10 Cool Facts About The Toyota FJ Cruiser

For decades, automakers such as Land Rover, and Jeep have wrangled to become the best at designing and producing vehicles that are capable off-road. From the original Land Rover Defender to the Jeep Wrangler, there have been some very impressive attempts to achieve just that. Then there is Toyota, a manufacturer that is capable of creating some very good economical hybrid and electric vehicles, alongside some incredibly good pickups and SUVs.

Back in 2007, they created one of the most beloved, practical, and loved off-roading SUVs of all time, and no, it isn’t the Hilux or the Land Cruiser. It is the Toyota FJ Cruiser. We have compiled a top-ten list of cool facts we think you should know about the Toyota FJ Cruiser. From its origins, its off-roading capabilities, its appeal, the quirks that make it special, and why it will be sorely missed now it is no longer in production. Let’s find out more about some truly unique attributes of this legendary off-roader and what makes it an extremely versatile vehicle with tremendous capability.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Classic.com, J.D. Power for reliability rating, and Bring A Trailer.

10 The FJ Cruiser Started Life As A Concept Car In 2003

It Pays Homage To The Original Land Cruiser

Back in 1954, Toyota released one of the best small SUVs to ever grace our streets and trails, the 1954 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ Series. Fast-forward 23 years, and we were treated to the first model year of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. The FJ40 lasted for 10 years and this is where the story of the Toyota FJ Cruiser begins.

Toyota FJ Cruiser Model Years in North America

• 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Taking the ruggedness and off-roading ability of the original Land Cruiser, a new idea was conceived to create a modern off-roading SUV that bucked the trend of what Toyota was making at the time; luxury Land Cruisers in the ’90s. Debuting at the 2003 North America Auto Show as a concept vehicle, becoming extremely popular, and starting production in 2006, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has become part of SUV legend for more reasons than one.

9 The FJ Cruiser Packs Plenty Of Unique Exterior Design Quirks

Rear Backward Opening Doors Attached To The Side Pillars

Boasting a boxy silhouette, wide stance, rugged-looking lines, and retro-inspired styling evokes a sense of adventure, durability, and design prowess. Featuring the signature white roof, bold front grille, vertical windshield, and chunky fender flares add to its off-road appeal.

Exterior Features Of The Toyota FJ Cruiser

• Retro-grille with Toyota spelled out
• Indicators attached on the front grille
• Large front and rear black plastic bumpers
• Contrasting roof-color
• Suicide rear Doors
• Outward opening trunk tailgate
• Features rear lifting window to easily stow cargo without opening the tailgate

The FJ Cruiser’s robust design not only exudes toughness but also ensures practicality and functionality whilst you drive over different terrain thanks to its short wheelbase of 183.9 inches and ample ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The ‘rear-hinged’ doors that are attached to the side pillars are also a testament to how Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser with individual quirks to appeal to those who love off-roading, a modern take on the design features of the original Land Cruiser, something a little different to look at, and an SUV with bags of character and charm.

8 The FJ Cruiser Is A Proper 4×4

Serious Off-Roading Capabilities Tested On Some Of The Best Trails

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is very capable off-road, making it a firm favorite of many off-roading enthusiasts. Equipped with a robust body-on-frame construction like many of the best SUVs and pickup trucks out there, rear and front stabilizer bars, a solid live axle rear suspension, and front double wishbone suspension, the FJ Cruiser tackles rough terrains as well as some of the best SUVs on the market.

Toyota FJ Cruiser Off-Roading Angles

(Source: Toyota)

When releasing the FJ Cruiser, Toyota was serious about having a car that could perform off-road. They had the FJ Cruiser tested at the 22-mile, rocky, and tough terrain of the Rubicon Trail in California. Previous owners of the FJ Cruiser, have been extremely pleased with off-roading capabilities.

Off-Roading Features Of Toyota FJ Cruiser

• Crawl control, which enables you to drive slowly and in a controlled way over loose ground
• Electronic locking rear-differential and low-range transfer case
• Active traction control
• Heavy-duty underbody skid plates

7 The FJ’s Interior Is Tough And Weatherproof

Made To Be Washed Down

The interior of the FJ Cruiser is purposefully designed to withstand rugged adventures and get dirty without compromising functionality or comfort. Featuring durable materials like water-resistant upholstery and rubber flooring, it’s built to handle the challenges of off-road exploration or those wet and rainy days out. Something you really wouldn’t want to do in any of the 2024 Land Rovers! It should also be a comfortable drive there, as the FJ Cruiser boasts a very generous 41.9 inches of front legroom and 31.3 inches of rear legroom.

Interior Features Of The Toyota FJ Cruiser

• Dash-mounted compass and clock
• Ventilated and water-resistant seats
• Easy wipe-down seats which are made from fabric and a waterproof resin coating
• Sealant sealed stitching which stops water from penetrating the fabric
• Gray rubber matting makes it easy to wipe down
• Simple layout of dash and steering wheel
• Full-folding rear seats
• Ample cargo capacity of 66.8 cubic feet

The cabin layout showcases a straightforward and simple design, with large controls and ample storage compartments for adventure gear and essentials. Boasting a utilitarian yet comfortable interior, the Toyota FJ Cruiser encourages you to embrace the dirt, making it ideal for those of you who crave adventure without worrying about keeping the interior pristine all the time. An interior that was designed to work with what the car was made for, adventure.

6 A 4.0-Liter V-6 Mill With Tuning Potential

Oodles Of Power And Off-Roading Prowess

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a robust 4.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine, renowned for its reliability and performance, particularly off-road. The horsepower and torque that is churned out provide ample power for tackling rugged terrain and steep inclines, especially when paired with the relatively light curb weight of 4,050 lbs.

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Specifications

(Data gathered from Toyota)

The engine’s torque delivery is well-suited for low-speed crawling, essential for navigating tricky off-road obstacles with precision. The Toyota FJ Cruiser’s powertrain’s proven durability and reliability ensure dependability in demanding off-road conditions, allowing you to explore remote trails with confidence. There have even been attempts to take it further, with a factory-supercharged Toyota FJ Cruiser. Paired with the already mentioned capable four-wheel-drive system and advanced off-road features, the FJ Cruiser’s engine contributes to its legendary reputation as a go-anywhere adventure vehicle.

5 The FJ Is A Highly Modifiable Beast

The Aftermarket For The FJ Cruiser Is Huge

Like a lot of off-roading SUVs, owners are forever tweaking them to get the most out of what they have. Though the FJ Cruiser is very well suited for a rugged and outdoorsy life, there is always something that a keen off-reader can do to make it just a little more suitable in difficult terrain.

Most Common Upgrades

• Air intake snorkel for deep water crossings
• Differential/transmission breathers for water crossings
• Though all-season tires come as standard, some owners have changed tires for beefier and more rugged treads

As already mentioned, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a beast off-road and whilst many owners reported that they don’t need to change anything due to its excellent credentials, with most car enthusiasts though, modifications are always going to be part of the automotive world.

4 The FJ Cruiser Doesn’t Scrimp On Windshield Wipers

Clear Vision For All Road Conditions

Toyota has a habit of making things their own way and the FJ Cruiser is no exception. Just to really ensure that you can see where you are going on a muddy trail, through a river, or down some dunes, there are three windscreen wipers on the almost upright windshield. It is this very design quirk that led Toyota to include three wipers instead of the usual two.

Usability And Extra Features Of The FJ Cruiser

• Emergency braking assistance comes as standard
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear-view camera
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
• Vented front brake disks and solid rear disk brakes

As standard in the Toyota FJ Cruiser, you won’t be left wanting for little extras that keep you comfortable and safe. Apart from the features that are mentioned above, bucket seats also come as standard, so does USB connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and four-wheel ABS. With most things about this iconic SUV, it is not just about the individualistic design notes that matter, but also the features that provide you with confidence, safety, and extreme practicality.

3 Limited Edition TRD Versions Exist

An Even More Limited Model From The Sought-After Off-Roader

If self-modification wasn’t enough, there is also a limited TRD version of the FJ Cruiser that really beefs up its off-roading credentials. Boasting the same rugged and practical interior, design features, and appeal of the base model, models like the limited-run (2500 units) Trail Teams Ultimate Edition showcased some extra features, designed by Toyota Racing Development, for the 2014 model year.

Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition Features

• TRD suspension that raises the height of the front and improves the approach angle
• TRD Bilstein race dampers to improve dampening, stability, and articulation
• Front skid pan
• 16-inch beadlock wheels

With specialist input from TRD, the FJ Cruiser was transformed in 2014 into an even better and more loved SUV that can really compete with some of the best off-roaders out there. It even made it one of the most capable off-roaders that Toyota ever produced! This trim does demand a command of a premium on the used car market. But if you are a keen trail fantastic, it is certainly a top choice to check out.

2 FJ Cruisers Hold Their Value In The Second Hand Market

Average Used Price: $33,469

When released in 2007, the FJ Cruiser had an MSRP of around $40,000, fast-forward 17 years, and the price for a good example with low mileage is still hovering around the high-end mark. The FJ Cruiser has a fantastic residual value and though they are no longer produced, if you currently own one and can bear to let it go, it may be a good time to tempt fate at an auction.

Used Toyota FJ Cruiser Pricing Information

• 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $19,497
• 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $22,127
• 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $25,876
• 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $26,233
• 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $27,621
• 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $36,042
• 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $31,960
• 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Average Price: $43,441

Overall, according to classic.com, the FJ Cruiser commands an average price of $33,485. The relatively high prices say all there needs to be said about the FJ Cruiser, it is a much sought-after and loved SUV. Of course, examples with higher mileage and in bad condition will sell for less, for example, a 2010 FJ Cruiser with 194,000 miles on the clock sold for $11,750 in 2023, a lot less than the average price.

1 The FJ Cruiser Remains A Coveted Off-Roader

Only Available Until 2023 In A Limited Market But Not Quite The End

Whilst there were over 20,000 of the Toyota FJ Cruiser sold in the U.S.A. during their original run, they are not the easiest to come by. Only having model years from 2007 to 2014 in the United States, makes them fairly difficult to get hold of. According to Classic.com, there are currently only eight FJ Cruisers for sale, and they have only recorded a total of 200 second-hand sales overall, giving testament to what some reviewers say about not wanting to sell their beloved SUV because they enjoy it so much.

Most Expensive Toyota FJ Cruisers

In 2023, though, Toyota released a very exclusive run of the Toyota FJ Cruiser Final Edition, a very fitting finale for this iconic SUV. 1,000 were made exclusively for the U.A.E. market. The Final Edition features a beige exterior paintwork, matching exterior design, a slightly upgraded V-6 powertrain that produces 270 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and blacked-out bumpers and exterior features to give it a meaner look.

It is safe to say that these will be nearly impossible to get hold of in the U.S.A. But, if you are looking for an SUV that has a style of its own, is very useful, has bags of character, and an iconic status, any Toyota FJ Cruiser model should certainly be high on the list to check out.