The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, a rugged and adventurous SUV, boasts an impressively comfortable ride, excellent off-road ability, and eye-catching tough-boy looks. However, its 2.7-liter petrol engine, inherited from the Hilux and Hiace taxi, struggles to move the bulky vehicle, resulting in pedestrian performance and muted responsiveness. With a 0-100km/h sprint time of 15.3 seconds and a top speed of 165km/h, the FJ's engine feels lackluster, particularly when compared to its competitors.
The FJ's fuel consumption is another significant drawback, with a quoted combined figure of 10.7 l/100km, but real-world testing yielding 12.8 l/100km on open roads and 13.5 l/100km with stop-start urban driving. This translates to a modest range of less than 500km on its 63-liter tank. In contrast, the FJ's ride comfort is prioritized over handling sharpness, providing a wafting ride over rough roads and a solidly built cabin with minimal body jitters.
Off-road, the FJ excels, tackling climbs and bumps with ease at the Gerotek off-road course. Its 245mm ground clearance, short wheelbase, and selectable four-wheel drive system ensure the vehicle can navigate challenging terrain with confidence. The FJ also features a rear diff lock and downhill descent control, making it well-equipped for adventurous driving.
Inside, the FJ offers a spacious cabin, with fair room for four adults and adjustable rear seats for added comfort. The boot is a decent size, with 797 liters of cargo space with the rear seats upright, and the rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity. However, the infotainment system is somewhat basic, with a small, low-resolution screen and limited connectivity options.
The Land Cruiser FJ is available in two trim levels: the base GX model for R714,000 and the range-topping VX for R761,400. The VX model comes with standard features such as artificial leather upholstery, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, it excludes some expected features, like electrically adjustable front seats and a wireless smartphone charger.
In terms of pricing and specification, the FJ faces stiff competition from rivals such as the Mahindra Scorpio-N, BAIC B40 Plus, and GWM Tank 300. These competitors offer more powerful engines and similar features at a lower price point. The FJ's lack of a more powerful engine option, such as Toyota's 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine, is a notable omission.
Despite its shortcomings, the Land Cruiser FJ remains a great family adventure vehicle, offering genuine off-road ability, decent practicality, and a comfortable ride. With some key upgrades, including a more powerful engine option, the FJ could become a complete package and a top contender in its class.
Key points
- The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ's underpowered engine holds it back from reaching its full potential as a capable and competitive SUV.
- The FJ excels off-road, with impressive capabilities and features that make it well-suited for adventurous driving.
- The vehicle's pricing and specification will be crucial in determining its success in a competitive market.
