Here's a quick comparison between the current 150 series Toyota Land Cruiser LC5 Prado specifications and the Nissan Pathfinder. 

The Pathfinder is another competitor you could consider as an alternative to the Prado. However the Pathfinder is now a much older design and it does show - there are enough similarities to compare the two. The 2011 update sees the introduction of an all new 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel that produces 170Kw and 550Nm

However you should be aware that the Pathfinder is a smaller car if size is a major purchasing consideration. From 2010 the Pathfinder only comes with a diesel engine (for the 2010 range) and imported from Spain (winners of the soccer world cup!) The new 2011 V6 turbo diesel is the engine of choice but it appears to only be available in the new top range Ti-550 model.

This is one model that we will be trying out when it becomes available.
 

Nissan Pathfinder
VS
150 Toyota LandCruiser Prado

The exterior design of the Pathfinder has only had minor changes since 2005 but it still looks up to date. We can see the Land Rover Discovery inspiration in the design to the latest design yet traditional Nissan and Pathfinder's of the past.

The interior design still really needs a significant update. The interior design and materials are just not up to the level expected in a car priced in this class. Think commercial vehicle and that describes what you are paying for. We feel it is like being in a Navara minus the tray.

Engine choices available for the Pathfinder are the key to its continued sales. It has the latest diesel engines. Also the ancient and larger Patrol that hasn't been updated for years helps the sales of the Pathfinder.

The Pathfinder has the choice of 4 engines. The the new 3.0litre V6 turbo diesel, 4 litre V6 petrol, the updated 2.5 litre turbo diesel and an V8 option in some parts of the world. All the engines are class competitive and more so than the equivalent engines for the Prado despite the lower capacity.

We all agree that the Pathfinder would be at the top of the list if you are considering a new 4WD however we also agree (and previously wrote) that the interior needs to be updated with better quality materials and design. We haven't driven one in for a while now but based on the last drive more drive train refinement in terms of noise suppression would also help.

All up it is a decent car but the Pathfinder is more a competitor to the Pajero than the Prado. What do you think?
 

150 Series Toyota Prado
2010 $58,490 - 88,990 AUD

Nissan Pathfinder
2010 $48,490 - 65,990 AUD