2^nd place : Toyota FJ cruiser

With the big and decidedly retro FJ Cruiser, Toyota achieved quite a feat: offering an attractive design, Japanese-class reliability and off-road performance in a single vehicle. Such versatility is actually what allowed the FJ Cruiser to finish in second place in our comparative test.


In the trails, the FJ was the only one to truly rival the Wrangler. In the same extreme conditions, it pulls through with remarkable ease, never hesitating during climbs and remaining wonderfully controlled during descents. It gets the most out of the 4WD system, no matter what the conditions are. In fact, the FJ Cruiser was the vehicle we counted on to tow a competing model out of a tough spot.

On the road, this Toyota really impressed. Sure, you won't enjoy the comfort of a sedan, but power is readily accessible thanks to a muscular engine and steering precision is superior to its main rival's. On the flipside, we had a few good interrogations. Visibility is one; it appears as though engineers neglected this all-important aspect. As a driver, you feel like you're at the helm of a tank because the vehicle is humongous and the tiny windows make maneuvers a lot more difficult.


We also questioned the durability of the assembly which, despite Toyota's reputation, is entirely made of plastic and, unlike the other models, lacks body stiffness due to non-existent B-pillars.

For some, the FJ Cruiser does not have the requisite qualities to be driven on a daily basis. But it still offers one of the best balances of dynamic road driving and extreme off-roading.

"The FJ is fairly nimble despite its girth and no obstacle can put it to shame. Plus, you get a genuine driving feel, whether in the mountain or on the highway." - Bertrand Godin