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2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

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Overview

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2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV is the modern take on the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser sold round the world from 1960 until the early 1980s. Whereas most original rugged off-road SUVs have morphed into luxury chariots capable of going – but rarely taken – off road, Toyota's FJ Cruiser off-road SUV is built for one thing and one thing only: to take you places no car-based crossover dare shine its headlights. Of course, unlike the Jeep Wrangler, you can't remove the FJ's top, and its awkward dimensions and styling create some serious blind spots, but FJ loyalists dismiss this as nitpicking and perhaps they are correct. Based on the Toyota 4Runner SUV platform, the FJ Cruiser is a unique package unlike anything on the road. Its closest rivals are clearly the Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xterra and to some extent, the 4Runner itself. Offering a wide variation of options that do more than just look rugged, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV can be equipped to tackle all manner of off-road obstacle courses.

You'll Like This Car If...

It doesn't matter if you're looking for a vehicle to take serious off-roading or just on weekend camping trips, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV covers all the bases. It even makes a very livable daily driver, something that can't always be said of the Jeep Wrangler soft-top.

You May Not Like This Car If...

No one will argue that the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV isn't fun, but it does have a number of practical drawbacks including poor fuel economy, some wicked blind spots and a not-so-roomy cargo hold.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

6.4
Comfort & Convenience

6.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

6.8
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#49

out of 49

MPG

#12

out of 49

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.3 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

This year's Trail Teams Special Edition Package comes in monotone Radiant Red paint.

Driving the FJ Cruiser

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Surprisingly, we found the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV to be as equally welcome on road as it was off. With the exception of the poor side visibility and rather...

annoying 41.8-foot-wide turning circle, the FJ Cruiser is as enjoyable to drive as any Toyota crossover or pickup. Venturing off road gave us a chance to really fall in love with the FJ, and fall we did. The 32-inch tires, 9.6 inches of ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles and electronically controlled traction control permit the FJ to go over just about anything it can clear, although the wide body does pose some challenges the Jeep Wrangler never worries about. Then again, the FJ Cruiser corners better than the Jeep in daily driving, but not as well as the Nissan Xterra. However, on the highway we think the FJ has the best ride of the three.

Favorite Features

Subwoofer Switch
A big, console-mounted subwoofer on/off button makes it easy to optimize the listening experience when switching from talk to rock, for instance.

A-TRAC
By automatically applying the brakes to a spinning wheel, Toyota's active traction-control system forces torque to the opposing wheel and boosts the FJ Cruiser's off-road capability.

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Details

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Knowing what the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV's intended target audience is going to do with their trucks, Toyota engineers designed an interior that is functional and rugged while at the same time comfortable and modern. The FJ's supportive seats are covered in water-resistant fabric, while underfoot the traditional carpet is replaced with rubber flooring. The purpose-built interior also features removable rear-seat bottoms and large rotary control knobs specifically designed to be operated when wearing gloves. Yet, for all its rough-and-tumble preparedness, the 2012 FJ Cruiser SUV is a very comfortable place to spend time, even if you have to squeeze through the small rear-hinged door to gain access. Behind the seats is a small but useful cargo area that includes tie-downs for securing equipment. One cool option is the dash-mounted inclinometer, or as one of our editors affectionately called it, a "tip-overometer."

