Baby Land Cruiser FJ strikes a chord. But what’s missing?
So, the baby Land Cruiser is here.A smaller entry option rather than just a FJ remake, the little one, well, it’s not all that little, actually, revives the iconic FJ moniker on a shortened 2580 mm wheelbase version of Toyota’s bulletproof IMV ladder-frame platform. You know, the heavy-duty backbone that underpins Hilux and Fortuner?
Filling the gap between everyday city usability and genuine trail toughness, new FJ has big shoes to fill. The badge stretches back to the legendary 1960s FJ40 and follows the more recent cult FJ Cruiser to sit at the bottom of Toyota’s true 4x4 ladder. A natural step up from its Jimny 5-Door stepsister, its ideal for owners who’ve outgrown the Suzuki but still want an authentic, boxy ladder-frame 4x4 with genuine off-roader character.
Visually, Toyota has hit the bullseye. New FJ’s muscular, utilitarian proportions and short overhangs are a massive step forward over its quirky predecessor. Starting at R741K up to this R761K VX, FJ also wades into a most competitive segment that includes that R489K Jimmy 5-door as it fights toe to toe with the R650 to R800K GWM Tank 300.
Is FJ’s biggest rival another Toyota?
Its biggest rival however, shares the Toyota showroom in the Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4x4 starting at R754K, which shares the same IMV architecture and price tag, but gives you a diesel engine and seven seats at the expense of retro flair. There’s also the Land Cruiser Prado from R1.3 million. But it sits in an very different price stratosphere, leaving the FJ to now hold Toyota’s entry-level enthusiast fort down. Hold that thought.
One thing Toyota has done right on FJ is its looks. Boxy, muscular, and unapologetically functional, short front and rear overhangs deliver a 29-degree approach and massive 38-degree departure angles, and 245 mm ground clearance. Step inside this VX to a pragmatic balance between modern comfort and wash-and-wipe durability.
Like a mini Prado in layout, you get leatherette upholstery, clear touchscreen infotainment, 360-degree cameras, and proper chunky switchgear for low-range engagement. No superfluous digital gimmicks. Just damned decent direct, logical knobs and buttons.
The elephant under the bonnet
The elephant in the room, or more precisely, under the bonnet, sits Toyota’s eternal 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i petrol four pot. You know the one, from that 20 year old Hilux that’s starting to outlive most of its owners? Making 122 kW and 245 Nm, claimed consumption sits at 10.7 l/100 km. On paper that is
Why precisely Toyota opted for only an ancient naturally aspirated 2.7-litre 4-cylinder petrol to launch this thing, has us scratching our heads. As you can see by the numbers, performance is technically adequate. But it makes a proper racket when pushed, hunts up the rev range to keep momentum or pass on the freeway or in spirited driving.
Worse still, it is downright horrible on fuel. Real-world consumption easily climbs well north of 12 to the hundred to leave you with EV levels of range anxiety. It desperately needs a turbodiesel. While the ubiquitous 2.8-litre GD-6 would be ideal, even the entry 2.4-litre would probably transform the FJ from us scratching our heads, to wanting one.
Protecting the family?
Getting back to that thought I asked you to hold up top. We cannot but wonder if Toyota has intentionally withheld a diesel option to protect Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado sales?
All said, the new Toyota Cruiser FJ still has its plusses. Off the beaten track, show FJ Cruiser a rocky tor, and it transforms completely. Armed with a mechanical part-time four-wheel drive system, selectable low-range, and a standard rear differential lock, it handles technical obstacles that will leave any modern unibody soft-roader stranded.
We’d go as far as to say that wheel articulation is superb. It even matches the heavy-duty flex and articulation of its legendary big brother Cruiser 70 Series. FJ also very much looks the macho part inside and out, while very well defining its obviously immense pedigree.
Land Cruiser FJ has a big job to do
The Toyota Cruiser FJ however has its warts. Not least of all a single engine choice that currently does it no favours, Sure, there will be those who will kill for this epic and indelible 2,7 petrol lump. But in our opinion, a turbodiesel choice, and even that humble 2.4, will spread that FJ appeal so much further.
We’re pretty certain that a such an option would eliminate pretty well all those concerns. To make this car the Land Cruiser for the mases. Something we feel the new FJ so richly deserves.
Until then, even though it’s not yet perfect, this new Land Cruiser FJ VX is an honest, mechanical, fun and practically unstoppable 4x4. Which is precisely what you’d expect from a Toyota Land Cruiser, isn’t it? – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ VX
Engine: 122 kW 245 Nm 2.7-litre petrol I4
Drive: 6-speed automatic 4x4
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 5.01 sec
0-100 km/h: 11.31 sec
0-120 km/h: 16.31 sec
400m: 17.8 sec @ 125 km/h
80-120 km/h: 8.63 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 165 km/h
Fuel: 10.7 l/100 km
CO2: 256 g/km
Range: 575 km
Warranty/Service: 3y 100K/9 service 90K km
LIST PRICE: R761K
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