb
KDSS standard
Adaptive Variable Suspension
Rear Adjustable Height Control air suspension optional
Crawl Control
Downhill Assist Control
Active Traction Control (ATRAC)
tow rating 6500 lb
3rd row of seating not easily removed
Prices for some used Lexus GX470 models are below $20K now.
There are a few build threads for GX470 on ExPo, including
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/75987-THE-BUNDU-GEAR-BUILD-LEXUS-GX470
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/67034-The-Time-Has-Come-My-GX-build
And here's a forum member's build, on another site
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4266
A few notes about Lexus GX series
based on Toyota Land Cruiser Prado four door
body on frame construction
independent front suspension
V8 engine, automatic transmission
full time four wheel drive, two speed transfer case
air suspension for rear axle
luxurious interior
--------------------
2002 - 2009
--------------------
Lexus GX470
based on 3rd generation Prado
4.7L V8, 320 ft lb of torque
5 speed automatic transmission
tire 265/65R17, all terrain tread
EPA 14/18 mpg
23 gallon fuel tank
USA models have spare under the chassis. Australian models have spare on the rear door, making space for a second gas tank
Wheelbase 110 in
Length 188 in
Width 74 in
Height 75 in
Curb weight 4,871 lb
cargo capacity 1,329 lb
rear air suspension standard
Adaptive Variable Suspension (continuously adjusts shock absorber firmness)
Downhill Assist Control
tow rating 5000 lb
3rd row seating optional, only for very small kids
2004 Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) optional (hydraulic adjust to stabilizer bars)
2005 Sport model, KDSS standard
--------------------
2009 - 2012
--------------------
Lexus GX460
based on 4th generation Prado
4.6L V8, 329 lb ft of torque
six speed automatic
center locking differential
265/60R18 tires, all terrain tread
EPA 15/20 mpg
23 gallon fuel tank
Wheelbase 112.2 in
Length 190 in
Width 74 in
Height 74 in
Curb weight 5305 lb
Cargo capacity 1295 lb
KDSS standard
Adaptive Variable Suspension
Rear Adjustable Height Control air suspension optional
Crawl Control
Downhill Assist Control
Active Traction Control (ATRAC)
tow rating 6500 lb
3rd row of seating not easily removed