Exterior

It's easy to pick out the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV in a lineup; just look for the hulking big truck with the two smallish inset round headlights flanking a low-profile, rectangular grille. The design is a tribute to the original FJ, as are the white roof, wraparound rear glass and tubular-style roof rack. Noteworthy features on the 2012 Toyota FJ include big 32-inch tires, available floodlights mounted to the side mirrors and three wiper arms to quickly clear mud from the windshield. But the fun doesn't stop there. Toyota provides a boatload of factory and accessory equipment including paint-protection film, auxiliary driving lights and a number of TRD performance enhancements. Backing up the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser's menacing look is some serious hardware, including available Bilstein heavy-duty shocks, available 4-wheel drive (4WD) with 2-speed transfer case and locking rear differential, and skid-plate protection for the engine, fuel tank and transfer case.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The most basic 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV is equipped with 2-wheel drive (2WD), a 5-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and locks, a 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, auxiliary audio jack, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and streaming audio, XM Satellite Radio, steering-wheel audio controls, electronic stability and traction controls, front-seat side-mounted airbags, roll-sensing side-curtain airbags, two front airbags and 17-inch black steel wheels. Four-wheel-drive FJs come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, 2-speed transfer case and a locking rear differential (standard on manually equipped cars and optional with the automatic).

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV upgrades include keyless entry, cruise control, rear sonar parking assist, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 10-speaker JBL audio system with powered subwoofer, and a 115V/400W power outlet. Options for off-roaders include the Off-Road Package, an automatic transmission (4WD models) with a rear differential lock, A-TRAC active traction control and an inclinometer. New for 2012 is the Trail Teams Special Edition Package that brings with it the Off-Road Package, Radiant Red exterior paint with matching roof and black bumpers, front grille and door handles, mirror-mounted illumination markers, red seat inserts, cyclone pre-air cleaner, trail-rated Bilstein shocks, rearview camera, JBL audio system, BFG All-Terrain tires on TRD alloy wheels and a set of 12V/100W and 115V/400W outlets.

Under the Hood

A sophisticated aluminum V6 anchors three powertrain combinations that include a 5-speed automatic transmission coupled with either a 2-wheel-drive or a part-time 4-wheel-drive system, or a 6-speed manual transmission teamed with a full-time 4-wheel-drive system. The 4-wheel-drive models include a 2-speed transfer case. Off-road capability is enhanced with locking differentials and electronic traction controls. Rock-crawling specs include approach and departure angles of 34 and 30 degrees, respectively (32 and 29 degrees for 2-wheel-drive models). The FJ Cruiser has an independent front suspension and solid rear axle, and its maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

4.0-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
271 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/20 (2WD, automatic), 15/18(4WD, manual) 17/20 (4WD, automatic)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts around $26,700 for the 2-wheel-drive model and jumps to just over $28,000 with 4-wheel drive and a manual transmission, and a fully loaded FJ tops out around $36,000. Our Fair Purchase Price values reflect real-world selling prices, so be sure to check them on kbb.com before you set out to shop. The Toyota FJ Cruiser's competitors include the Nissan Xterra with prices ranging from around $25,000 to about $35,000, the Jeep Wrangler ranging from $24,000 to more than $35,000, and, to a lesser extent, the Nissan Pathfinder, which ranges from just under $30,000 to well beyond $47,000. In terms of resale value, we expect the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV to perform better than the Xterra and Pathfinder, and remain on par with the Wrangler.

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2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 389 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.4/10

Really Cool Truck

By Cperry7967 (TX) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good quality, fun to drive, no carpet+++"

Cons: "wished the doors locked when put in drive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this SUV after my 4runner got totaled out from a hail storm, I've gotten so many complements on the style and quality of my FJ Cruiser I'm very happy with my purchase and plan to drive this vehicle for a very long time."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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BEST VEHICLE EVER!

By Bratnila (CA) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun, fast, reliable, stylish and comfortable."

Cons: "Not enough interior lighting in front by driver."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is FUN, FAST, RELIABLE, WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF COMFORT WHETHER YOU ARE HAVING A BLAST FOUR-WHEELING, DRIVING ON VACATION FOR DAYS, OR GOING SHOPPING IN TOWN; YOU WILL HAVE A CAREFREE AND COMFORTABLE RIDE. MY FJ ALWAYS LOOKS STYLISH YET NOT OVERSTATED LIKE SOME TRUCKS. I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I LIKE AND IT HANDLES GREAT. When my old Toyota Pickup died after 20 years, it was hard finding a truck with a manual transmission. My son told me that Toyota just released a new truck that offers both automatic and manual. I went to Toyota's website and watched the video and fell in love! To me the "only" not so great feature is the lack of interior lighting. Only one light at rear and one in the center, no lights in the front for the driver or passanger; that was a big mistake, but I remedied the matter by putting two battery operated L.E.D. push-button type lights that adhere with velcro, one above rearview mirror and one under the dash on the passenger's side, these lights do the trick. I hope my Toyota FJ Cruiser lasts for 20 years, but when the time comes to buy a new truck, I probably will buy another FJ Cruiser."

