From the original FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser to the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser 200-Series Heritage Edition, Tommy drives them all. Starting with a 1977 Toyota FJ40, Tommy drives on back roads, highways and even on light off-road terrain evaluating each one.
Toyota flew our crew to Salt Lake City, UT to sample these vehicles.
While the original FJ40 is quite primitive, he later discovers the massive difference when driving the larger 1977 FJ55. It was a more comfortable vehicle which was far easier to drive. Called the “Iron Pig” by the Toyota folks, this four-door is a rare sight to see one on the streets today.
Modern times
Tommy felt that the 1984 Toyota FJ60 was the “Ultimate Family Truckster.” Moreover, it’s a truck that pointed the way to the future for the FJ series. While it still has solid axles and a four-speed manual like its older brethren, it feels much more modern.
Moving up to the 1991 Toyota FJ80, Tommy sees a massive change throughout the rig. It kept the solid axles, but little else from the past. The FJ80 was fuel-injected, it had full-time four-wheel drive and a much more luxurious interior. You could get three lockers too. Many still consider the early FJ80s to be the best of the bunch.
Familiar territory
After playing with vehicles older than himself, Tommy climbs into something far more contemporary. He tests a 2004 UZJ100 with a 4.7-liter V8. Up until now, all of the other FJs had an inline six-cylinder. This Land Cruiser also has an independent front suspension, it’s larger and remarkably refined.
Near the end of the video, Tommy samples the $89,000 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series Heritage Edition. While it is far more civilized than any of its older brethren, it is still a beefy off-road vehicle.
Tommy’s best quote is, “If you have to cross a canyon, take a 4Runner. If you have to cross a continent – take a Land Cruiser.” For 2020 Toyota is only releasing 1,200 of the special Heritage Editions. They are available only in black and white. This special edition has unique trim features, a third-row seat delete, unique wheels and a nifty roof basket.
