Toyota’s FJ Cruiser has carved a unique niche in the automotive world by blending iconic retro styling with genuine off-road prowess. Inspired by the legendary FJ40, this vehicle isn’t just about looks; it’s built to tackle challenging terrains while remaining practical for daily driving. For enthusiasts and adventurers alike, the Toyota Fj Cruiser delivers a compelling mix of heritage, capability, and distinctive design.
Design and Heritage: A Nod to the Classic FJ40
The Toyota FJ Cruiser immediately captures attention with its retro-inspired design cues, directly paying homage to the classic Toyota FJ40 utility vehicle that was a staple from 1960 to 1983. This heritage is evident in the FJ Cruiser’s bold front grille, featuring two round, five-inch headlights that are unmistakably reminiscent of its iconic predecessor. The design language extends to the hood contours, fender lines, and the rear-mounted, exposed full-size spare tire, complete with an off-center license plate, all echoing the FJ40’s rugged charm.
However, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is more than just a retro revival. It cleverly blends these classic elements with modern functionality. The innovative side access doors, opening a full 90 degrees in a clamshell configuration, provide exceptional ease of access to the rear seats. Adding to its practicality, a swing-up glass hatch is integrated into the side-hinged tailgate, allowing for independent opening and convenient loading of longer items.
Functionality is further emphasized in the FJ Cruiser’s design with angular wheel arches engineered for maximum clearance, accommodating substantial 32-inch tires even under full suspension articulation. Flexible fender flares enhance durability, resisting damage both on trails and in parking lots. For optimal visibility in harsh conditions, three wiper arms ensure near-complete coverage of the wide windshield. Demonstrating its off-road readiness, the Toyota FJ Cruiser features an elevated air intake and protected electrical components, enabling it to confidently wade through water up to 28 inches deep. For those seeking even greater exclusivity, Toyota offered a special edition Trail Teams Package, further enhancing the FJ Cruiser’s off-road appeal.
Performance and Efficiency: Power and Capability Under the Hood
Powering the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a robust DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine, engineered to run on regular-grade fuel without compromising performance. This engine incorporates dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), optimizing both intake and exhaust valve timing. The result is an impressive output of 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of peak torque. This broad torque curve ensures effortless cruising, whether navigating city streets or tackling challenging off-road trails. Furthermore, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is designed with environmental consciousness in mind, meeting stringent LEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser was offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. The 4×2 models are exclusively paired with an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. For those demanding superior off-road capability, the 4×4 FJ Cruiser provides a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission intelligently adapts its shift patterns to road conditions and driving style. Toyota’s Flex Lock-Up feature enhances fuel efficiency by allowing the torque converter clutch to maintain a partially engaged state, effectively widening the operational range of the lock-up clutch. Drivers can also take manual control of the automatic transmission via a console-mounted, gate-type shift lever, with the selected gear clearly displayed in the instrument panel.
Beyond its inherent capabilities, the Toyota FJ Cruiser boasts impressive towing capacity. Equipped with the optional Class Four receiver hitch, it can tow up to 4,700 pounds (following SAE J2807 standards), making it ideal for hauling recreational equipment like watercraft, powerboats, or even dirt bikes and racecars.
Off-Road Handling and Ride: Built for the Trail
The Toyota FJ Cruiser’s off-road prowess is further underscored by its sophisticated 4WD systems. In 4×4 models, the transmission choice dictates the type of 4WD system employed, each paired with a two-speed transfer case with a 2.566 low range ratio. Manual transmission models utilize a full-time 4WD system featuring a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential with a locking function. Under typical driving conditions, this system distributes engine power in a 40:60 ratio, front to rear. The TORSEN unit dynamically adjusts power distribution based on steering input and wheel slippage. When locked, the system shifts to a balanced 50:50 power split.
Automatic transmission-equipped 4×4 FJ Cruisers feature a part-time four-wheel drive system with a 3.727:1 rear differential ratio, resulting in a 33.76:1 crawl ratio. Manual transmission models enhance this even further with a lower 3.909:1 front and rear differential ratio, achieving an impressive 41.84:1 crawl ratio. This low crawl ratio is crucial for navigating challenging terrains like the Rubicon Trail, which the FJ Cruiser is fully capable of conquering. An electronic-locking rear differential comes standard with the manual transmission and is available as an option for automatic models, maximizing traction in extreme off-road scenarios. Both front and rear differentials in the 4×4 Toyota FJ Cruiser utilize robust eight-inch ring gears. The 4×2 models come standard with a virtual automatic limited-slip differential, managed by an advanced traction control system to optimize rear wheel traction in slippery conditions.
