FJ handles the rough stuff.

Today’s vehicles are more specialized than ever, and the Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed for serious off-roading, while boasting unique good looks. From steep hills, to rocky roads, to rivers and even sand dunes, the FJ Cruiser is built to handle it all, as we learned in our VehiclesTEST video review. And for safety, a new feature on the current-generation FJ is roll-sensing airbags.

The new technology detects the potential for a roll-over accident, and then instantly engages the vehicle’s stability control system to help reduce lateral skid. If the stability system detects a certain roll over, then the seat and side-curtain airbags deploy before you actually go over.

Another interesting design feature is the FJ’s high angles of approach and departure for obstacles. The clearance angle is 34 degrees in the front, 31 degrees in the rear. That allows the FJ to climb over steep obstacles without damage.

Finally, the FJ can make it through standing water—27 inches deep—due to a high-mounted engine air intake and waterproof electronic wiring couplings at the transmission.