Check out the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ’s strengths, weaknesses

By now, keen followers of the local automotive industry know that the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is already available for reservation. This comes after its local debut at the 10th Philippine International Motor Show. 

At a glance, the aforementioned model is an attractive, retro-styled sport utility vehicle (SUV), and by that alone, many are excited for this nameplate. But does the all-new Land Cruiser FJ have any compromises? Also, what are its particular strengths? 

Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Strong off-road performance

If one has already had the opportunity to take a gander at the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ’s spec sheet, it is clearly designed for roads less traveled. 

For starters, it is underpinned by the Toyota Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform - an old but very noteworthy ladder-frame architecture that has made the likes of the Hilux, Fortuner, and Innova famous the world over. It is also utilized by the next-generation Tamaraw, which is fast becoming known for its robustness and ability to take on hard jobs day in and day out. 

As most of you already know, a ladder-frame type chassis is a must-have for off-road vehicles. It provides strength and durability to handle punishing terrain, while having flex - crucial for uneven surfaces. 

The IMV platform of the Land Cruiser FJ is then paired with a locking rear differential and a part-time 4x4 system with a “low” mode - indispensable tools for dealing with surfaces that can make lesser vehicles get stuck. 

Moreover, the model comes with a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The latter isn’t as rigid and stolid as leaf springs, but it's touted as striking a balance between off-road capability and ride comfort. 

All of the aforementioned go together with a 2.7-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. At maximum, this setup can put out 161 horsepower and 246 Newton-meters of torque. 

Even the Land Cruiser FJ’s size provides it with some advantages out in the boonies. With its 4,575 millimeter (mm) length, width of 1,855 mm, and height of 1,890 mm, it isn’t too large so as not to fit in tight trails. And yes, its 245 mm of ground clearance is likewise quite generous, even when compared to its larger cousins like the Fortuner (193 mm). 

Further reinforcing its ability to take on off-road excursions is the design of its body. Specifically, it has rather short overhangs, which equates to optimal approach and departure angles. For the unaware, an approach angle is the angle of a ramp (or mountainside) a vehicle can climb before scraping its underchassis or front bumper on the ground. A departure angle, meanwhile, is the maximum angle a vehicle can descend before the rear bumper (or rear underchassis section) strikes the ground. 

This nameplate design pairs well with its large wheel arches, which help prevent mud and debris packing, improve wheel articulation, and, to some degree, deflect on-trail obstacles like branches. 

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Plenty of safety gear

Despite being designed as a sturdy off-road chariot, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, at least the top-spec VX variant, doesn’t compromise on safety gear. 

For its passive kit, the Land Cruiser FJ comes standard with anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, downhill assist control, and a rear-view parking camera - among others. 

Exclusive to the top-spec VX is the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver-assist systems. This includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, and dynamic radar cruise control. 

Decent array of amenities

Another strength of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is its lineup of creature comforts. Sure, it wasn’t packaged with enough goodies to be described as a “plush” model, but those who will take this beast out into the wilderness will find its interior feature set decent. 

Inside, the five-seater off-roader gets synthetic leather upholstery, folding rear seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat (VX), a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and an automatic climate control system with physical buttons. 

The aforementioned goes together with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display (VX) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Notably, this isn’t the complete interior feature set for the Land Cruiser FJ, but as we’ve already seen at PIMS, what it has goes rather well with its utilitarian cockpit. Most bits seem plasticky, but the ride definitely leans more towards functionality than eye candy. 

On the one hand, traditionalists will highly appreciate the presence of a manual hand-operated parking brake, a bog-standard gear shifter (PRND) and the physical buttons for its many off-road-oriented tools and features. 

Cons

Rear seat space a bit tight

As far as space goes, the front cabin of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ seems decent enough, even for a five-foot-11-inch-tall (round-shaped) guy like the author. 

Its rear seats, however, can be a bit tight for taller folks, especially for the knees. Sure, the seatbacks of the model’s rear seats can be reclined, but they don't slide. 

Final thoughts

Some Filipinos might turn up their noses at the fact that the Land Cruiser FJ, despite its starting price of P2.235 million (entry-level TX), is not a family-friendly vehicle. 

It can be argued, however, that this nameplate wasn’t really designed to be practical. Instead, it was intended to be a “fun” but “niche” offering that was designed to go deep into the boonies, as well as the occasional in-city road. 

So, if you’re the one who likes the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, do check it out at the nearest Toyota dealership. Better yet, do take the time to do a test drive.  

Also read:

Toyota Hilux: old vs new

3 reasons to be excited about the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Check out the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV’s strengths, weaknesses

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