2007-2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Road Test

Toyota's off-road-ready SUV provides adequate pep with either transmission, though with automatic, the V6 can feel overmatched by vehicle weight in passing maneuvers and on long upgrades. A test 4WD model with automatic accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The manual gearbox has long throws but light shift/clutch action. As expected, fuel economy is meager. A test 4WD manual-transmission FJ averaged 17.2 mpg. Another, with automatic, averaged 17.3 to 18.3 mpg. Each FJ requires premium-grade gasoline. A firm, yet compliant, suspension combines with tall-sidewall mud/snow tires to flatten most road bumps, yielding little jolting or body quiver. However, the FJ's relatively short wheelbase results in bouncy body motions on uneven surfaces. On-road handling trails other SUVs. Those tall tire sidewalls, the compact wheelbase, and a crosswind-vulnerable body shape contribute to subpar straightline tracking. Slow, vague steering doesn't help, and thwarts any sense of agility in changes of direction. High build and poor cornering grip from mud/snow tires dictate slowing down for most turns. On the plus side is good close-quarters maneuverability, and stopping power feels more than adequate. In an off-road exercise, the available A-TRAC system kept the FJ going through very deep ruts and over extra-tall humps. Toyota's V6 growls at high rpm, but is acceptably muted at moderate cruising pace. However, the FJ's angular shape promotes highway wind rush. Tire roar varies with road surface, but isn't irksome even on coarse pavement. Most controls are simple, handy, and large, despite sitting on a dashboard that's essentially a bold showcase of box-shaped modules. Pushbuttons for various secondary functions are buried low, ahead of the shift lever. Main gauges are fine, but legibility of the extra-cost compass, thermometer, and inclinometer are compromised by their small size and dashtop placement. Functional interior decor includes washable rubberlike flooring, water-resistant fabric trim, body-color painted accents, and some low-budget plastic panels. Front seats are all-day comfortable, providing good headroom and legroom for six-footers. Drivers enjoy a tilt steering wheel and a height-adjustable seat, but styling makes visibility poor to the right rear and dead astern. For that reason alone, the optional rear obstacle detection is worth having. Wide doors and moderate step-in height make entry/exit fairly easy for a truck-type SUV with sizable ground clearance. Good headroom for six-footers is available in the backseat, but three adults are squeezed for shoulder space, and feel closed-in by thick roof pillars and small side windows. Legroom is tight with front seats far back. Entry/exit passages are also skimpy, even though access doors swing out 90 degrees. The back bench suffers a short cushion, upright backrest, and thin padding. Despite a useful cargo bay, volume is subpar for a midsize SUV. Rear seatbacks won't fold flat without removing seat cushions. The rear cargo door opens from curbside, but feels heavy and clumsy with the weighty bolt-on spare tire, which greatly hampers loading through the open window. In-cabin storage is ample.

Value for the Money
Solidly built, Toyota's FJ Cruiser looks like no other SUV on the market. Unfortunately, the FJ pays a price for its exaggerated styling and off-road-biased engineering. Specifically, on-road performance and daily practicality don't match those of less-radical rivals. Somewhat strong resale value keeps used FJ prices a bit high.