Toyota’s retro-styled FJ Cruiser SUV recreates some of the 1958 FJ40’s original charm. With seating for five people, the FJ competes with off-road-oriented SUVs like the Nissan Xterra and Jeep Wrangler. An off-road Trail Teams Special Edition is available, bringing standard rock rails, special badging, door sill scuff plates, TRD 16-inch wheels, an electronically controlled locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks. New for 2013 There are no significant changes for 2013. 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 TRD Package with 16-inch wheels, which accommodate higher sidewall tires for more cushioning
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. Interior features include:
Air conditioning
Power windows and locks
CD stereo
Water-resistant seat fabric
Folding 60/40-split backseat
Optional 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:
260-horsepower V-6 with 271 pounds-feet of torque
Two-wheel-drive model gets a five-speed automatic transmission
Four-wheel-drive models get either the automatic or a six-speed manual
Four-wheel-drive includes a two-speed transfer case with a 2.57:1 low-range ratio
Skid plates, mud guards and tow hooks
Standard limited-slip rear differential
Off-Road Package features 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 overall score of Good in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. A roll-sensing feature works with the side curtain airbags to deploy them in the event of a rollover. Active front head restraints are standard; they move forward in a rear-end collision to limit head movement. Additional standard safety features include:
