- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.0i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
200kW, 380Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 11.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Splashdown: Toyota’s retro rugged Cruiser tested
Toyota FJ Cruiser: 3/5
Retro designs are nothing new in car land. In the past decade or so, we've welcomed the born-again Mini, Holden's Monaro and Volkswagen's Beetle, to name a few. There have been varying levels of success, though the trend to bring the old back to life isn't slowing.
Now it's Toyota's turn with the modern version of the original LandCruiser, known as the FJ40.
The FJ Cruiser maintains its round-eyed, retro-infused snout, chunky stance, white roof (even on the white ones) and ''Toyota'' badge emblazoned across the grille. Under the skin, the FJ Cruiser is more Prado than LandCruiser, borrowing the popular off-roader's basic underpinnings as well as its V6 engine.
What do you get?
Toyota is generally expert at covering a diverse range of owners encompassing everything from single, dog-owning Gen Ys up to grey nomads looking for the ultimate adventure.
But the FJ Cruiser takes a one-size-fits-all approach. The downside is that there's no diesel engine, something that almost guarantees the modern FJ won't take pride of place in paddocks and musters as the original did - and still does.
Priced from $44,990 (plus on-road costs), the FJ Cruiser comes with 17-inch alloy wheels (and a full-size spare), cruise control, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, six airbags and stability control. There's also full iPod connectivity and a USB input.
Three front windscreen wipers are quirky but a necessity because of the wide, shallow windscreen. Another trio is the gauges on top of the dash - a compass, thermometer and inclinator.
What's Inside?
The utilitarian exterior appearance flows through to the interior, where there are body-coloured panels on the dash and door inners as well plenty of metallic touches. Forget real metal though, it's plastic, which detracts from the authenticity. There's no carpet, which makes it easy to clean out but, along with the black seat trim, creates a less-inviting interior.
Odds-and-ends storage is good, with two gloveboxes and useful compartments between the front occupants. One oversight is the single power outlet, which is ludicrous for a family that might need to charge a car fridge, a DVD player and a mobile phone.
Getting into the FJ isn't that easy. While it may look like a two-door there are actually four side doors, with the back ones rear-hinged and only half-size to allow easier access. Still, the front occupant has to be out and the front doors open to get in the rear.
Even getting into the front is a decent leap, such is the ride height of the FJ Cruiser.
There's also a huge blind spot on the passenger's side due to the chunky body side but it's largely alleviated by the big rear mirrors.
Getting into the boot is a pain. A large swinging door with the spare tyre on it is hinged on the kerb side of the car, which means you're opening it to the traffic. You can open just the glass but you need the key to do it.
Under the bonnet
The FJ Cruiser shares its 4.0-litre V6 engine with the Prado, with one exception. While the Prado is rated to run on regular unleaded, the FJ Cruiser takes premium. Given fuel use is a claimed 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres, you can expect to spend a bit on fuel. We found it used more than 14L/100km.
The 200kW V6 accelerates strongly and gives the impression it'll tow comfortably; rated capacity is 2250 kilograms.
There's a meaty 380Nm of torque that makes for relaxed hill climbing and acceleration.
The five-speed auto can be dramatic/aggressive in its downchanges but otherwise it's smooth and decisive.
On the road
The FJ Cruiser is most at home off-road, putting its high clearance and rugged suspension to good effect. With a set of low-range gears for serious off-roading and a differential lock, the FJ Cruiser is difficult to bog.
Rough roads are handled surprisingly comfortably, though there can be an unnerving rattle through the steering over uneven surfaces. In everyday driving, the FJ Cruiser drives only the rear wheels to save fuel. The chunky tyres can yelp without much provocation - and there's a noticeable roar at speed - while the light steering needs plenty of adjustment on the freeway.
The short wheelbase can have the FJ pitching over bumps, while softer suspension sees it lean through corners.
Verdict
The FJ Cruiser is more Bondi than Birdsville, which for the (younger) target audience is perfect. It nails its brief of reviving the legend of the original LandCruiser at a tempting price - and it lives up to the off-road mantra while looking the part.
But it comes with caveats, including so-so on-road manners and questionable everyday practicality.
Vital Statistics
Price $44,990, plus on-road costs
Country of origin Japan
Engine 4.0-litre V6
Power 200kW at 5600rpm
Torque 380Nm at 4400rpm
Consumption and CO2 emissions 11.4L/100km, 267g/km
Transmission 5-sp, 4WD
Weight 2000kg
Safety Stability control, 6 airbags (dual front, front-side and side curtain)
Pros Keenly priced; standard reversing camera; exceptional off-road ability; looks the goods.
Cons Thirsty and requires premium unleaded fuel; no trip computer; load area is difficult to access; has slushy road manners.
In the real world
Growing pains The FJ Cruiser gets tiresome when you have kids because you have to open the front door before you can open the rear door.
Load it up The heavy swing door that's hinged on the passenger side of the car is cumbersome, while you have to use a key to open the glass.
Sound off The FJ Cruiser has speakers hidden in the lining of the roof.
The competitors
Mitsubishi Challenger LS
Price: $44,990
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 131kW, 400Nm (man), 350Nm (auto)
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 8.3L/100km, 219g/km (man), 9.8L/100km, 259g/km (auto)
Pros: Off-road ability; decent equipment levels; diesel efficiency; third-row seat.
Cons: Average on-road dynamics; poor driving position; dated cabin; high floor.
Our score: 2/5
Nissan Pathfinder ST diesel
Price: $48,490
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 140kW, 450Nm
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 8.5L/100km and 224g/km (manual), 9.0L/100km and 238g/km (auto)
Pros: Capable off-road; strong diesel; flexible interior; decent equipment.
Cons: Noisy engine can vibrate; sloppy steering; needs better interior storage.
Our score: 2.5/5
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Price: $45,000
Engine: 3.6-litre V6, 210kW, 347Nm
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 11.4L/100km, 265g/km
Pros: Stylish interior; genuine 4WD ability; punchy V6; good value; decent driving manners.
Cons: Dynamics still tweaked to off-road prowess; engine thirsty; needs revs to overcome hills.
Our score: 3.5/5