I looked at the Rav4 when I test drove the FJ, like it much better than the element as far as chassis, but am still in favor of the element interior. There's nothing wrong with the FJ interior, I like it too, but the element simply has a tremendous flexibility inside, even compared to the Rav4, and has the FJ style doors.

True, the Element was out first and is not designed to compete with the FJ or be off roaded. Though I would still buy the FJ over the Element for the off-road ability, it would be a perfect combo to put the element interior (at least some kind of similar folding seat system) in the FJ body/chassis.

 

I saw the interior on a friends Element and it looked nice, tons of rear leg space.
You can do a lot more with the interior space when you don't have a body on frame build. The floor would be much lower, similar to a minivan which is what the element is competing with. However what do you do ever you are five people, there is only seats for 4!

 

Well put. But are body/frame and such interior features mutually exclusive? It seems that there must be some way of putting similar features in any frame vehicle, even in a lesser config.
While the toughness that comes with the FJ frame is indispensable to me, it seems that the interior is "inflated" or "swollen", as through the plastic interior panels are bowed out into the cabin. I'd be curious to see what is exposed and how much room is created if the interior of the FJ were gutted of this trim. I'm pretty sure the rear windows would gain some view, who knows what else... any one wanna try?

 

It's like comparing a Nascar's Interior with a Lexus SC Interior.. Gimme a break.. Orange and Apples here.

 

http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObje...25010e%2ehtml#

 

THe FJ and Element are very different in drivetrain, off road capability, demographic, etc, but Toyota could have easily adapted some of the ideas from the Element on the FJ interior, it would have been in keeping with the FJ's utilitarian emphasis. Mainly I miss the flat load floor from front to rear (or at least to the back of the front deats on the FJ), the flexibility of the rear seats/positioning, and a tailgate and hatch. I prefer the "style" of the FJ interior, just wish they used some of those ideas.

 

You are right they have a very different target demographic.
You make a flat floor and either loose footwells or clearance. I think the needed movement of the solid rear axel, the body on frame and clearance makes the body higher in the back. Rear seats that can be folded to the side exist in LCs but they also seem to only fit shorter people better and take up space when folded. This solution would require the FJ to be taller negating some of it balance when offroading. I think toyota is aiming a making an affordable offroader and roadworthy machine. Adding too many extra things might make it more expensive. Keeping a regular flat folding seat like the 4runner works well for most people and is probably a lot cheaper. Finally, as I said earlier the Element can only transport 4 person, the FJ can sit five. That too me is an advantage in the FJ.