Toyota, Hummer joust

Klaus · #1 04-05-2006, 04:57 PM

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This Week in Drive

Toyota,
Hummer joust

FJ Cruiser, the new kid in the mid-size SUV market, defies H3 and
prevails

Anita and Paul Lienert / Special to The Detroit News

April 5, 2006



ANN
ARBOR -- The arrival of the retro-inspired
2007 FJ Cruiser may signal some unhappy news for the H3, last year's most
notable newcomer in the mid-size sport-utility category.

While
each SUV is distinctive, eye-catching and designed for maximum visceral impact,
the two combatants could not be more different in terms of their overall
philosophy, execution and performance.

The '07
Toyota FJ Cruiser starts at $22,340 for the base 4x2 model and $23,905 for the
4x4 version, including shipping. General Motors '06 Hummer H3 starts at $29,500
for the base model, which only comes as a 4x4.

We
tested a nicely equipped FJ Cruiser 4x4 with a bottom line of $30,208 and an H3
with a sticker of $33,059.



Exterior

Both Toyota and Hummer have opted for out-of-the-box designs, with the FJ adapting some of its
styling cues from the vintage FJ40-series Land Cruiser and the H3 borrowing
heavily from its military-based Humvee sibling.

Both
vehicles have head-swiveling profiles, but the FJ appears to be more polarizing
-- indeed, one of us loves it and one is less than lukewarm. The H3 seems to
draw raves from nearly every quarter for its rugged exterior.

The FJ
has such retro touches as round headlamps, a flat grille with Toyota spelled
out in block letters, an upright windshield, wraparound rear side windows and
the aforementioned white roof. It also has two odd little rear access doors
that open 90 degrees in clamshell fashion and are narrow enough to make entry
and exit difficult.

The H3
boasts a distinctive and appealing design that truly captures the essence of
the Hummer brand and clearly links this "baby Hummer" with the larger
H2 and H1 models. But it, too, has narrow rear doors, which create similar
access problems for rear passengers.

There
are visibility issues with each vehicle, but they are especially aggravating in
the FJ, whose ultra-thick center pillar seriously impedes vision to the side
and makes backing up into oncoming traffic a major pain. Rear-mounted spare
tires block vision on both vehicles.

Winner: H3



Interior



The H3
and the FJ are both nicely equipped, with such features as air conditioning,
cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, tilt steering column and
AM/FM/CD player standard on both models. Power mirrors are standard on H3,
optional on FJ.

The
H3's cabin looks great, if a bit on the macho side, with top-grade materials,
attractive metal trim and chunky, satisfying controls. The front seats are
comfortable, and the gauges and controls are simple and easy to comprehend.
There isn't much rear leg room, however, and the rear-seat amenities are
virtually nonexistent -- only one cupholder and no vents or reading lights.

We were
surprised by the lack of such popular options in the H3 as a navigation system,
a rear DVD entertainment system and adjustable pedals. On the plus side, the H3
comes with General Motors' OnStar communications system.

The
FJ's base interior is functional and no-nonsense, with water-repellent seat
fabrics and floor surfaces covered with a gray rubber-like material. Our loaded
test vehicle had lots of extra-cost options, including color-keyed door panels,
a multi-information display on the dash, plus an outrageous "FJammer"
AM/FM audio system with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer and a massive subwoofer
stuffed in the cargo bay.

If the
H3's rear seat feels cramped, the one in the FJ is positively claustrophobic.
It is pretty spartan, with no vents and no individual reading lights. On the
upside, rear cargo space is ample in the FJ, while limited in the H3.

Winner: Tie



Ride & Handling

Both of
these mid-size offroaders are truck-based, which means they sit on a full
frame.

Unlike
the H3, the FJ is available in a base 4x2 model; the Hummer comes only as a
4x4. The FJ rides on standard 17-inch wheels and tires, the H3 on 16s.

Ride
quality is surprisingly tame on both models, at least on smooth roads, with the
Toyota's larger tires giving it a slight edge in comfort. The Hummer starts
to lose its poise when the pavement starts to get a bit dicey, bouncing its
occupants around like rag dolls on the really rough stuff. The FJ stays cool on
all but rutted, choppy surfaces. Both vehicles exhibit prodigious offroad
capability.

On the
highway, the FJ displays a bit more control, thanks in part to its
speed-sensitive, variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering. The H3 has a
larger turning circle and is more of a chore to park, although the FJ's
visibility problems, as mentioned, make backing up an even bigger issue.

Winner: FJ Cruiser



Powertrain

Toyota is the hands-down winner in this department, with more
cylinders, more power, more gears and better mileage.

The FJ
is powered by Toyota's sturdy twin-cam 4.0-liter V-6, which delivers 239
horsepower and, in our test vehicle, was mated to a five-speed automatic
transmission. EPA fuel economy is 17 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the
highway.

The H3
shares the GM twin-cam 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that makes 220
horsepower and comes with a four-speed manual. The EPA rates the combination at
16/19 mpg.

Over
the road, the FJ feels lively and willing at a touch of the throttle, while the
H3 always seems to be working overtime. Even with just one or two people in it,
the Hummer's five-cylinder engine feels anemic and grossly underpowered.

Winner: FJ Cruiser



Safety

Safety
is something of a disappointment on both these SUVs, in terms of what comes
standard and what costs extra.

The FJ
and the H3 both get standard antilock brakes and traction control, and the FJ
adds standard stability control (it's an extra-cost option on the H3).

Toyota and Hummer, however, make buyers pay extra for side
curtain air bag protection, which will not sit well with parents. The FJ
package includes side bags in the front seats. They're not available on the H3.

Winner: FJ Cruiser



Summary

In our
runoff, the Toyota FJ Cruiser beat the Hummer H3 in the key areas of value,
horsepower, fuel economy and safety. If the Toyota's looks, inside and out,
speak to you more than its American counterpart, then there's virtually no
contest.

Overall winner: Toyota FJ Cruiser

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