The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-sized SUV with a boxy shape and rugged chassis that handles the urban road well and the off-road with nimbleness. The ride is comfortable under either condition and it maneuvers well in tight spots and around curves. The design of the interior makes for some awkwardness in getting in and out of the vehicle which makes this a car for sport and not luxury.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a Convenience package that includes cruise control, power side mirrors, keyless entry, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror and rear privacy glass. Another package, called TRD, offers all terrain tires, off-road suspension tuning and 16-inch alloy wheels. An upgrade package features a full-sized spare tire with matching wheel, four-wheel drive, rear park assist, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, a locking rear differential, steering wheel trimmed in leather, a 120-volt AC outlet, silver-tone cabin accents, additional gauges including an inclinometer and compass and an upgraded audio system with eleven speakers and a six-disc CD changer.

Four-wheel drive versions of the Toyota FJ Cruiser have Bilstein shocks, active traction control, a locking rear differential and the additional gauges that are included in the upgrade package. A Trail Teams Special Edition is available and features Army green paint, water resistant seats and floors, black bumpers, grille and mirrors, skid plates, rearview camera, the upgraded audio system, rock rails, multiple power outlets and includes the features of the TRD and the four-wheel drive packages.

Specs:

The engine in the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a 4.0-Liter dual overhead cam 24-Valve V6 with dual independent variable valve timing that can produce 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are a five-speed automatic and six-speed manual. The Toyota FJ Cruiser with manual transmissions can only have four-wheel drive while the vehicle with automatic transmissions can have either two-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel drive system.

Fuel economy for the Toyota FJ Cruiser depends on the drive and the transmission. A four-wheel drive vehicle with an automatic transmission is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg in the highway and 18 mpg combined, while a four-wheel drive vehicle with automatic transmission is rated at 15 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg combined. A two-wheel drive vehicle is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined. The vehicle when properly equipped has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The interior of the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mixed bag with comfortable front seats and rear seats that are tight and difficult to access. Visibility is somewhat poor due to wide roof pillars, small rear windows and a high hood line. Cargo capacity stands at 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser rides best when it is off the road and handles almost any terrain with ease. It also rides well in an urban setting but the poor visibility and boxy shape detract from its maneuverability.