2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The FJ Cruiser at a glance as reported by Consumer Reports

Rugged off-roader carries compromises into the suburban jungle...

Toyota returns to a familiar trail with the 2007 FJ Cruiser, a midsized SUV inspired by the classic Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 1960s. In a rare break from conservative styling, the new FJ is an over-the-top statement from Toyota design studios. With a nod to its predecessors, the FJ Cruiser has a white roof, rectangular grill, squared-off wheel arches, and round, inset headlamps. The rugged appearance is carried inside with large, glove-friendly knobs, body color surfaces, and instruments that recall military-grade communications gear. The '07 FJ shares its underpinnings and engine with Toyota's other midsized, body-on-frame SUV, the highly rated 4Runner. It competes most directly against the Hummer H3, Jeep Wrangler, and Nissan Xterra. Our FJ 4x4, with typical options, listed for $30,381.

Initial impressions.  Powerful and off-road capable, the FJ Cruiser excels in the wilderness but suffers from notable compromises in the suburban jungle.

On road, the independent front and solid axle rear suspension absorbs bumps very well, effectively softening harsh surfaces, but the body tosses about. The refined 4.0-liter V6 produces 239 horsepower, and in our test vehicle, it is paired with a smooth five-speed automatic transmission. Combined, this drivetrain provides plenty of oomph.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser shines as an off-roader. Its long-legged suspension easily loped up our boulder-strewn rock-hill test course. The part-time 4WD system has an optional hill-descent feature and locking rear differential to assist with steep challenges. Oddly, the standard electronic stability control disengages in 4WD mode, so it can't help out in snow, when you might want this valuable safety aid.

The FJ's primary drawbacks crop up in everyday driving. Handling is not especially agile, and the body leans a good deal in curves. The upright windshield and bulky roof rack generate significant wind noise. Unusual for this class, the V6 requires premium fuel, adding to the operating cost for the more than two-ton SUV. Short windows and wide roof pillars considerably compromise the outward view, and a high step-in makes getting in and out a strain.

The rear-hinged rear doors are a mixed blessing. With no body pillar between the front and rear doors, the FJ offers an extra-wide opening for entry and cargo loading. As common with rear-hinged doors, the front door must first be opened. Once seated, second-row passengers will find that closing their door requires a long and awkward reach.

On balance, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is an attention-getter and solid off-roader with a few annoying deficits. We will see how it stacks up against major competitors in the January issue of Consumer Reports magazine and at ConsumerReports.org in December.