In the universe of off-road vehicles, there are two brands that stand apart from the pack – the Jeep® CJ line and the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Both contain links to earlier icons – and the Toyota FJ Cruiser is the direct continuation of the famed FJ40 4X4 utility vehicle, sold in the United States from 1960 to 1983. That original FJ40, which during its production life served around the world as the safari and expedition vehicle of choice, is today a sought-after collectible.
Today, the FJ Cruiser offers the brute off-road ability of the FJ40, blended with the comfortable everyday usability and Toyota reliability. These days, if I’m heading out into the Mojave Desert, my vehicle of choice is the new FJ Cruiser. It’s the real-deal, very roomy and comfortable.
The FJ Cruiser is powered by DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine that specifies regular-grade fuel. This powerful, responsive V6 incorporates dual independent “smart” Variable Valve Timing, making 260-bhp and 271 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The broad torque curve facilitates easy cruising on or off-road. The FJ Cruiser is also clean, meeting the LEV II/Tier 2 emissions certification.
Full-on four-wheel-drive isn’t for everybody, so the FJ Cruiser is available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. The 4×4 offers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission; the 4×2 model is equipped exclusively with the five-speed automatic.
On the four-wheel drive model, the two-speed transfer case provides a 2.566 low range – which means you can climb like a mountain goat. With the manual transmission, the transfer case uses a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential with a locking feature and distributes the engine’s power 40:60 under most driving conditions. In the Lock position, the differential switches to a 50:50 power distribution through front- and rear-locking differentials.
Overall, the FJ Cruiser is set up for serious trail driving capability. Its tough, wide stance body is mounted onto a boxed steel ladder-braced frame. Skid plates for the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank are standard. Standard wheels are 17-inch steel with P265/70 R17 tires; aluminum-alloy wheels are available.
With the FJ Cruiser’s standard 32-inch tires, ground clearance is 9.6 inches. Approach and departure angles are 34 degrees/31 degrees for the 4×4 model and 32/30 for the 4×2. Maximum towing capacity with the optional Class Four receiver hitch is 5,000 pounds.
The off-road performance is also enhanced by its interior and exterior design – which optimizes the experience with useful functionality.
The FJ Cruiser’s side access doors open 90 degrees in clamshell fashion for easy rear-seat entry and exit. Additionally, a swing-up glass hatch is incorporated into the side-hinged rear door. The glass hatch opens independently of the rear door and helps accommodate longer items. Three wiper arms provide nearly complete coverage of the wide windshield.
The FJ Cruiser’s interior combines a heritage-inspired design with the comfort and convenience of a modern Toyota SUV. The dash is bordered by upper and lower tubular forms, which frame rectangular-shaped flat panels. Large control knobs provide easy grip. There’s tons of room inside and my only gripe is the poor rearward visibility, only partly mitigated by the rear backup camera.
Driver information and controls are nicely done, with full analog instruments cluster with speedometer, tachometer, amp meter, temperature gauge and fuel gauge – all in round, black-white dials for better visibility. Switches for major functions, including climate and audio controls, and the optional locking-rear differential, are mounted in the center dash panel within easy reach.
The driver’s seat is eight-way adjustable, while the front passenger seat offers four-way adjustment. Seating materials are not only water-repellant, but also provide excellent ventilation. The seating fabric is backed by a special breathable resin coating, which helps it to shed liquids and make cleanup easier. Even the stitched seams of the seat covers are treated with sealant to prevent liquids from penetrating. The FJ Cruiser’s floor surfaces are covered with an easy-to-clean rubber-like material.
The rear seatback is split 60/40, with folding (removable) bottom and back cushions that convert to a nearly flat cargo floor. The rear cargo area is equipped with cargo-net hooks, multipurpose grocery-bag hooks and sturdy, floor-mounted cargo tie-down anchor points. My favorite option is the 115-volt accessory power outlet, but I wish it were mounted in the front of the cabin instead of the very back cargo area.
Pricing starts at $25,990 for a nicely equipped model, with several packages and options available. Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
For more information, see your local Toyota dealer or visit Toyota.com.
Vince Bodiford
TheWeekendDrive.com
