Like all Toyota SUVs, the 2007 FJ Cruiser is a STAR. That’s STAR as in Toyota’s industry leading safety system, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. You don’t have to remember all the acronyms. Just remember that EBD distributes the braking force between the front and rear wheels, based on driving conditions, and that TRAC keeps the tires from slipping on slippery stuff. The VSC system assists the driver in maintaining course by attempting to control skids, and Brake Assist helps you apply maximum pressure more quickly during emergency braking situations. ABS keeps your wheels from locking up in an emergency situation. Toyota also includes dual-stage front driver and passenger airbags on the 2007 FJ Cruiser. As far as optional safety equipment goes, there’s not much aside from side curtain airbags all around, front seat side-impact airbags, and daytime running lights.

Yeah. Remember that - or just keep in mind that few other automakers offer the level of standard safety technology that Toyota currently does on its SUVs, technology that may actually save lives by keeping these large and tall behemoths on the road in most types of conditions. Of course, there’s no accounting for reckless driving, and no amount of electronic wizardry will keep a fool connected to the road in a rainstorm. All in all, the final arbiter of safety is you, behind the wheel, with a little help from our friends at government and insurance crash-test centers. Busted fenders aweigh!

The tricks and technology on the FJ Cruiser continue beyond safety and the nuts and bolts of the vehicle to include features such as three wiper arms on the vehicle's wide, front windshield. You’ll also notice cargo-net hooks, including floor-mounted cargo tie-down anchor points, which hint at one of the FJ’s main competitors, the Nissan Xterra.