If the Toyota FJ Cruiser looks like a much older design than what it is, you’ll be forgiven for making that mistake. The FJ Cruiser has been on the market since 2007, but its a model that points to Toyota’s heritage, specifically its ability to make Jeep-like vehicles.
The FJ Cruiser updates the FJ40’s design, first introduced stateside in the early 1960s. The current model takes those iconic styling cues and places them on a new frame, a 4×2 or 4×4 vehicle that retails from the high 20s.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Highlights
The Toyota FJ Cruiser looks like a two-door model, but it has four doors. The rear doors are rear-hinged to improve access to the back seat. This boxy SUV hearkens to a bygone era while bringing in modern characteristics for a more refined appearance and ride.
Standard equipment includes a two-tone paint scheme featuring a white roof with a contrasting body color, black over fenders, halogen head lamps, power side mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels set within sport or off-road tires, a lift up glass hatch, skid plates and an optional exterior spare tire cover.
The cabin of the Toyota FJ Cruiser has seat belts for five, but the rear seating room is cramped and suitable primarily for children.
This model offers air conditioning with rear seat vents, a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth wireless technology, cloth seating surfaces, a tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, cargo tie-down hooks, map lights and four cup holders and two bottle holders. A leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel and a JBL audio system are package options.
Engine and Transmission
Toyota offers one engine choice, a 4.0-liter 24-valve V-6 engine. This engine makes 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 271 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available with the full-time four-wheel drive model only.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy comes in at 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway for the 4×2 automatic transmission model. The 4×4 manual transmission model gets 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, while the 4×4 AT is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. This model takes regular grade gasoline.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a 19-gallon fuel tank, giving this vehicle a maximum range of 380 miles. That enough fuel to take this vehicle from Houston to New Orleans on one tank of gas.
Model Dimensions
The Toyota FJ Cruiser sits on a 105.9-inch wheelbase and is 183.9 inches long by 75 inches wide by 72 inches tall. Its front track measures 63.2 inches, its rear track comes in at 63.6 inches.
Head room is 41.3 inches up front to 40.3 inches in the rear. Shoulder room comes in at 58.4 inches in the front seat to 53.9 inches in the back. Hip room measures 55.4 inches in the first row to 51 inches in the second row. Leg room is 41.9 inches up front to 31.3 inches in the back.
Standard ground clearance is 8.7 inches. It measures 9.6 inches with 4×4 models. This vehicle weighs from 4.079 to 4,343 pounds and has a gross vehicle weight rating ranging from 5,330 to 5,570 pounds.
Safety Features and Warranties
Every FJ Cruiser is outfitted with Toyota’s Star Safety System featuring vehicle stability control, traction control, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology. Airbags, active headrests, a seatbelt pretensioning system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child protector rear door locks are included.
The FJ Cruiser comes with a 3-year, 36,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year, unlimited miles corrosion perforation warranty. Toyota Care, offering complimentary maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, is also included.
Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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