We've been contemplating a new vehicle for a while, but were struggling to decide until pulling the trigger on a prado last week. So I thought i'd add my 2 cents to the thread

We were only looking at the mid-sized wagons (3 kids), and it was really only between the MU-X and Prado. Unfortunately with our last vehicle coming to an untimely demise, the Prado won due to the current sales and better support for a few third party accessories.
EverestNice to drive and all the mod-cons, though the new bi-turbo hasn't been getting the best reviews for towing. (Surely ford will fix this in the ECU pretty soon)
The main concern regarding the Everest was all the smarts (I know, they all have it now) including the center-diff being a computer controlled clutch.
The main killer was lack of accessories, and currently no GVM upgrade or long range tanks. There's also no room under bonnet for a battery or compressor, and I wasn't overly keen on needing ad-blue in whoop-whoop.
fortunerNo GVM upgrade, but two options for the fuel tank being either a full replacement or aux tank above the spare.
My main problem with the fortuner is by the time you've spend the money you may as well get a prado.
MU-XI still think these are probably the best mid range 4wd on the market. More honest, less that can go wrong, and GVM and long range tanks available (both full replacement or aux), though the roof rating is fairly low at ~60kg.
No locker as standard (everything else does) but easy enough to get either an air or e-locker, but can't fit the compressor or battery under bonnet either.
(I' not so sure the next version will be as robust)
PradoPrado was always the default, but I was really hoping the flat tail gate would lift up. Alas even after you lose the long range tank, it's still a barn door (So why would you ?). Prado's (and the 1GD in the hilux/fortuner) are also having various problems with the DPF and air filters.
There's two
fixes for the DPF's (manual switch, and re-map of ECU) but we'll mostly be doing longer drives in it anyway, and I'll try a couple of things with the air filters.
At the end of the day, the Prado has the worst infotainment unit, shortest service interval (6 months), and a few concerns around water and electronics, so the thing better last . . . .