Preview: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser by Perry Stern
Toyota builds a new SUV with strong ties to the past and true off-road capability.
Ask U.S. consumers what they think of when they hear the name Toyota, and most likely their answers would be about a maker of mainstream passenger vehicles such as the Camry or Corolla, as well as the Japan-based company's ever-increasing popularity as a maker of "green" hybrid vehicles such as the Prius.
Looming not so largely in the public's perception are Toyota's full-size SUVs, such as the Sequoia and their top-of-the-line Land Cruiser, which has been sold throughout the world since the 1960s. Toyota plans on shaking perceptions up a bit with its all-new FJ Cruiser—a retro-styled SUV built specifically for the true off-roader, with enough everyday practicality and panache to appeal to those who will never go near a mountainous forest road or an ORV park
The FJ Cruiser started out as a concept vehicle first shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Two years later, at the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled the final production version of the FJ, citing overwhelming response to the original concept vehicle. Designed at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the production FJ Cruiser remains extremely close to the concept.
True to its Roots
Although the FJ Cruiser has its own unique look, the styling and capability of this new off-roader are inspired by the FJ40 Land Cruiser that the automaker sold in 1960. The FJ had been introduced earlier as the FJ25, but the introduction of the 40 Series was a major leap in design for the Land Cruiser. As a result, from 1961 to 1965 the FJ40 was Toyota's best-selling vehicle.
The FJ40 later evolved into the 55 Series, which added more comfort and space. Advancements in the design and engineering continued through a number of Series—eventually reaching to the 100 Series, which is the designation for the Land Cruiser currently sold in the U.S. A 120 Series is sold in some markets as the Prado, and in the U.S. under the Lexus brand as the GX 470. The new FJ Cruiser sits atop the 120 Series platform.
Company officials say the FJ Cruiser has a rightful place in the Toyota SUV lineup. Its flat roof, wraparound rear glass, round headlights, mesh grille, wide hood, vertical windshield and short overhangs are all styling cues taken directly from the FJ40.
In addition to its unique look, the FJ possesses some standout features. For example, three windshield wiper blades provide maximum coverage of the windscreen. A unique door system makes passenger and cargo loading much easier. On each side of the vehicle, a large front door latches to a rear-hinged rear-access door, eliminating the pillar between the two—similar to the Honda Element.
"The FJ Cruiser effectively fills a gap in the Toyota lineup that was once our core heritage—capable, affordable and durable vehicles that are youthful, fun to drive, aggressive and tough," said Mark Amstock, national manager of trucks and sport-utility vehicles for the Toyota division. "The FJ Cruiser will deliver true off-road ruggedness, image and performance at an affordable price, making it highly accessible and desirable to a large volume of young buyers."
Although pricing has not been announced, Toyota officials hinted the FJ Cruiser will be in the mid-$20,000 range.
Other available accessories include auxiliary driving lights, rock rails, a roof rack, a brush guard, taillight guards, a sport exhaust system, a receiver hitch and harness, and a wind deflector with off-road lights.
Practical Interior
The original FJ40 Land Cruiser was highly capable off-road, often used as an exploration or expedition vehicle in developing countries. However, it was not exactly built for comfort, or with the capacity to haul large amounts of cargo.
The new FJ Cruiser does not suffer from these shortcomings. Although not luxurious, the interior earns points for practicality. Front seats provide plenty of support, and the driver's seat can be adjusted eight ways. All seats are covered with a fabric backed with a special breathable resin coating, making them water repellant and easy to clean. The FJ Cruiser seats five, including a surprisingly roomy rear seat.
Switches and knobs are large enough to be operated with gloves on. Floors are covered with a rubber-like material, and the roomy cargo area has a hard surface that levels with the backs of the rear seats when they are folded flat.
Although the new FJ borrows much its styling from the 1960s FJ40, this thoroughly modern vehicle has the latest safety features. Front airbags are standard; side-curtain and front side-impact airbags are available options. And like other Toyotas, this one is full of the latest safety acronyms: VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), TRAC (Traction Control), ABS (Anti-lock Brakes), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) and Brake Assist (no acronym here).
Thoroughly Capable
Although Toyota will market the new FJ as a capable off-road vehicle with four-wheel drive, it will be available with two-wheel drive as well. Toyota told journalists they expect only around five percent of the mix to be 2WD, but these FJs will still be equipped with what the automaker refers to as a "virtual automatic limited-slip differential," made possible using their advanced traction-control system to limit slip at both rear wheels. An electronic rear-locking differential will also be available.
Both 2WD and 4WD FJ Cruisers are equipped with 32-inch mud & snow rated tires. Amstock told MSN Autos he expects a more aggressive tire package may be available in the future. Tires are fitted to 17-inch steel wheels or optional alloys.
With an impressive 8.7 inches of wheel travel in front and 9.1 inches in the rear, the FJ Cruiser has ground clearance of 9.6 inches (8.7 inches for 2WD). For comparison, the Hummer H2 clears the ground by just 0.3 inches more. Approach angle for the FJ Cruiser is 34 degrees, departure angle is 30 degrees, and the FJ can traverse up to 27.5 inches of water.
Powering the FJ is Toyota's 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 239 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The V6 can be teamed with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. During our press drive we spent most of the time in a 6-speed manual FJ and found it to shift very smoothly—more car-like than truck-like. Clutch engagement was very predictable, which was helpful when trying to maneuver over a couple of extremely large rocks.
The full-time 4WD system in the manual-equipped FJ Cruiser is the same system found in the 4Runner. It features a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a locking feature and distributes the engine's power 40/60 percent front/rear in most driving conditions. It changes this distribution percentage as needed, based on steering angle and wheel slip. When locked it distributes power, front to rear, on a 50/50 basis. FJs with an automatic transmission get a part-time transfer case.
Driving Impressions
The FJ Cruiser looks ready to tackle the toughest off-road situations, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover that it also drives well on pavement. Even with a curb weight in excess of two tons, the FJ handles well and feels quite maneuverable. Visibility is somewhat impaired by the wide pillar behind the rear door.
Although we didn't have a chance to try any extreme off-roading during our press drive, we did take the FJ off-pavement for a little while along the San Andreas Fault near Palm Springs, CA. The V6 provides plenty of power, and the Cruiser's maneuverability showed its colors as we negotiated some very narrow passages. When we had to climb rather steep ridges the FJ never faltered, attacking any angle with aplomb.
At one point we encountered some larger rocks that exceeded our ground clearance, hitting them hard in our first effort to get over them. After backing up and attempting the route again, we made it over just fine. When we stopped to "sanity check" the underside of the FJ, we were glad to see no telltale pool of oil in the San Andreas dirt—the FJ's skidplates did their duty.
Given the FJ's specs and solid, stable driving characteristics, there's no reason to doubt the Cruiser's ability to keep up with current SUVs geared for true off-road use, from Jeep, Hummer or even Land Rover. And, according to Toyota, it should be priced below the competition.
Toyota plans to build fewer than 50,000 FJ Cruisers in the first year. The new SUV goes on sale in March as a 2007 model. Production might be increased if demand is high; however, the FJ has to compete with it's own siblings— the Tacoma and Tundra pickups—for the 4.0-liter V6 engines. Considering the FJ Cruiser's practicality, striking looks and novel features, Toyota just might find itself with a capacity dilemma in 2006—not the worst problem an automaker could have.
