The Toyota FJ Cruiser (FJC) is a retro-style compact SUV produced by Toyota introduced as a concept at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show and in production form at the following North American International Auto Show. It went on sale in early 2006 as a 2007 model and features styling reminiscent of the original Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers from the 1960s (particularly the front fascia and wrap around rear windows) and is based on the Land Cruiser Prado platform. The FJ Cruiser was not originally intended for production but due to enormous consumer response about the car following the North American International Auto Show, production eventually began in early 2006. All FJ Cruisers are built by Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan.
 

 
Base pricing is between US$ 22,545 and US $24,135. At 183.9 inches in length, the FJ Cruiser is the longest compact SUV offered in North America, with dimensions closer to the Hyundai Santa Fe and slotting between the smaller RAV4 (181.1 in. overall length; originally rumored to be replaced by the FJ Cruiser) and the mid-size Highlander (184.6 in. overall length).

The addition of the FJ Cruiser adds a sixth SUV in Toyota's American lineup, meaning Toyota will have two compact SUVs (the RAV4 and FJ Cruiser), two mid-size SUVs (Highlander and 4Runner), and two full-size SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). One in each category is biased for on-road use, while the other caters to more off-road enthusiasts (though the Sequoia and Land Cruiser are body-on-frame SUVs, the Sequoia is generally more car-like). It is also Toyota's only current vehicle to use the name Toyota spelled out across the grille instead of the corporate emblem (the first since the 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser), a nod to the classic FJ40 and Land Cruiser family and to older Toyotas before the introduction of the Toyota emblem in 1990 for the 1991 model year. This off-road vehicle usually attracts young buyers that want a sporty vehicle that is built for the off-road terrain.

Toyota began selling the FJ Cruiser in Mexico as a 2008 model.

Engine

The FJ Cruiser uses the 4.0L 1GR-FE DOHC V6 with VVT-i, rated at 239 hp (178 kW) at 5200 rpm, and 278 lb-ft (377 N·m of torque at 2700 rpm. It is the same engine that is used in some versions of the Tacoma and 4Runner.

Drivetrains

• 5-speed A750E automatic transmission (on rear-wheel drive models)+ a triple rear track on the front wheels.
• 5-speed A750F automatic transmission with VF2A transfer case(made in Japan) (on Part-time 4x4 models)
• 6-speed RA61F manual transmission with VF4B transfer case and limited slip differential (on Full-time 4x4 models)

4WD System

4WD models equipped with the RA61F manual transmission have a full time 4wd system that is permanently engaged for use on all surfaces, both on and off road. Automatic transmission 4WD models have a simpler part time system which can only operate in 4WD mode on slippery surfaces without binding and possible damage to the 4WD system.

Suspension

The FJ Cruiser uses a high-mounted, double wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, and a 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado shares the same suspension parts as the FJ Cruiser.

Brakes

The FJ Cruiser uses power-assisted 4-piston front/2-piston rear ventilated disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and is also equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Body

The FJ's body features rear access doors that give a unique look to the SUV. The FJ captures its heritage with its short wheel base, stocky frame, and grille/headlight arrangement. The windshield is nearly vertical with three windshield wipers for maximum surface area coverage. Structurally, it is a "body on frame" truck style design based on the Hilux platform. Toyota has made revisions to the engine bay inner fender aprons due to some bulging and cracking issues with 2007 and some early 2008 models. The bulges and cracks in the inner fenders were attributed to a Toyota design flaw through certain VIN numbers. Toyota has addressed the problem and has changed the design to specs.

 

Features

The 2007 FJ Cruiser was available in 5 colors - "Sun Fusion" (yellow), "Black Cherry" (dark magenta), "Titanium Metallic" (silver), "Black Diamond" (black), and "Voodoo Blue" (blue). Available options and packages include:

• Convenience Package - tri-wiper configuration; a remote keyless entry system; cruise control; power outside mirrors with illuminated markers; rear privacy glass; rear wiper; rear intuitive parking assist; and daytime running lights.
   
• Upgrade Package 1 - 17-in., 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires with exterior rear-door mounted full-size spare; Active Traction Control (4WD only); electronically locking rear differential; 115V, 400w power outlet; AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability, and 8 speakers; exterior color-keyed door trim inserts; multi-information display floating ball type (with inclinometer, compass, and temperature); leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls; and aluminum brush transmission lever and transfer lever (on 4WD models).
   
• Upgrade Package 2 - similar to Upgrade Package 1, except the stereo includes a subwoofer with off switch.
   
• Other options include driver and front passenger front-seat mounted side airbags and front- and second-row side curtain airbags.
  
  There are a number of accessories available to the FJ Cruiser, including such things as running boards, rock rails, roof rack, front skid plate, brush guard, Garmin portable navigation device, spare tire cover, passenger-side armrest, dash applique, tow hitch, cargo mats, and cargo net.

