2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 4x4 Of The Year

The FJ Cruiser is the best 4x4 currently offered by Toyota in the United States. That being said, we still have some suggestions. We would like a front locker, larger mirrors to deal with the blind spot, a front locker, more windows to deal with the blind spots, a front locker, a second, lower, low range in the transfer case, a front locker, real off-road tires (see H3 and Jeep), a front locker, more than just one 12-volt power outlet (welcome to 2007!), a front locker, more retro aesthetic than just the grille, a front locker, back doors that open the right way or all the way, and finally a real front locker. You see, the engine and drivetrain in the FJ are awesome-very torquey and peppy 4.0, easy to shift six-speed manual (we actually started liking having reverse next to first), and a real lever-actuated transfer case (gold star!)-but this truck is so designer driven that it falls short of what Toyota is known for off road. Unfortunately some designer in a studio who has probably never been off road drew up this machine and didn't realize that being able to see the trail makes off-road excursions more delightful. And remember, traction control is no substitute for a front locker. Yes, we like the real selectable rear locker, and a skilled driver can get an FJ up a difficult trail, but it's too much like work, not like fun. You end up having very few lines compared to some other contestants, and spotter assistance is required to keep the bulbous sheetmetal damage free. The A-TRAC traction control, in our experience, works much smoother with the automatic transmission variant FJ, but we challenge Toyota to build a front axle strong enough to accept a selectable locker as it should be. It can't be that hard, as we know Toyota has years of experience building some of the toughest trucks in the world. Performancewise the truck did great in the high-speed stuff and hillclimbs, respectable in the rocks, and top-o-the-heap in the sand; just give us more windows to see where we're going and some real rubber, and we'll be happy. And don't forget the front locker.

Verdict
A great start, but not an FJ-40

Convenience Package (remote keyless entry, cruise control, power outside mirror with image light, rear parking sonar, privacy glass, rear wiper, daytime running lights, curtain shield airbags with front seat side bolster airbags), Upgrade Package No. 2 (A-TRAC, Multi-info display with dash-mounted/exterior temperature gauge, compass, inclinometer, Audio six-disc changer, D-pillar speakers, 400-watt inverter, leather steering wheel with audio controls/cruise controls, exterior color interior door trim inserts, rear subwoofer, all weather five-piece cargo mats, roof rack, towing hitch, wire harness, armrest, security rs3200-plus proximity sensor)