The Toyota FJ Cruiser has been around for a while, but the newly released Honda Pilot is now giving Toyota a run for its money in the lower price range for SUVs. So let’s see how the two vehicles compare to each other in an FJ Cruiser vs. Pilot match up.
Engine Specs
The FJ Cruiser includes a 4.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 260 horsepower and plenty of towing power with 271 pound feet of torque. The power is controlled by a five-speed transmission in automatic mode. The power is moved to a rear-wheel drive on the standard setup with a limited-slip differential to control traction. A four-wheel drive is an option as well as six-speed transmission. The performance of the FJ Cruiser puts out combined 18 miles per gallon on the rear-wheel drive and 16 miles per gallon on the four-wheel drive with a manual transmission.
The Honda Pilot uses a smaller 3.5-liter engine also rated as V6 and which puts out 250 horsepower and 253 pound feet of towing power. Again, the Honda is also controlled by a five-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Toyota, however, the standard package uses a front wheel drive instead. However, a four-wheel drive is optional. This can be handy since the option allows shifting of up to 70 percent of drive to the rear wheels when the front starts to slip. The performance of the Pilot engine is rated to 21 miles per gallon combined and 22 miles per gallon with the all-wheel drive.
Interior Benefits
The FJ Cruiser boasts 67 cubic feet inside with fold-down seats. This is comparable to a number of other small SUVs on the market in the same range as the FJ and Pilot. The seats are comfortable, especially for the front driver and passenger, and the floor includes rubber covers with the assumption that passengerswill be going off-road and getting a bit wet or muddy. The dashboard is big and high, which may be a bit of a visibility challenge for smaller drivers.
The Honda Pilot has a very comfortable interior as well, with good, clear instrumentation. An 8-inch data screen and automated climate controls help reduce the number of knobs needed to make changes inside. However, the controls that are available feel thin and easy to break, a poor choice of plastics and materials.
In terms of seating, the Pilot provides up to three rows of seating, but the second and third rows are very cramped. Long-legged passengers are not going to find the vehicle very practical for long trips. However, when the seats are lowered, the Pilot boats 87 cubic feet of cargo space, which works well for those moving large amounts of equipment on a regular basis.
In Summary
The FJ Cruiser is a fun, off-road vehicle that carries on the theme of the old Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s designed primarily for the driver who wants to take off with a friend and have fun outdoors. It is not necessarily a family commuting car nor was it intended to be. So in an FJ Cruiser vs. Pilot comparison, for the deciding factor may be what the buyer will use the vehicle for.
A good way to get a personal feel
for the differences in an FJ Cruiser vs. a Pilot is to do a test drive.
Ultimately this gives a person the best idea of what works. Dayton Toyota is available
to help, so folks in the Ohio area considering the FJ Cruiser as a new car
should drop in and take a spin. It's worth the time.
