Well, I suppose its time an
actual owner of an FJ weighed in...
I know Bully will give his opinion on towing as well as being an owner of an FJ, seeing as he's probably done more than me with it.
Personally, I would never tow with cruise control on, in fact, I think it is advised that you don't use cruise control whilst towing. So, as to the comments on fuel economy with cruise control, I can't confirm. However, I will probably be that person towing at 95 or 100km/hr but that is because I always tow at that speed, regardless of vehicle. Guess it comes from a heritage of towing expensive and valuable livestock that need to arrive in top condition. Not to mention the fuel savings!
I don't have any problems with the FJ's ability to get up a hill, be it smooth tar or rough gravel, it tackles both equally well and better I think than my Hilux. Certainly at least with a great deal more comfort.
Ultimately I guess it is how fast you want to get everywhere. If you want to get there fast, you'd better get yourself a big V8 Landcruiser 200 series and chip it. That way you'll never be wanting for power but I guess you'll have the fuel bill to reflect it.
The FJ will certainly surprise you in fuel economy for such a boxy big car. It has surprised me with its economy so far. To me, hitching up the trailer the FJ hasn't noticed it there but meanwhile, I'm not planning on beating every boy ricer off at the lights with it either. I am confident of its towing ability up a hill.
It has supposedly a 2250kg towing capacity, according to the literature I have on the FJ. I should think that would be more than enough ability to tow the Ultimate.
The beauty of the FJ is its cheap entry price but it certainly does not feel like a cheap car to drive or own. Typical well appointed Toyota IMHO. What I am seeing as an FJ owner and club member, is people buying an FJ, then modifying it with the money that they have saved on buying more expensive 4wds. This means that things like upgraded suspension get added and make what is already a very capable 4wd drive, into a real terrain tamer! Where I am seeing these things go is just amazing and some of them on the standard issue tyres that they're sold with!!
So, I guess, that whilst we can offer up our opinions on the FJ's ability, ultimately its going to be your decision to own one or not. Just be warned, there is a bit of a wait if you order one, however if you're lucky and find a dealer stock car, go for it. Then from there, take what seems to be a basic platform and mod to your hearts and bank accounts content!
Another FJ Club member said it really well about owning an FJ and I will dare to quote some of what he said so well...
The FJ is awkward in car parks, especially with the doors ( both open and you cannot get out if the gap is tight. try it in a tight garage! In underground parks they are difficult to reverse park especially when wet- reverse camera gets blurred, as too the side mirrors and unless you are used to troopies, utes with canopies etc. its daunting.
If you know how to use your mirrors however, all of the above is not an issue!
Anyway, George, I hope this has been of some help. I do think that the FJ is quite a bit more car than a Sorento and I've driven one of those as well. I do also think that the FJ would wipe the Sorento with its ability to out 4wd it and that the only thing down on the FJ would be if you had a large family. Get a Prado or Landcruiser if you do. Whilst I had my 18 year old son in the back seat a couple of times, he said he wouldn't want to be there for long! PS...the Sorento I drove was not bulletproof and finally was sold off after having starting issues that were unable to be resolved (a petrol version). It was traded in on a VW Amarok.
