Sorry, folks. I've been busy lately.
The likes:
High seating position
Power. Plenty of torque. I haven't yet had a need to "floor" it. Very smooth running V6 with very low 550rpm idle in the gear - good for city FE. I was kind of worried how this engine would like Regular gas, given that it used to require Premium before. So far I haven't heard a single knock, not even a hint of it.
Good tranny. The shifts are not Lexus-smooth but they are precise with no gear hunting and with that low RPM torque aplenty it doesn't need to downshift as often as on a 4 cyl car.
Well sorted and quiet suspension. There is simply no comparison to my former Sonata. Very little road noise enters the cabin. I love its off road abilities when applied to city driving. No curb is too high and it comes very useful as I hate to parallel park.
Rear wheel drive mode. It feels very different than a FWD. Its a treat to accelerate out of a turn and there is no noticeable tire spin.
Good steering feel. It is properly weighted and have enough feedback. I'm glad it doesn't pull left in the left highway lane, just like my Sonata used to. The wheel tilts and the "correct" 10 and 2 o'clock holding position is the most comfortable.
Amazing quality stereo. It's a JBL and it really shows when playing CDs. The equalizer can be adjusted to anyone's taste and it remembers separate settings for AM, FM, XM and CD. For CD I kept it flat as with the sub there is no correction required.
Dunlop tires have good grip despite of what I read in reviews.
Back up sensors and rear view cam are very useful.
High seating position as mentioned, allows to see over traffic and I can change lanes much sooner if there are problems ahead. It's also great to be able to see over hedges when at intersections and it is convenient and can be a safety advantage.
More "respect" on the road. It's facked up really, but ppl seem to be more aware of large vehicles and are less likely to cut them off.
Powerful headlights
Wind shield washers - 3 nozzles and wipers have many speed steps.
Low and upright windshield should allow for a lot less sun light in summer - easier to keep the cabin cool.
Cruise control. I think it should be standard. One big reason why I didn't get the base model.
Running boards should save it from door dents, I hope.
The truck looks seriously cool and its white roof makes it easy to find on parking lots.
The dislikes:
It feels heavy (soft suspension perhaps) and drives like a truck but there is less "jumping" over uneven road surfaces or in cornering than the aforementioned sedan. The rear axle also feels more "planted" than the one on trucks I test drove a few years back.
The seat. I'm not really missing heating as it is mostly parked underground, but it could certainly do with more bolstering. The current model Sorento seats are much better designed and they have many more ways of adjustment. I'm curious if there is an aftermarket driver seat made for FJs.
Wind noise. It is quite pronounced above 80 kph. No surprise really, but still, more sound insulation might help.
Ask away if there is anything I didn't mention. Overall I'm glad I got it. It was a near perfect choice for me.
