Vehicle Overview
Toyota’s retro-styled FJ Cruiser SUV re-creates some of the 1958 FJ40’s original charm. With seating for five people, the FJ competes with off-road-themed SUVs like the Nissan Xterra and Jeep Wrangler.
New for 2012
There are no significant changes for 2012.
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:
- Windshield has three wipers
- Rear-hinged access doors facilitate backseat entry
- Rear swing gate with spare tire
- Seventeen-inch wheels
- 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
- Six-speaker 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. Standard safety features include:
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Front-seat side-impact airbags
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