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Will always drive an FJCruiser

By fjnurse (TX) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,997

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great looks, reliability, get up and go, safety"

Cons: "gas mileage, not bad, but not great"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love it,love it, love it! This baby will get up and go when I ask it to. I feel very safe in it, no matter the weather or traffic conditions. It handles the mountains and desert equally well. A cruiser on the highway. It always gets lots of compliments. I especially love the convenience of the 110 electrical outlet."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Its an offroad tank. If thats what you want its fo

By Andrewm1a (TX) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything you would expect from Toyota and more."

Cons: "Nothing at all."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have read a lot of the negative reviews here and i have to say, they sound like people that wanted a Camry and left with an FJ Cruiser. Seriously, "it has a stiff suspension and isn't comfortable". One a Wrangler will rattle your fillings out on a daily commute, i know traded mine in on the cruiser. Two, that's called an off road suspension, if it were squishy it would bottom out on every bump. You have to realize this vehicle keeps its value because they don't make many of them, and its made for a specific market, offroading. If you have no intention on doing some trail driving, then you really don't have any business owning one. The good thing about you accidentally rushing into a purchase of a vehicle over 25k brand new is it has the second best resale value of any vehicle on the market. So you wont get all of your money back but you'd be better off than most any other vehicle. Drive one, drive it a while too. Don't buy it the day you go to the dealership. Sit on it, and think, are the blind spots something i can deal with? Is the fact it takes up most of a lane of traffic something i am ok with? Aside from that if you can live with those two things it is a wonderful vehicle myself and family have had more than enough fun with. Worth every penny! Oh and for all you gas mileage nuts out there, You don't buy a vehicle that is designed for offroading, 4x4, heavy, high off the ground, and that has a very large V6 and expect good mileage, unless your nuts. And i mean that. Its gas mileage is not as bad as my 2002 Dodge 3500 work truck but much better than the Wrangler i traded for it."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Disappointing on all Levels

By Abngrunt (VA) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Uniques looks, apparently lots of off road ability"

Cons: "Poor Design and Execution"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought the FJ last year at this time, thinking it was different and was told it had all kinds of capabilities. What I have found that the capabilities that are shared during the sales experience will most likely never happen, "Fording 28 inches of water" really! It's rolling box, that gets terrible gas mileage, it is not user friendly at all, sight lines are awful, I can't begin to tell you how many time I have almost hit someone in the blind spots. The interior is not at all user friendly, and its really noisy inside, and getting things in and out of the back seat, even with the small doors is nearly impossible. The single piece door is heavy and bulky, again making it almost useless. I have had to replace 4 TPWS sensors, and the light just came on again. Quality control was awful. It was sold a luxury (or at least priced as one) mid-size SUV. In my opinion its just a poorly designed vehicle. Had I to do it over again, I would not buy this vehicle."

5 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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Awesome vehicle!

By F (CA) on Sunday, March 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Off Road Power ride"

Cons: "not a family car but not a con for me!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you want to anywhere anytime this is it. HWY,City and Off road handles it all. I have been though knee high water , up some pretty steep hills and soft dirt handles all equally well. I did put BF goodrich all terrains on and wow! I got 275/70x16 without lift or steering issues. 4 adults easy! Wish small widow roll down but minor wish. Great 2 person and equipment offroad machine."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 389 reviews