Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser in 2014. Although the 2014 Cruiser is the last model, its capability and excitement live on. The FJ Cruiser is an adventure-ready Toyota SUV. The vehicle gets a combined EPA-estimated 18 mpg. The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-looking off-roader that came on the market in 2006.
The original model had a 4.0-liter V6 gas engine. Throughout its life cycle, there were upgrades. The design looks a little unusual, and it has suicide doors. The off-roading capability makes its performance impressive. Technologies include a specialized traction control system, brake assist vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, and anti-lock braking system.
Price and Value
Used car prices for the FJ Cruiser range from $20,804 to $47,852. The SUV is a vehicle for every day of the week, with its accommodating manners on the highway and unique capabilities off-road. If you go where the pavement ends, the FJ Cruiser is in its element. It has helpful traction control, steep departure and approach angles, ample ground clearance, and big tires, giving it outstanding capabilities when dealing with the primeval wilderness.
The roof rack, two-tone color treatment, rectangular grille, distinctive round headlights, and height make it impossible to lose in a parking lot. It is an obvious descendant of the original FJ SUV. Three wiper arms that deal with the narrow windshield, optional mirror floodlights, and the rear-mounted spare make a statement about its rugged readiness.
Size and Seating Capacity
The FJ Cruiser seats five. Behind the rear seats, there are 27.9 cubic feet of space. You get 66.8 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats fold. The vehicle has plenty of room to store small items in the cabin.
Other dimensions include:
- 71.3 inches exterior height
- 183.9 inches exterior body length
- 55.4 inches front hip room
- 41.9 inches front leg room
- 58.4 inches front shoulder room
- 41.3 inches front head room
- 51.0 inches rear hip room
- 31.3 inches rear leg room
- 53.9 inches rear shoulder room
- 40.3 inches rear head room
Battery, Range, and Engine Specs
The FJ Cruiser is a beast for use in the urban or actual jungle. Appropriately, the battery needs to be as powerful and rugged as the rest of the SUV. A battery that is constructed of a sturdy material and features high cold cranking amps for firing up in cold weather is just what you need to power up your vehicle. FJ Cruiser batteries are available in various group sizes, and it is easy to find the best fit for your needs.
It has a V6 cylinder gas engine with a 241.4-cubic-inch capacity. The all-wheel-drive of the 2013 and two-wheel drive of the 2014, along with a 5-speed automatic gearbox, transmits the power to the road. It has a 260 horsepower engine. The 4WD FJ model is also available in a 6-speed manual. The maximum speed of the FJ Cruiser is 109 mph.
The fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the road. It can travel 342 miles on a tank of gas according to the EPA rating. Some owners report gas mileage to be a bit higher. The 2010-2014 Cruiser’s engine oil capacity is 6.4 quarts with an oil filter change. It is possible to consume oil with high mileage.
Trims and Features
The standard infotainment package includes Bluetooth connection, satellite radio, auxiliary audio input, and an MP3 player. Optional features are a premium sound system. Standard interior trim comprises cloth bucket seats, and a leather steering wheel is optional. Standard comfort items include steering wheel audio controls, power mirrors, and air conditioning. Also available are cruise control, keyless entry, and a universal garage door opener.
There are additional packages. The vehicle has two Convenience Packages. One Convenience Package has quarter and rear door windows, rear privacy glass on the backside, and a rear wiper. It has an integrated backup camera monitor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a backup camera, and a spare tire cover. Additionally, the package contains a remote keyless entry system, cruise control, illuminated markers, and aluminum power outside rearview mirror.
The other Convenience Package has a towing receiver hitch and roof rack. There is an Upgrade Package with a long list of features. They include two sensors, rear parking assist sonar, color-keyed exterior door trim inserts, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and full-size alloy spare tire. It also has 17-inch alloy wheels, an inclinometer, compass and outside temperature gauge, and a multi-information display floating ball.
Also, it has a six-disc CD changer, JBL audio with ten speakers and subwoofer, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Transfer and shift levers with silver accents and a 120V/400 watt AC power outlet are also part of the package. A Preferred Accessory Package has a rear storage net, passenger armrest, carpet floor and cargo mats, and a first aid kit.
Safety
The safety suite includes six airbags, stability and traction control, smart stoop, brake assist, EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), and ABS (Antilock Braking System). ABS brakes sense when a tire stops rotating under extreme braking. They modulate the pressure on the brakes to allow tires to rotate. The ability of the vehicle to turn increases. There are rear parking sensors and child safety locks available.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gave three scores of ‘Good’ for moderate overlap front, side-impact, and rear crash protection test results. A roof strength test result was ‘Acceptable.’ J.D. Power gave a score of 90 out of 100 for quality and reliability. U.S. News gave an overall rating of 9.5.
Reliability
Toyotas in general, and particularly FJ Cruisers, are reliable based on many factors. Taking care of the transmission, brakes, and engine means a FJ Cruiser will last. It is unlikely that many 4WDs match the durability and reliability of the FJ Cruiser. With scheduled maintenance and service, FJ Cruisers run 250,000+ miles without mechanical failure. When buying a used FJ Cruiser, ensure it has an excellent service history.
A well-maintained vehicle is of more importance than mileage. The FJ is a capable off-road beast ready for extended road trips or a 4 x 4 track. It chews up the trail with aplomb and takes you home in style and comfort. While the retro styling is a case of beauty, the vehicle’s real beauty is its reliability and longevity.
The Takeaway
The FJ Cruiser is among the best SUVs of its kind. Changing the oil every 3,500 miles, greasing the drive shaft with every oil change, and regularly changing the transmission fluid lead to very few mechanical problems. The FJ Cruiser is available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive. The 4WD has either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Two-wheel drive models have a 5-speed automatic transmission only. The engine is a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 239 horsepower.
The rugged, retro-styled SUV is extremely reliable with its serious off-road capability and modern mechanicals. Toyota is notorious for solid engineering and rigorous quality control to take you on your next road or off-road adventure.
