True off-road grit
Although I didn’t challenge my tester with off-road excursions this week, I feel confident in vouching for its ability to handle the rough stuff in the same way I know that Oscar de la Hoya is a good boxer, without the need to fight him.
It sounds a bit “old school” in today’s world of electronically controlled transfer cases but the FJ relies upon good old elbow grease to engage its four-wheel-drive (4WD) apparatus. A lever next to the gearshift engages either 4-high or 4-low depending on one’s needs. This can be done “on the fly” provided vehicle speed is within the specified parameters.
To further extend the FJ’s off-road prowess, its rear differential can be electronically locked. And finally, the FJ is equipped with Toyota’s Active Traction program, which uses the antilock braking system to retard spinning wheels thus enabling those with traction to do the heavy lifting.
Skid plates beneath the FJ protect its vulnerable components while a vehicle stability control program helps keep its shiny side up, the combo of which adds to the security one feels when taking on the outback. Should gravity defeat man and machine, occupants will be grateful for the installation of head/side curtain airbags with rollover sensing as standard equipment.
Despite its off-road competency, the FJ is quite an occupant pleaser on-road as well.
Smoother than expected
Knowing that the FJ is the Oscar de la Hoya of the off-road had me expecting a harsh on-road ride from this 4-wheeled mountain goat but alas, such was not the case. Even with my tester’s optional off-road package, which added Blistein gas shocks front and rear, I was surprised with the degree of absorbency the suspension setup delivered.
Complementing ride comfort was a completely rattle and thump-free cabin. Very little wind and road noise was another pleasure that was appreciated but not expected.
If there’s a fault to be had in the FJ’s operation, it’s the groan of its exhaust note—which for some reason emanates from the rear of the vehicle and is sufficiently pronounced for my son to ask whether the engine was in the rear. No—sorry junior, this isn’t the Porsche of the off-road world.
Chunky
Rugged vehicles are supposed to impart a sense of “ruggedness,” and the FJ does just that. The door handles are beefy while the heat/air conditioning controls are big, simple and easy to use. Overall the vehicle exhibits “chunkiness,” and I like that. Unfortunately the radio controls are more Yaris than FJ in that regard.
Although I didn’t challenge my tester with off-road excursions this week, I feel confident in vouching for its ability to handle the rough stuff in the same way I know that Oscar de la Hoya is a good boxer, without the need to fight him.
It sounds a bit “old school” in today’s world of electronically controlled transfer cases but the FJ relies upon good old elbow grease to engage its four-wheel-drive (4WD) apparatus. A lever next to the gearshift engages either 4-high or 4-low depending on one’s needs. This can be done “on the fly” provided vehicle speed is within the specified parameters.
To further extend the FJ’s off-road prowess, its rear differential can be electronically locked. And finally, the FJ is equipped with Toyota’s Active Traction program, which uses the antilock braking system to retard spinning wheels thus enabling those with traction to do the heavy lifting.
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| To further extend the FJ’s off-road prowess, its rear differential can be electronically locked. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Skid plates beneath the FJ protect its vulnerable components while a vehicle stability control program helps keep its shiny side up, the combo of which adds to the security one feels when taking on the outback. Should gravity defeat man and machine, occupants will be grateful for the installation of head/side curtain airbags with rollover sensing as standard equipment.
Despite its off-road competency, the FJ is quite an occupant pleaser on-road as well.
Smoother than expected
Knowing that the FJ is the Oscar de la Hoya of the off-road had me expecting a harsh on-road ride from this 4-wheeled mountain goat but alas, such was not the case. Even with my tester’s optional off-road package, which added Blistein gas shocks front and rear, I was surprised with the degree of absorbency the suspension setup delivered.
Complementing ride comfort was a completely rattle and thump-free cabin. Very little wind and road noise was another pleasure that was appreciated but not expected.
If there’s a fault to be had in the FJ’s operation, it’s the groan of its exhaust note—which for some reason emanates from the rear of the vehicle and is sufficiently pronounced for my son to ask whether the engine was in the rear. No—sorry junior, this isn’t the Porsche of the off-road world.
Chunky
Rugged vehicles are supposed to impart a sense of “ruggedness,” and the FJ does just that. The door handles are beefy while the heat/air conditioning controls are big, simple and easy to use. Overall the vehicle exhibits “chunkiness,” and I like that. Unfortunately the radio controls are more Yaris than FJ in that regard.
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| Overall the vehicle exhibits “chunkiness”. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |