Toyota Land Cruiser FJ VX review

Double Apex was recently loaned the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ VX to learn more about the SUV.

Toyota South Africa Motors went on a new model onslaught earlier this year. There was a flurry of new/replacement models introduced into the local market. Among them is the protagonist of this review, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

TSAM was quick to point out that the new ‘FJ’ is not a modern-day version of a prior namesake. It is, instead, an extension of the Land Cruiser range. That takes the LC range up to four models, which includes the Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Vruiser 70 Series.

Little ‘un

The ‘little’ FJ’s appearance tries to draw a link between itself and siblings. Square LED headlamps mounted high, split bumpers, skid plates and fender treatment all scream off-roader. Toyota badge writ large across the front grille leaves little doubt of its origins. The overall boxiness of its design definitely lends it a masculine air, as does the spare wheel mounted outside the rear door. This, higher-spec VX version (there is also a GX on offer) rides on 18-inch black alloys shod with chunky rubber.

The FJ is the baby of the Land Cruiser family. As a result, it doesn’t have a large footprint, despite the impression its physical presence may create. It measures 4 575 mm long, 1 855 mm wide and sits on a 2 580 mm wheelbase. Those figures make is about the same size as most other mid-size family SUVs. Toyota says it has a turning diameter of 11 metres, which is pretty wieldy.

Chunky inside, too

The design brief used outside carries over into the cabin treatment. There is a grab handle mounted on the A pillar as well as side steps to help one get up and into the cabin. In there you get the impression that, while trying to embrace a level of modernity, the FJ has stayed close to its rugged roots. Everything feels chunky and solid with just about every surface finished in black. There is a large, solid gear shifter, a manual handbrake and a set of buttons for the ventilation system. The steering has nice buttons that you can operate without having to look down for (unsafe) seconds.

The centrally mounted, eight-inch infotainment screen already feels as though it is about two generations old when compared to other such systems we’ve become accustomed to of late. Among the niceties offered with the VX badge are faux-leather trim, dual-zone climate control and a list of advanced driver assistance systems that includes a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and adaptive high beam headlamps.

We have to say, we did enjoy the commanding view from the captain’s chair of the FJ. Toyota has also added knee pads for rough-road comfort – they really DO think of everything. The FJ seats five, with split rear seats that slide and recline to make better use of the space. We suspect that functionality will come in handy as the boot isn’t that large. Speaking of, the luggage area is accessed through a heavy side-opening door, which must be accounted for when parking.

Single powertrain

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2,7-litre petrol engine. That’s it, there are no options for buyers to choose from. The naturally aspirated motor produces 122 kW and 245 N.m at a high-ish 4 000 r/min. Drive goes through a six-speed torque converter automatic. It’s an interesting decision on TSAM’s part, to offer a normally aspirated petrol engine in a car that is expected to undertake long road trips and venture far off-road.

Proper hardware

Of course, any vehicle that wear the Land Cruiser name is built to venture far off-road. To start, it is a proper body-on-frame 4×4, sharing its basic bones with the Hilux and Fortuner. Among its off-road gear is a part-time 4WD system that offers two- and four-wheel drive modes for the road and low-range for bundu-bashing. In addition there is a rear differential lock.

There is no fancy rotary dial with preset modes. In the FJ the choices are limited because you’ll already know what to do and have the hardware to do it with. A ahndy 245 mm of ground clearance and 29 degrees of approach and 38 of departure angles make sure there very are few obstacles you can’t traverse.

Summary

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is one of those feel-good cars. Sorta like a more grown-up Suzuki Jimny. Sure, each has its flaws, but one is willing to look beyond them for the overall experience. We can’t help but wonder why TSAM (if it was entirely its decision) chose to sell the FJ locally with this engine option. After all, Toyota has a wealth of experience with turbodiesel engines, most of which are available locally.

That aside, the FJ really does open up Land Cruiser ownership to a new audience. And it does so at a pretty competitive price point, undercutting most of the other proper off-roaders on sale today. We expect to to be a common sight on our roads soon.

Model: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ VX
Price: R761 400
Engine: 2,7-litre inline-four, petrol
Transmission: six-speed automatic, AWD
Max power: 122 kW
Max torque: 245 N.m
Top speed: n/a
0-100 km/h: n/a
Fuel consumption: 10,7 L/100 km claimed (13,5 as reviewed)