2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Styled strongly after the iconic FJ40 from the 60s, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a rugged midsize SUV that focuses, almost exclusively, on off-road capabilities. But, while it may draw its cues from yesteryear, the FJ Cruiser is actually based on the underpinnings of the Toyota 4Runner. It receives a large-displacement V6 engine that develops 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of drivetrains ranging from RWD to full-time four-wheel-drive. However, the tunnel vision focus on off-roading means that the Toyota FJ does not do much else. It is spartan inside, with almost no convenience or comfort features, meaning that it is not very popular among those who need to be coddled by their car.

The styling of the Toyota FJ Cruiser is certainly unique. Its off-roading capabilities are cartoonishly accentuated by enormous, blocky wheel arches and a snub-nosed hood with large, round headlights we'd expect to see on a Mini. The front bumper just out aggressively while the chunky taillights peek out from the rear. However, these exaggerated dimensions are not just for show, conjuring images of a rough-and-ready off-roader. And, this is exactly what the build does, offering approach/departure/breakover angles of 32/30/26 or 34/31/27 degrees depending on RWD or 4WD, respectively. Exterior color options include rugged Quicksand, Army Green, or Magma, to name a few.

A single engine option is offered on the Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV, a 4.0-liter V6 paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, with an optional six-speed manual gearbox on AWD variants. The power plant develops 260 hp and 271 lb-ft, which is directed to either the rear wheels or all four wheels. Speed really is not on the cards here, but it goes from 0-60 mph in a modest seven and a half seconds.

Obviously, those seeking to use the FJ as a vehicle meant almost exclusively for off-roading will most likely select the full-time four-wheel-drive spec. The RWD is more suited to city driving, but if that's what you're using it for, you're missing the point. Simply put, it should be tackling the road less traveled rather than barrelling down the highway at top speed.

We could talk about how it handles around town, but that is not why you're looking at it. Still, it performs adequately, just to answer the unasked question, although ride comfort and noise control are sorely lacking. Instead, we should be focusing on how it copes off the beaten path. There are certainly a number of current machines that offer an enjoyable driving experience out in the wild. And while you could opt for a Land Rover or a Jeep, the FJ is one of the purest off-roaders on the market. It offers enough communication through the steering to promote a sense of what the wheels are doing without fancy gizmos like a terrain-view camera, as well as more than enough height to see over the short hood. The SUV can go for a swim in waters of up to 27.5 inches without a fuss. The approach and departure angles are also among the best you'll find on any auto, so it goes where many others fear to try.

As you'd expect from such a large displacement V6, it is quite a gas-guzzler. The best configurations in terms of mileage are the FWD or 4WD paired with the automatic transmission, returning 16/20/18 mpg and 17/20/18 mpg city/highway/combined, respectively. The FJ Cruiser's ratings are worse with the manual gearbox off-roader at 15/18/16 mpg. Still, the SUV is outfitted with a large 19-gallon tank, so it still travels over 300 miles before needing to find a gas station.

The interior is extremely stark, almost contrasting the eye-catching aesthetic of the exterior. Hard plastics are present throughout, and the instrument cluster is so old-school that you may really think you're in the 1960s. The seats are dressed in simple cloth, with no option to upgrade to leather. There's plenty of head- and legroom up front, though. The back-seat passengers are not so lucky, with a little over 30 inches of legroom. Cargo space is ample, at least. As standard, 27.9 cubic feet of trunk space is presented, but this grows to 66.8 cubic feet then the rear seats are folded down.

The list of features on the high-rider is as sparse as its interior appointments. All new FJ Cruiser models receive standard air conditioning, power accessories, an eight-way manual driver's seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. There is no up-to-date infotainment screen but rather a standard radio system with AM/FM/CD playback. However, it does offer Bluetooth functionality and a USB port with iPod connectivity.

The safety suite is a little more advanced, including features like ABS, EBD, brake assist, smart stop, stability and traction control, as well as six airbags. Rear parking sensors are available. However, the NHTSA has reviewed the Toyota FJ Cruiser for its rollover crash rating, for which it received a low score of three stars. The IIHS felt three top scores of Good were applicable, and one of Acceptable. Reviews of the FJ Cruiser from J.D. Power, however, score the quality and reliability of the vehicle at 90 out of 100 - a high score to note.

The 2014 edition goes on sale for around $27,500 in the USA, with the top-spec costing just over $29k MSRP. However, if you're not budgeting for a new Toyota FJ Cruiser, the price of a used model should be quite a lot lower. Regardless, if you want to spend a lot of time off-road, the FJ Cruiser should be somewhere on your shortlist. Away from civilization, you do not really need so many modern conveniences, and few autos in the US today offer the same level of unadulterated outdoor fun.