Toyota’s retro-styled FJ Cruiser SUV re-creates some of the 1958 FJ40’s original charm. With seating for five passengers, the FJ competes with similar off-road themed SUVs, like the Nissan Xterra and Jeep Wrangler.
New for 2011 A new Trails Team Special Edition model includes an Army Green exterior paint job and black bumpers, front grille and door handles. An off-road package is standard on this model, and other upgrades include a rearview camera integrated into the rearview mirror, illumination markers for the side mirrors, a multi-information display and unique exterior badging. Also new for 2011 are a standard locking rear differential, what Toyota says is improved visibility and rear-seat access. Finally, there is standard iPod connection to go along with standard satellite radio.
Exterior The FJ Cruiser sports boxy styling and a dirt-friendly interior. The front styling is a throwback to the original FJ40, as are the FJ Cruiser’s white roof and wraparound rear-quarter windows. Other elements are not so faithful: A high belt line and short windows bear more resemblance to a Hummer than to the FJ40’s tall cab. Exterior features include:
Available off-road package with 16-inch wheels, which accommodate higher sidewalls and more cushioning from the tires
Interior A rectangular, trucklike dashboard incorporates a prominent square panel with stereo and climate controls. An optional gauge cluster that sits above the middle air vents can display a compass, outside temperature and vehicle pitch readouts. Door inserts and dashboard panels can be matched to the FJ Cruiser’s exterior color. Exterior features include:
Air conditioning
Power windows and locks
Six-speaker CD stereo
Water-resistant seat fabric
Folding 60/40-split backseat
Optional power mirrors and a six-CD changer
Under the Hood FJ Cruisers are available in rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations. They all use the same 4.0-liter V-6 engine. Mechanical features include:
Four-wheel-drive models get either the automatic or a six-speed manual
4WD includes a two-speed transfer case with a 2.57:1 low-range ratio
Skid plates, mud guards and tow hooks
Standard locking rear differential
Off-road package adds Bilstein shock absorbers and a special locking rear differential that communicates and cooperates with the brake-based traction control
5,000-pound towing capacity
Safety The FJ earned the top score of Good in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. There is a roll-sensing feature that works with the side curtain airbags to deploy them in the event of a rollover. There are also standard active front head restraints; they move forward in a rear-end collision to restrict head movement. Safety features include:
