Overview & Reviews

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that harks back to the company's iconic FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. Like the old FJ40, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has superior off-road capabilities. It's built on a truck-based, ladder-frame chassis and features a stout suspension and drivetrain, sharing its underlying hardware with Toyota's 4Runner SUV. Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser to be a bit more specialized, however. Compared to the 4Runner, it's smaller, less expensive and more capable in off-road situations, and it's meant to appeal to younger and more active consumers.

Most Recent Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was produced from 2007 through 2014, with only relatively minor changes made throughout that eight-year run. A midsize SUV, the FJ Cruiser focused on off-road performance and thus in personality and in some cases styling (such as the grille and headlights), paid homage to the original FJ40 of the 1960s. The FJ Cruiser featured two standard front doors supplemented with a pair of smaller, reverse-opening rear doors to provide easier access to the rear seat.

The sole engine used was a 4.0-liter V6. Output depended on the year, as the first three years it was rated at 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque while for 2010 and later the specs stood at 260 hp and 270 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive was standard and two different 4WD systems were available. One was a part-time system, while the other was a full-time system. All FJ Cruisers except those with the full-time 4WD came with a five-speed automatic; those with the full-time 4WD had a six-speed manual along with a locking rear differential.

There was just one trim level with the FJ Cruiser. Standard feature highlights included 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, water-resistant cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio, a CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary/iPod/USB inputs. Options (which sometimes depended on region and model year) included alloy wheels, a rear wiper, a rearview camera, an electronic locking rear differential, rear parking sensors and extra gauges. Several off-road-oriented features (such as heavy-duty suspension components, tires, roof racks, driving lights, rock rails and cargo covers) were also available, as were similarly themed packages that usually included specific styling details.

Changes throughout the years were essentially limited to features availability. First year FJs offered optional side and side curtain airbags, but they were made standard for 2008, while the following year saw the debut of the rearview camera option, which we highly recommend. For 2011, the FJ Cruiser received an upgraded audio system and better access to the rear seat (which also gained folding headrests). Three years later, Toyota celebrated the FJ's last year with the limited-production (only 2,500 built) Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package.

With such serious four-wheel-drive systems available, a major draw for shoppers will be the vehicle's off-road abilities. The Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed to have considerable wheel travel, high ground clearance and a tough, fully boxed frame. The front suspension is independent with a double-wishbone design, while the rear features a solid rear axle with a four-link coil-spring suspension.

In reviews, the Toyota FJ Cruiser earned positive commentary for its impressive off-road ability, surprisingly fun on-road driving experience, comfortable front seats and distinctive exterior styling. FJ Cruiser drawbacks included limited outward visibility and a rear seat area that wasn't particularly comfortable or easy to access even with the reverse-opening rear doors.

User Reviews:

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  Love It! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Terry - October 26 - 10:16 am

  My black FJ has been a real head turner. I am constantly being stopped and asked about how I like it and its fun to watch people crane their necks to get a better look as I drive by. Surprisingly smooth ride for an off- road vehicle. It has the tight, sturdy build that you expect from a Toyota. Lots of power, it passes with ease. Front seats feel very roomy, though the back seats are a bit short on leg room. There are only two small rear passenger windows which do not open, giving it a tank-like feel back there. But who cares, Im driving. All told, a fabulous package of quality, style and versatility at a great price. Toyotas hit a home run with this one.

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  Driving a Great Concept - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DOC - October 24 - 4:46 pm

  What a great SUV. My 2 wheel drive gets a decent (average) 20+MPG. The ride is quiet and the FJ has a lot of PEP. You can cruise at 65 MPH and pass too. The V6 is a real high level engine. Fit and finish is top notch. Everyday someone wants to check out my FJ. This is the most excitement Toyota has come up with to date. Its like youre driving a concept car.

