I'm about to take my 2 week old stock 2 door out and wheel with a work friend that has an 08 FJ. I have quite a bit more 4x4 experience than he does.

I should smoke him, right? My JK handles the trails way better than my chevy did, but I haven't ever fooled around with an FJ Cruiser.

:EDIT - The FJ has All Terrains on it, and I'm still sitting on the 255/75 SRA's.

 

It will be your experience that will let you "smoke" him.

An FJ is very capable.

 

I can imagine. If its anything like a Tacoma, its a real wheeler.

 

Depends if the FJ has a TRD package or not, Not sure if the 08s have BLD also,

Tires also make a big difference if both vehicles are stock without lockers or bld tires can make all the difference,

You will have the advantage if articulation is required due to the sold front axle vs independent suspension, I would consider disconnecting your sway bar if you can.

 

FJ's are very off-road capable. I believe some models come with lockers as well, could be wrong though.

Just don't get too cocky now and regret wheelin' too hard or something and end up in the shop

 

I've heard that in some of the 2012 FJ's there will be a rear only Locking Diff.

And actually, as far as I know, the TRD package in trucks and FJ's just adds Bilstein's and fog lights. I thought about getting a Tacoma, but I couldn't figure out how to take the doors and top off.

 

Look on you tube. You can see videos of both off road. The fj doesn't have near as much suspension articulation as the jk due to the ifs. You can build either to be a great off road machine, but out of the box I say the jk wins hands down

 

I don't know about the FJ specifically, but the Tacoma TRD Off-Road package adds a rear locking diff. I imagine the FJ would have a similar option.

 

The FJ is a great rig, I would never own one, but its good. The thing that will get you ahead of him is a laid back attitude and knowing the limitations of your vehicle. Try to avoid the "my dad can beat up your dad" arguments about Jeeps vs. FJs. Just lay back, have fun, and if he gives you shit about something, just ask him to take his doors off.

My father gave me the advise "slow is smooth, smooth is fast" I have often recieved the title "Barbie Jeep" due to my slow speed through a mud pit, or across a river. That title is usually reversed to Recovery Vehicle after someone rolled or hydrolocked.

 

it really depends on which terrian you plan to battle it out. FJs are very capable but it depends where you go. From my experiences Fj is build more towards overlanding and trail running. if you trutly want to beat it out of the box take him where your jeep can out flex him..other then that anywhere you go it will be right behind you...if not then since the that Fj is mildly built out of the box and your is stock your be the one struggling.
but never fear both have there good and bads.. so just go make a blast out of it.