FJ cruisers are basically Prado LWB's with a diffrent body shells. But both are very capable offroaders, but a SWB V6 prado beats it hand down although it looks like a conventional boring SUV.
Your also right as CRV's and Murano are no way in the same bracket by a mile. These are soft roader SUV's and really not meant to do any proper offroading.
Aviod the eairlier models as they had issues with the fender suppourts to buckle and come apart with offroad use. And Al futtaim refuse to repair these underwarranty as they were used offroad ?!?!
Fuel tank is small so range is limitedm also visibilty issues as said before.
But out of the box very capable offroader and does what is says on the tin
Also on a ending note they have become very common and really falling fast into the boring car category.
Have you looked into a SWB Nissan Patrol or FJ71
Or the indestrutible FJ71
Sorry cant find pics