Used 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

For those old enough to remember, the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV is vaguely reminiscent of the original FJ40 Land Cruisers that help build the company’s reputation for rugged durability roughly a half-century ago. While it certainly looks newer, it has kept the original’s straightforward feel, with no excess luxury trimmings or frills – just the capability to go nearly anywhere. Some might line it up against the Jeep Wrangler, but there are significant differences. The FJ’s roof is not removable and the FJ is obviously finished to a higher level than the decidedly more utilitarian Jeep.

It’s an SUV, yes, but the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser really is a vehicle for all seven days of the week, with noteworthy capabilities off-road and accommodating manners on the highway. Perhaps our biggest complaint is that the narrow windows and big pillars result in limited outward visibility with really annoying blind spots that make maneuvering in traffic or changing lanes awkward and difficult. Otherwise, it’s like driving any Toyota pickup. Go where the pavement ends, however, and it’s in its element. The big tires, ample ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles and helpful traction control give the FJ outstanding capabilities in dealing with the wilderness primeval. It’s wider than the Jeep Wrangler, but it’s far better in everyday life. Overall, the FJ has a lot to offer in comparison to the Wrangler or the Nissan Xterra, and we think that for daily driving it would be the best of the three.

Toyota engineers and designers gave the 2014 FJ Cruiser an interior that’s very well-suited to a combination of off-road rigors and daily driving commutes. It’s functional, durable, modern and accommodatingly comfortable. Seats are upholstered in water-resistant fabric and rubber is used on the floor. Rear-seat bottoms are removable for extra storage space and large rotary knobs can be operated while wearing gloves. Keeping watch over the proceedings is the inclinometer, which measures tilt of the body and might help prevent the embarrassment of tipping the SUV over and into the bottom of some canyon.

You won’t lose the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the mall parking lot. With its height, distinctive round headlights, rectangular grille, 2-tone color treatment and roof rack, the FJ is not only an obvious SUV descendant of the original FJ, it’s unlike anything else on the road. Add in the big tires, the rear-mounted spare, optional floodlights on the mirrors and three wiper arms to deal with the narrow windshield, and the FJ is definitely making a statement of rugged readiness.

ALL-AROUND CAPABILITIES
Vehicles that are good off-road tend to be awkward, uncomfortable or annoying in daily use but, except for the limited visibility, the FJ Cruiser is just fine as a daily driver, and that’s a plus.

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

For 2014, the well-equipped base 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 with the manual transmission and optional with the automatic).

Optional equipment for the Toyota FJ Cruiser includes keyless entry, cruise control, rear parking assist, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 10-speaker JBL audio system with powered subwoofer and a 115V/400W power outlet. Off-road options include the Off-Road Package, automatic transmission (4WD models) with a rear differential lock, A-TRAC active traction control and an inclinometer. The Trail Teams Special Edition Package includes the Off-Road Package, Cement Gray exterior paint with matching roof and black bumpers, front grille and door handles, mirror-mounted illumination markers, cyclone pre-air cleaner, trail-rated Bilstein shocks, rearview camera, JBL audio system, BFG All-Terrain tires, TRD alloy wheels and 12V/100W and 115V/400W outlets.

The FJ Cruiser is powered by a strong, durable and well-proven 4.0-liter V6 of 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, matched with either a 5-speed automatic transmission with the 2-wheel drive (2WD) or part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) system, or a 6-speed manual transmission with full-time 4WD. The 4WD models have a 2-speed transfer case. Locking differentials and a sophisticated traction-control system give the FJ extraordinary off-road capabilities, while steep approach and departure angles help with clambering over tough boulders and fording awkward rivers. The power goes to the ground through an independent front and live-axle rear suspension, and the FJ can tow trailers up to 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: 16/20 mpg (2WD, automatic), 15/18 mpg (4WD, manual), 17/20 mpg (4WD, automatic)