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  Full-Time 4x4, Fast, Fun, Fjc - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By love4cars - October 21 - 4:23 am

  Ive driven the 2009 Jeep & xterra both 6mt and neither compare to my fj 6mt; because of the full-time 4x4 it accelerates & handles just like a Forester xti. In heavy and deep snow 8-12" its amazing, no need to even touch the transfer shifter. Vsc and traction control are an excellent compliment to the full-time system. I love the waterproof interior. Im 5,11 & often have my 6,2 and 6,4 friends seated behind me comfortably, though not for 3 people. Under 60 mph and I get 22 mpg, over 65 and its about 16- 17 mpg highway. In my opinion the 6mt full 4x4 make it worth its awkward looks, if youre thinking 5 at your better off with an xterra same difference more practical unless you like fjs looks

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  Not your [soccer] mothers SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Beeker - October 11 - 2:56 pm

  If you want comforts (e.g. leather, carpet, DVD), the FJ is not for you. Great recreational vehicle for camping, able to load up quite a bit of equipment with the seats folded down Note: one aspect I dont like is when folded down, the rear seats remain higher than the rear cargo area. That is, they are not flush. This makes it awkward to load/pack/carry some items. Fuel consumption roughly 17-18 for highway driving. Not as bad as Id expected. The FJ sits high on the road, making it great for the rare occasions you may need to go through water or snow. Biggest complaint, despite the great exterior design, the windshield is nearly vertical. I had numerous ding from stones, etc

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dave - August 26 - 5:50 pm

  Lots of fun to drive. I love the way this truck looks and it is built with excellent Toyota quality. We purchased the 6 speed manual which has full time 4WD. We live on a ski mountain and encounter fairly extreme weather, including very slippery icy roads. It goes through rough terrain very smoothly - a joy to drive.

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  CC FJ Review - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Curry - August 20 - 10:26 am

  The FJ drives and feels very solid. The fit of doors and bonnet are tight and square. With conservative driving habits in real world driving environment it is possible to average 18.5 mpg in town and 20.2 mpg on the highway. The comfort level of this vehicle is far superior to what the F-40 was in the 70s and early 80s. The ride is much like a full size domestic SUV.

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  Rigmobile - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rock Doctor - July 17 - 8:13 pm

  This is my 5th Toyota truck over 26 years, which like the previous 4Runners (2) and Tacomas (2), is used to get me back and forth from drilling rigs. It is used to get through deep mud, heavy snow and generally drive down rig access roads that other drivers would call off-roading.

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JM - July 9 - 1:53 am

  Black 4x4 6sp have about 8000 miles now. Road trip from Denver to LA was very comfortable. Got about 18-19 mpg on highway. City is between 15-17 mpg. Took it offroad couple times, performed very well.

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  FJ wont disappoint - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rachel Tellez - June 29 - 2:26 pm

  This vehicle handles great even on a very windy day. The three windshield wipers can be a little distracting at first. Taller passengers who sit in the back do not have as much support for their shoulders as the seats are a little short:however,using the headrest really helps. This vehicle is very fun to drive and its ride is very smooth. It is extremely easy to clean as you just wipe it out.The lights on the side view mirrors give me more visibility when I am driving down the street. The rear tire sometimes blocks visibility. My only disappointment was the gas mileage. While it is a 6 cyl, it uses more gas than my previous Toyota 6 cyl. Altogether I am having a lot of fun owning it.

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  Classic Reliable Ride - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rayboy - June 19 - 12:33 pm

  I drive 4-700 miles per week as a field representative in W NY. I want to drive a safe reliable powerful fun vehicle as opposed to the standard issue company car. This FJ Cruiser received a 5 star rating (best rating available) for frontal crash test. It also received a 4 star rating for side impact crash test. The 4wd option works great on my icy hill. Unlike some of the 4wds Ive owned, this FJ allows me to engage/disengage the 4wd therefore allowing me to save money on gas, 20mpg. This FJ also has a 5000 lb towing capacity which is more than enough to tow my 3000 boat. The ride is unbelievably smooth and powerful with the 4.0 L 6cylinder engine.No carpet/easy clean interior!