Toyota FJ Cruiser

FJ Cruiser Overview

Toyota is largely known for its utility vehicles and most of the models that you see in Toyota’s lineage are practical cars. But to offer something different and out of the league, Toyota has a rugged and sporty SUV to its name, that is FJ Cruiser. What sets apart this cruiser form most of the SUV’s is the posture and attitude of the car. It has an idiosyncratic appearance that will make you fall in love with it, even at first glance. Initially, a concept car for Cruiser was presented at the North American International Auto Show in the year 2003 and a year later, the world was introduced to the production model of FJ Cruiser. Since 2004 and to date, FJ Cruiser has gained immense popularity and has won the hall of fame, but slowly and gradually now the model has bee sidelined with the upcoming competitors. But still, many Asian countries including the Philippines, are showcasing a strong response to its sales. FJ Cruiser comes with varied color options to choose from that include white, yellow, black, beige, cement grey, smokey blue, and red. FJ Cruiser is priced at Php 1,998,000 and comes in only a single variant with a V6 powertrain. 

Toyota FJ Cruiser Interior & Features

As highly expected, the interior layout and design somehow failed to contain the excitement that was generated by taking the first glance of FJ Cruiser. The designers have taken much effort to incorporate some prominent characteristics to the interiors of the car, but still, most of the cabin space inside looks much usual and basic. Talking about the three-spoke steering wheel, which does not have the audio or Bluetooth controls which are considered to be ubiquitous these days. The center instrument console also a plain three-pod layout which is quite outdated as per the current trends. 

The rectangular AC vents are placed at the top of the centre console with a digital clock sandwiched between them and curtailing some boredom of the center console are the designer dials placed above the center console. These dials show different off-road information including a compass. The side doors and center console are color co-ordinated to give an appeal to the cabin space which might otherwise appear very plain and basic. The cabin boot space is pretty ample and comfortable for five occupants. Other additional features of the FJ Cruiser include cruise control, eight-way adjustable front driver’s seat, and a navigation system. 

FJ Cruiser Exterior

Toyota designers must receive reward ad acclamation for the appeal they have brought to the exterior aesthetics of the FJ Cruiser. As an experiment, the exterior layout is very quirky and unconventional, which makes the SUV stand out among the rest. It is also off-the-wall for Toyota to bring up something so different from its current lineage. The futuristic design and dynamics have played an important role in the success that it has been tasting since its introduction. 

Donning the front fascia is the rectangular grille with silver garnishing that also contains the headlamps perfectly. Indicators are placed on the front grille corners and enhancing the center portion is the old Toyota logo. The bumper at the front has a holy look and looks attractive owing to its black cladding, silver panels, and fog lamps. 

The side profile also managed to balance the appeal that catches attention at first glance. The rearview mirrors are smartly mounted at the doors in a vertical form. Door handles are garnished in silver hues to grant a luxurious look tot he SUV. 

The large C-pillar and bulging roofline offers a hulky appeal to the SUV which is further highlighted with large ground clearance, side body cladding, and black colored alloy wheels. The rear profile of the SUV fails to add much appeal as much as the front facia did. There is a massive tyre mounted at the center of the rear with a  silver tyre cover over it. The rear bumper also has some silver paint hues and fitted along are the tail lamps. The contrasting white-colored roof was a good idea indeed to offer much quirkiness to the overall look.  

Toyota FJ Cruiser Ride & Handling

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a fuss-free suspension setup which is the double-wishbone at the front and a 4-link with a lateral rod at the rear. The overall suspension has been adjusted to a stiffer side to give more traction. The 4WD setup works wonder and curbs al the jolts and bumps of the road to offer a pleasurable ride. The disc brakes are also equipped to control this large SUV and braking mechanism falls much smoothly. 

FJ Cruiser Engine & Fuel Consumption

The giant Toyota FJ Cruiser is run by a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine with dual VVT-I technology and owing to this, FJ Cruiser literally flies of smoothly despite being a hulky vehicle. The engine gets mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox and a full time four-wheel drive layout with linear power delivery.

Toyota FJ Cruiser Braking & Safety

We can happily report that the Toyota FJ Cruiser has all basic and standard safety features including front dual airbags, ABS, ISOFIX mounts, vehicle stability control, and traction control.

FJ Cruiser Verdict

The FJ Cruiser is an SUV that can win hearts with its quirky design and rugged looks. The dynamics of this SUV is sure to stay here for a longer time. The exterior aesthetics, suspension, and handling are all top-notch. If you love off-roading and do not focus much on city ride, then you can count on this Cruiser.