The 2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser burst onto the scene as a retro-styled SUV with serious off-road intentions. Inspired by the classic FJ40, it promised a blend of vintage looks and modern 4×4 technology. To see if it lived up to the hype, we took a 2007 FJ Cruiser to Morris Mountain ORV Park in Heflin, Alabama, a familiar testing ground known for its challenging trails.
Navigating the park’s logging trails immediately highlighted the FJ Cruiser’s comfortable ride. It absorbed bumps and stumps with ease, preventing the jarring experience common in some off-road vehicles. We weren’t tossed around or overwhelmed by vibrations, a testament to its well-tuned suspension.
One of the first major obstacles was “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly,” a notorious climb. Knowing the FJ Cruiser, in stock form, wouldn’t conquer the most extreme sections, we focused on the right side, watching Jeeps and a Land Rover Discovery tackle it. While some struggled, all eventually crested the obstacle. After careful consideration, we decided to see what the FJ Cruiser could do.
A crowd gathered, curious about the FJ Cruiser’s climbing ability. Engaging the rear locker and low range, which distributes 50% power to both axles and locks the rear wheels, we cautiously approached. The FJ Cruiser climbed deliberately, conquering the obstacle smoothly and without drama. Impressive!
The rest of the day was spent exploring Morris Mountain’s diverse trails, from steep inclines to rocky terrain and side hills. These trails provided ample opportunity to test the FJ Cruiser’s capabilities in various off-road scenarios.
Beyond the locking rear differential, the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser features A-TRAC (Advanced Traction Control). This system is crucial for off-road performance as it intelligently manages wheel spin. Unlike standard open differentials, A-TRAC directs power to the wheels with the most traction. This is especially beneficial when a tire lifts off the ground or loses grip on slippery surfaces. By rerouting power, A-TRAC helps maintain momentum and forward progress. This front-wheel traction aid is particularly useful, as front lockers can strain driveline components and hinder steering. A-TRAC offers a less aggressive yet effective way to deliver power to the front wheels, though it requires slightly higher RPMs to engage. Combined with the rear locker, A-TRAC significantly enhances the FJ Cruiser’s ability to overcome challenging terrain and avoid getting stuck.
Morris Mountain provided numerous situations to put A-TRAC and the lockers to the test. Interestingly, the FJ Cruiser came equipped with street-style tires, designed for comfortable on-road driving. Initially, these tires raised concerns about off-road traction, prompting a check for tow points and recovery gear. However, despite the less aggressive tread, the traction control systems proved surprisingly effective. We navigated muddy sections and intentionally challenged the FJ Cruiser to its limits, and it consistently impressed. Only once did we require a yank strap, and that was due to being high-centered on its long wheelbase without a lift kit.
Examining the underside and body reveals design elements specifically for off-roading. The wheels are positioned at the vehicle’s corners, resulting in excellent approach and departure angles. The front bumper’s upward angle further enhances the approach angle, allowing the front wheels to engage obstacles more effectively. The undercarriage is remarkably flat and components are tucked away neatly, providing substantial ground clearance and minimizing snagging. The lower front suspension arms are also positioned higher and further outward compared to other trucks, reducing the likelihood of them hitting obstacles.
The underside of the FJ Cruiser is clearly designed for off-road adventures, with all components neatly tucked away, including the suspension arms, for maximum clearance.
New safety regulations have led to the relocation of the fuel tank forward of the rear axle, creating considerable space under the rear of the body and contributing to improved safety and off-road geometry.
In stock configuration, the 2007 FJ Cruiser excelled on the trails. It confidently climbed over most obstacles and handled access trails with ease. The primary limitation we encountered was ground clearance, specifically due to the running boards. While intended to protect the body panels, the running boards hung quite low and frequently became snagged. This occurred several times, and on one occasion, resulted in rotation and damage to the plastic front bumper. Although the running boards served their body protection purpose, they were significantly damaged by the end of the day, despite careful driving.
Getting hung up on ruts, requiring a recovery strap, demonstrated the limitations of the stock running boards in challenging off-road conditions.
Cosmetic damage to the running boards highlighted their vulnerability during off-road use, suggesting the need for aftermarket replacements for serious off-road enthusiasts.
This issue is easily addressed with aftermarket solutions. For serious off-road enthusiasts, replacing the running boards with steel rocker bars is highly recommended. A steel front bumper would also be a worthwhile upgrade for enhanced protection and approach angle.
Beyond off-road performance, the FJ Cruiser proved to be a comfortable and practical vehicle during our week-long test. Around town, it was enjoyable to drive and offered genuine utility. With the rear seats folded, it easily accommodated a large 36″ fan for warehouse use. The rear door, despite its substantial appearance, opens effortlessly and includes a locking mechanism to hold it open on inclines. One minor drawback of the rear door design is that the rear glass can only be opened with the key in the door, which can be slightly inconvenient.
The rear seat is suitable for children, but may not be ideal for infant car seats, especially rear-facing ones. While rear access is adequate via the rear-hinged doors, the space between the front and rear seats is somewhat limited, potentially posing challenges for larger car seats. Families with very young children might want to consider this aspect before choosing the FJ Cruiser as a primary family vehicle.
Overall, the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser established itself as a capable daily driver and a weekend off-road warrior. Toyota’s renowned build quality was evident, with no squeaks or rattles developing even after rigorous trail driving. Nothing broke or came loose despite the demanding terrain.
Our initial impression that the FJ Cruiser wasn’t intended as a direct replica of the classic FJ40 proved accurate. Instead, the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser stands on its own as a highly capable and relatively affordable 4×4 SUV in its own right. For those seeking more extreme off-road performance, a modest lift kit (many are available) and more aggressive tires will further enhance its capabilities.
With its bold styling, enjoyable on-road driving dynamics, reasonable price point, and impressive off-road prowess, the FJ Cruiser is a compelling package. We anticipate seeing many more of these vehicles on trails for years to come.
Michael Cohn is the Editor and founder of Rockcrawler.com. Michael enjoys music, technology, and four-wheeling other peoples’ vehicles.
Contact Michael at [email protected]