Toyota engineered the FJ Cruiser with serious off-road driving in mind. Its robust and wide stance is built upon a boxed steel ladder-braced frame, providing a solid foundation for the welded steel body. Standard skid plates protect critical components such as the engine, transfer case (on 4×4 models), and fuel tank. The double-wishbone independent front suspension offers 7.87 inches of wheel travel, delivering exceptional suspension articulation. Its design is carefully tuned for both responsive road feel and comfortable ride quality. The solid rear axle utilizes a four-link coil-spring suspension system, incorporating a lateral rod, tubular shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar, providing 9.1 inches of wheel travel. Stopping power is provided by a four-wheel disc brake system with ventilated 12.6-inch front and 12.3-inch rear rotors. Steering is precise and responsive thanks to a variable-ratio, hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion system. Standard 17-inch steel wheels are fitted with P265/70 R17 tires, with aluminum-alloy wheels available as an option. The Toyota FJ Cruiser’s standard 32-inch tall tires contribute to a ground clearance of 9.6 inches (8.7 inches for 4×2 models). Approach and departure angles are 34 degrees and 31 degrees respectively for 4×4 models, and 32/30 degrees for 4×2 models, further enhancing its off-road capability.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
Safety is a paramount concern in the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. This includes front seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags. The advanced front driver and passenger airbag system intelligently deploys based on the type and severity of impact. Furthermore, active headrests for the front seats are designed to mitigate whiplash injuries in certain rear-end collisions by moving upward and forward to limit head movement. The LATCH system is included for secure child seat installation.
As with all Toyota vehicles, the FJ Cruiser is standard-equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System™. This integrated system encompasses Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST), Toyota’s brake override system. The roll-sensing side-curtain airbags work in conjunction with the VSC system to reduce lateral skidding in potential rollover situations. The rollover sensor is also designed to trigger deployment of the standard seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Interior Comfort and Ruggedness: Designed for Adventure
The interior of the Toyota FJ Cruiser strikes a balance between heritage-inspired design and the comfort and convenience expected in a modern SUV. Large, easily gripped control knobs are designed for use even when wearing gloves. Key function switches, including climate and audio controls, as well as the optional locking rear differential, are centrally located on the dash for easy driver access. The driver’s seat offers eight-way adjustability, while the front passenger seat provides four-way adjustment.
Upholstery materials are not only water-repellent but also designed for excellent ventilation. The seating fabric features a breathable resin coating to repel liquids and simplify cleaning. Even the stitched seams of the seat covers are treated to prevent liquid penetration. The Toyota FJ Cruiser’s floor surfaces are covered in an easy-to-clean rubber-like material, ideal for withstanding the elements. The rear seatback is split 60/40 and features folding (and removable) bottom and back cushions, creating a nearly flat cargo floor. The rear cargo area is equipped with practical features like cargo-net hooks, multipurpose grocery-bag hooks, and robust floor-mounted cargo tie-down anchor points. A 120-volt accessory power outlet adds to the interior’s utility.
Toyota Value and Standard Features: Ready for Anything
The Toyota FJ Cruiser comes generously equipped with a long list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, water-resistant seats, a tilt steering wheel, multiple cup and bottle holders, a rear-window defogger, a rear-door-mounted full-size spare tire, front and rear tow hooks, and mudguards. The standard audio system in the 2014 FJ Cruiser features an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback, six speakers, SiriusXM Radio (with a 90-day trial subscription), an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port with iPod® connectivity, and Bluetooth® wireless technology for hands-free phone calls and music streaming. Steering wheel-integrated controls provide easy access to audio and Bluetooth functions.
For further customization, the 2014 FJ Cruiser offered two main option packages. The Convenience Package includes features like remote keyless entry, cruise control, power outside mirrors with marker lights, a rear wiper, an exterior spare tire cover, and privacy glass for rear windows. The Upgrade Package enhanced both off-road capabilities and comfort, adding 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) on 4×4 models, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, a 115V/400-watt AC power outlet, a premium JBL® sound system with 11 speakers, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, color-keyed interior accents, a Multi-Information Display with inclinometer, compass, and outside temperature readings, and rear parking assist sonar. Toyota dealers also offered a wide array of accessories, from auxiliary lights and rock rails to roof racks and sport exhaust systems, allowing owners to personalize their FJ Cruiser to their specific needs and tastes.
Warranty: Toyota’s Commitment to Quality
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, covering all components except for normal wear and maintenance items. Additional warranties include a 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation. Detailed warranty information is available from Toyota dealers.
