Initially I expected the Tacoma's 2.7L 4-cylinder, making 164-horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque, to be the standard
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| Knowing Toyota, a gasoline-electric hybrid FJ is most likely in the cards down the road. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
engine, but this doesn't seem to be the case, at least not at first. There is also no mention of a diesel powertrain option - something later versions of the FJ40 and all years of BJ70s offered. Diesel power would make sense as an alternative, however, being that the brand's 4x4 loyalists would flock to the FJ Cruiser if offered. Toyota may want to take a cue from the FJ's key rival, Jeep, which made a turbodiesel Liberty available this year and has correspondingly received strong buyer interest. Then again, being Toyota, a gasoline-electric hybrid is most likely in the cards down the road, with the possibility of a diesel-electric hybrid in the future.
But enough about real and potential powertrains, as the original FJ proved, horsepower isn't necessary for traversing foreboding terrain, a robust suspension and part-time 4-wheel drive with a locking centre differential is.
That locking centre diff is available as an option, so don't worry Land Cruiser fans, and regarding the former item on the
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| The new FJ is rugged enough to make it quite capable off-road. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
list, the new FJ sits on a modified 4Runner (Land Cruiser Prado) platform, as previously mentioned. This should be rugged enough to make it quite capable off-road, while its 17-inch steel wheels and 265/70R17 off-road tires add the extra height needed to scale bumps that lie on the road, or trail ahead. Toyota isn't cheaping out by not including aluminum wheels, by the way, as steel is much more suitable when off the beaten path, where protruding rocks can make a mess of alloy rims. Just the same, Toyota will offer the FJ with a stylish set of 17-inch aluminum wheels as optional equipment.