 

TRD Special Edition

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is also producing a limited-production "TRD Special Edition" FJ Cruiser, which includes such things as a TRD performance exhaust, TRD air filter, upgraded suspension components (TRD/Bilstein off-road tuned shocks, painted red), rock rails, and TRD badges. The TRD Special Edition is available only in an all-black paint scheme, and includes a black roof (instead of the traditional white), as well as 16-inch gun-metal gray finish wheels (instead of the traditional 17-inch bright aluminum), including the spare.

The TRD Special Edition includes mechanical changes to synchronize the locking differential with the active traction control (resulting in the rear differential no longer overriding the active traction), which enables the FJ Cruiser to navigate through difficult off-road terrain.

Production numbers for the TRD Special Edition are limited to 5,000 units for the 2007 model year and 3,500 or the 2008 Trail Team Special Edition. Base price for the TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser is approximately US $23,735 (manual transmission) and US $24,145 (automatic transmission), with the TRD Special Edition package carrying a US $7,265 premium on manual transmission models, and US $7,250 for automatic models, for a total MSRP of approximately US $31,000 for manual transmission models and US $31,395 for automatic transmission models.

Other TRD parts include a bolt-on supercharger kit.

Safety

Side curtain airbags for both rows and side torso airbags optional on 2007 models became standard on 2008 models.

The IIHS has awarded the FJ Cruiser its Top Safety Pick accolade. The FJ Cruiser received a "Good" overall rating in both the front and side impacts tests and also received the "Good" rating in all 14 measured categories.

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

 

2008 model year changes

The 2008 model received only minor changes. 3 new colors were added: BRICK [02JX,03R8] (Red), SANDSTORM [02JY,04U0] (Beige) and ICEBERG [00580] (White). The Iceberg, like all models, still has a white roof. The color Black Cherry Pearl (03P0) is discontinued.

Added for 2008 to all models: Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags and Roll-Sensing Front and Rear Head / Side curtain airbags. Engine Immobilizer, Rear Window Wiper/Washer, Front Seat Side Sun Visors, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Integrated Remote in Key.

The "B" package has been renamed "Off-Road package", and now includes P265/75R16 BFG Rugged Trail tires on alloy rims as well as Bilstein shock absorbers. The temperature/compass/inclinometer cluster that was previously on available in the "C" package also included. On US models, the roof rack is no longer included, but is available as a dealer add-on. Canadian models retain the roof rack. Other features from the 2007 "B" package are unchanged.

Canadian "C" package now receives SubWoofer to the FJammer Audio system, which was unavailable in Canada previously.

2007 - 2008 colors

2008 Black Diamond (Black) Sun Fusion (Yellow) Titanium Metallic (Silver) Brick (Dark Red) Voodoo Blue (Blue) Sandstorm (Tan)
2007 Black Diamond (Black) Sun Fusion (Yellow) Titanium Metallic (Silver) Black Cherry (Dark Magenta) Voodoo Blue (Blue)

FJ Cruiser available options and packages (2008)

This is a detailed version of the available options and packages for the '08 model year. Note that this does not include optional accessories that can be bought for the FJ Cruiser.

Convenience Package (CQ)

• Remote keyless entry system
• Cruise control
• Power outside mirrors with illuminated markers
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear wiper
• Rear Intuitive Parking Assist
• Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
• Back-up sonar
• Upgrade Package 1 (UP)
  
  * 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount)
  * Active Traction Control (4WD models)
  * Locking rear differential
  * 115V, 400 watt power outlet
  * AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WWA playback capability and eight speakers
  * Exterior color-keyed door trim inserts
  * Multi-information display floating ball type (inclinometer, compass, temperature)
  * Leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls
  * Shift knob and transfer case levers with silver-tone accents (transfer case lever on 4WD models only)

Upgrade Package 2 (UR)

• 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount)
• Active Traction Control (4WD models)
• Locking rear differential
• 115V, 400 watt power outlet
• AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WWA playback capability and nine speakers (includes subwoofer with off switch)
• Exterior color-keyed door trim inserts
• Multi-information display floating ball type (inclinometer, compass, temperature)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls
• Shift knob and transfer case levers with silver-tone accents (transfer case lever on 4WD models only)

All-Terrain Package (OF)

• Off-road 16-in. 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires
• Trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers
• Active Traction Control (4WD models)
• Locking rear differential
• Cyclone air pre-cleaner
• Multi-information display floating ball type (inclinometer, compass, temperature)

Options

• 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount)
• Locking rear differential
• Running boards
• XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio are optional.

Awards

• 2007 An Excellent Value Award
• 2007 Lowest Ownership Costs in Its Class
• 2007 SmartChoice Retained Value in Its Class
• 2008 Five-star rating in driver’s frontal crash test