Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86?

MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

By Shahzad Sheikh

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Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

Imthishan loves off-roading – and despite the fact that he is ‘allergic’ to sand, he’s to be found out in the dunes every other weekend.

Me? I don’t mind the sand, or even off-roading too much, but I definitely prefer to get my kicks on the black top – ideally in a great sportscar.

Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

But which is best? Which is more fun? And which could be quicker point-to-point? These questions often come up at MME and the ensuing argument never quite ends amicably.

So we decided it was time to find out for real. With the help of Toyota Al Futtaim and their new TRD line-up, we made a plan to settle this once and for all.

Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

Choosing a route from Malieha off the Sharjah-Kalba road down to Big Red on the Dubai-Hatta road, the idea was simple. Imthishan would drive across the desert as the crow flies to the finish point. I would have to take to the roads in the 86. And whilst he could go as quick as he dared in the dunes, I’d have to stick to speed limits and traffic laws.

However this was not a race, the object of this MME Challenge was to see who actually had the more enjoyable, entertaining and adventurous drive.

Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? Watch what happened in this video:

 

More about the cars

We have reviewed the regular versions of both these cars extensively on MotoringME.com in the past:

http://motoringme.com/reviews/2012-toyota-fj-cruiser-manual/

http://motoringme.com/reviews/2012-toyota-86-the-definitive-review/

Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

TRD Toyota 86

Since we first reviewed the 86 in the UAE, the trim and specs offered have changed – before you only got a manual with a basic spec, but that’s no longer the case. Now you have manual versions in GT and GTX trims although the GT is currently not shown on the pricelist, whilst the GTX is shown as AED104,900. And the auto variants come as VT or VTX priced at AED114,900 and AED124,900 respectively).Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

Prices for the TRD versions relate to the same line up and start from AED126,550 rising to AED161,700. For the purposes of this Challenge we were able to grab a manual GTX TRD car which is priced at AED141,550. If you can drive manual, always go manual for a Toyota 86.

Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86? MME Challenge – we wanted to know which was best: off-road or on-road. In our spectacular video we find out

The TRD edition includes the body kit you see in these pictures plus a rear diffuser and sports exhaust, TRD brakes, TRD shocks, springs and stablisers. You also get TRD oil and air filters, TRD-branded fuel, radiator and oil caps, as well as a whole host of kit to stiffen up the car including front strut tower bar, Member brace set and even door stabilisers. The livery on this car was done specifically for this challenge.

4 responses to “Video – Can TRD FJ Cruiser beat a Toyota 86?”

  1. Brilliant production, lovely script and guests
    10/10 boys
    Looking forward to seeing other amazing vids
    Keep up the good work
    Between the FJ and 86 I think Toyota really does cover all the bases

  2. […] Interesting question and we actually did a twin test – read that here now – with these cars, but ultimately when I think back at which I would own and enjoy on a daily-driver basis without having to worry about looking after it too much, particularly as used prices (especially of manual versions – the only one to get!) are already sitting right on the floor. I’ve heard that early three-pedal cars are changing hands for as little as AED25k – peanuts for a back-to-basics sportscar. By the way – you must check out the video here.  […]

  3. […] [UPDATE – watch the film here] […]

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