FJ Cruiser Bucks The Trend

Toyotas are usually high on utility but short on charisma, so the new FJ Cruiser bucks the trend with its very charming retro styling and generally rebellious demeanour.

Based on the Toyota FJ40 from 60 years ago but modernised for the 21st century, the big SUV looks like the typical rebel. It has several styling traits that pay homage to the original FJ – the mesh grille, single round headlights, upright windscreen, and white roof – and its square and chunky shape gives it a rugged, bring-on-the-guy look. A man’s kind of SUV.

But this is no truck-like 4×4 in the Land Rover Defender. The FJ’s shape may be old-school but there’s no bare metal in the cabin as in the Landy, the mechanicals are modern, and the luxuries and safety features are abundant. The general refinement’s what you expect of a modern SUV, while the engine makes a hairy-chested hum when revved hard.

The V6 normally-aspirated 4-litre petrol engine channels its 200kW and 380Nm through a five-speed automatic transmission. It’s a brave performer with a responsive push, as attested to by its 9.6 second 0-100km/h time at altitude, which is pretty good for such a heavy vehicle. The auto transmission’s pretty efficient and makes fairly quick, humble changes.

Not surprisingly fuel economy isn’t one of the FJ’s strong points at around 14 litres per 100km, and you can almost see the needle dropping as you put foot. There’s definitely room for a turbodiesel-powered FJ in the range – for now the thirsty 4-litre petrol’s the only available engine.

Suspension is independent up front with a good old solid axle at the rear, and it’s a very effective setup if your primary concerns are ride comfort and offroad ability. The handling’s rather damp. This is no nimble-feeling X5 or Q7, and the FJ takes turns with all the body roll you expect of a traditional SUV. However, the Toyota delivers one of the comfiest rides we’ve experienced, calmly gliding over bumpy and broken roads. It’s because of this bump-soaking ride that when it comes to tackling a twisty road with a lot of bumps, the FJ will probably cover ground quicker than SUVs with sportier suspensions.