It’s a fact: more and more Sport Utility Vehicles are becoming less and less capable off-road. From a marketing perspective, it makes sense. We know that the average SUV’s is far more likely to launch an expedition to the mall than it is a mountain trail. But, Toyota’s latest entry (and newest SUV) bucks that trend. Available in late March, the FJ Cruiser marks Toyota’s re-entry into the enthusiast’s off-road segment, with the most capable 4x4 in the company’s lineup.

Just looking at the FJ, it’s obvious that it was designed with trail busting in mind. The body has short overhangs front and back and good ground clearance below - 9.6”. Angles of approach/ breakover/departure are first class: 34/27/30 degrees, respectively, and the FJ will ford water up to 27½” deep. Standard skid plates protect engine, transfer case and fuel tank from close encounters with hard or sharp surfaces. Turn the FJ off the pavement and it responds enthusiastically, even with the standard, street tread. Toyota expects that 94% of buyers will opt for a 4x4 version, though a 4x2 is also available. Standard transmission 4x4’s have a full-time, two speed transfer case with a lockable, Torsen limited-slip differential. It splits the power 40% front/60% rear, changing those percentages as needed to enhance traction. 4x4’s with the automatic transmission are equipped with a part-time transfer case, with high and low ranges. Upgrade Package One gives trail enthusiasts different tools to gain traction in different conditions. You can lock both rear tires up in tandem to power yourself out of a tough spot, or use the traction control system to maintain your steering control as you churn through those situations where you just can’t generate much momentum. All told, the FJ is stable and highly capable, even on highly technical trails.

Though it obviously enjoys getting its tires dirty, FJ acquits itself well on road as well. The FJ is fun to drive and handles better than its shape would suggest. Ride quality gets a thumb’s up, and the only noticeable noise underway is the road hum generated by the big tires. Toyota offers one engine; a 4.0 liter V-6, making 239 horsepower (@ 5,200 rpm) and 278 lb. ft. of torque (@ 3,700 rpm). It’s a stout motor, with plenty of low end power to tug you through the muck and ample top end to roll down the highway. Strong enough to tow up to 5,000 lb., it’s got a healthy appetite, too. EPA rates the 4x4 FJ at 17 mpg’s city/21 highway (Automatic), 16/19 (manual), and premium is recommended for best performance. Buyers choose from a five speed automatic or a six speed manual transmission on 4x4 models (it’s automatic only on 4x2’s). I’ve driven both, and can recommend either. The stick has a long shifter throw, but it allows maximum engine control. The automatic works well with the motor’s broad power band too, and it gives you one less thing to worry about, when you’re trying to pick your way through a tight trail.

The FJ’s interior keeps up with the program by offering a high level of versatility. The seat fabric is water resistant and breathable. The floor is made of a rubber-like material that’s easy to clean. There’s adult sized room in front or back, and everything from door handles to HVAC rheostats is oversized – easy to grab, with a gloved hand. The rear mounted spare tire takes a small bite out of the straight back view. Wide c-pillars likewise block a portion of the over-the-shoulder outlook. The rear cargo area is accessed by a side hinged door, with locking prop-rod. It’s a roomy, usable cargo hold, with 27.9-66.8 cubic feet of space on hand, depending on how many rear seats you fold.

Toyota’s sixth SUV, FJ is designed for the few and not the many. With its hard rock capability, it returns the company to its off-road roots. However, its “MINI Meets Mountains” styling and the inevitable, aftermarket personalizing will be sure to grab the attention of lots of drivers who only stray off pavement when they misjudge a u-turn. Key to all of this is price, which is expected to be in the mid-twenties range for a nicely equipped 4x4. If Toyota hits that mark, the FJ’s combination of high capability and a high cool factor may push sales of this niche vehicle well past the company’s estimate of 46,000 per year.

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