|
|
VS |
|
Here’s a comparison between the Land Rover Defender 90 / 110 Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser. We’ve never featured the Land Rover Defender in any prior review before but since the model is finally on it’s last production run (or two?) we decided to compare it to the Toyota FJ Cruiser which is arguably on it’s last legs as well. The Defender 90 is the short wheel based and the 110 is the long wheel base.
We can’t help but respect the decision to make the Defender for decades to keep a small number of and various militaries supplied with one of the toughest 4WDs. Driving or being in Land Rover Defender is a step back in time and a reminder of how modern 4WDs and technology has progressed. We like it and certainly recommend it but would never consider buying one except as a trophy.
On the other hand the Toyota FJ Cruiser is as close as you can get to a modern version of the original FJ from the 70’s. Owning nothing bar design language and concept to the original. It was the first model by the company that departed from the Toyota way of thinking. Released over ten years it saw a good following in parts of the world (US) and manufacturing is still moving in a Hino plant in Japan. It’s survival dependent on Japan, Middle East and Australia/NZ markets for sales. We’d buy one as its really just an off road hatch back.
Land Rover Defender Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser exterior: Each to their own here as we like both designs. The Defender is as close as your can get to the original version but clearly there have been quite a number of changes to keep up with legislation and basic safety over the years, but not so much as to differ to much from the original. Aside from that there are a number of different body styles you could’ve bought in the past but the final version is the SWB 2 door. The FJ Cruiser is a clearly inspired from the original FJ40 and all the design themes are there to see including some new ones.
Land Rover Defender Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser interior: The Defender is a ‘parts bin’ design using themes and parts from existing Land Rover and Ford motor parts. It looks and feels Ok for what it is, don’t expect a consistent ambience. The Defender is also quite small on the inside. The FJ Cruiser follows a similar path and themes to the original FJ40 and it looks and feels Ok even in 2015. There are shared parts but mainly the mechanicals that are shared with the Prado so at least you won’t feel like you’re sitting in a just another Toyota. Although interior is comprised by the required retro design it is actually very good. We prefer the FJ Cruiser for the space, comfort and ergonomics compared to the tight Defender.
Land Rover Defender Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser technology: Both target the genuine off-roader market and where available in various mechanical configurations and and engines over the years. The Defender relies on some modern 4WD features including off road traction control to go off road which equates to a low range gear box, high ground clearance, wheel articulation and tough suspension. The manual only Defender does limit it’s appeal but the diesel engine may win back some points. The latest and presumably last FJ Cruiser has all the latest off road tech including off road traction control CRAWL control and locking diffs hence equal if not better due to newness. Both would be very decent 4WDs in any off road situation. Not many video reviews have FJ’s equipped with the latest off-road systems.
Land Rover Defender Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser driving: The FJ is a surprising car to drive it’s not like the Prado since it is rear wheel drive on normal roads which means it handles well if you’re able to deal with the body roll caused by huge tyres and compromised suspension due to its off road capabilities. Suspension is not harsh so the ride on any road is honestly really good. No existing review will point this out but all the usual rear drive tricks can be done and only stopped by the traction control system if left on. The Defender – well there’s plenty of other reviews that you can check out.
Conclusion is that if you want the best of both world than the FJ Cruiser is the pick for a retro styled and usable car for everyday drives. The FJ Cruiser is very civilised, very quick and relatively economical for a 4WD. The Defender is old school so if you can live with all the design sensibilities and patchy reliably than this is the 4WD to buy. We don’t think we could live with the Defender as a daily driver or even long distance cruiser unless we lived on a farm or purchased as a collectable. That said if we had the money it would be in the garage next the a old school VW beetle.
| Land Rover Defender | Toyota FJ Cruiser |
 |
 |
| Engines | |
| DT244 IL4 Diesel Turbo DOHC CI DI EFI 2.2 Litre (2198cc) Claimed 100Kw @ 3500RPM Claimed 360Nm @ 2000RPM |
1GR-FE V6 Petrol Quad Cam with VVTi EFI 4 Litre (3956cc) Claimed 200Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 380Nm @ 4400RPM |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1815 Kg Towing capacity up to 3500Kg |
Kerb weight 2000 Kg Towing capacity up to 2250kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 60 litres IL4 Diesel 10 litres per 100km |
150 litres V6 Petrol 11.4 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 speed manual (Two door only) Overall height/width 2000/1873 Overall length/wheelbase 4040/2360 Tyre size: 235-85-17 NCAP safety rating x/5 |
5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1830/1905 Overall length/wheelbase 4670/2790 Tyre size: 265-70-17 NCAP safety rating 4/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach 47′ Departure 47.1′ Breakover 147′ Min ground clearance 250 mm Water Fording depth 500 mm Max 4WD system: Low range 4WD |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach Departure Breakover Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxx mm Max 4WD system: 4WD |
| Performance | |
| 0-100kph 15.8 secs | 0-100kph 8.0 secs |
| Pricing | |
| 2015 FROM $42,800 – XXXX AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2015 $47,990 AUD |