Toyota FJ Cruiser Review

How the Toyota FJ Cruiser stacks up against the competition - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Price Range: $23,045 - $24,910

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the FJ Cruiser to the dealership as the average midsize SUV. When it comes to fuel economy, the average midsize SUV bests the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The average midsize SUV will save you money at the pump compared to the FJ Cruiser. The typical midsize SUV is substantially more expensive than the Toyota FJ Cruiser with respect to MSRP. With respect to out-the-door price, the average midsize SUV costs approximately as much as the FJ Cruiser (though the FJ Cruiser is slightly cheaper).

Utility
The average midsize SUV is likely a better choice than the Toyota FJ Cruiser regarding hauling capacity, especially if you frequently need to carry a lot of stuff or large animals. Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the average midsize SUV over the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Convenience
The Toyota FJ Cruiser's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the average midsize SUV. You'll doubtless have to take the Toyota FJ Cruiser for a fill-up more often than the average midsize SUV because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota FJ Cruiser offers a bit more head room than the typical midsize SUV, there really isn't much of a difference. The average midsize SUV provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the FJ Cruiser does.

Dimensions
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tad heavier than the average midsize SUV. The Toyota FJ Cruiser's tank is roughly the same size as the average midsize SUV's, though the average midsize SUV's is a bit bigger. The Toyota FJ Cruiser rides lower than the typical midsize SUV, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Toyota FJ Cruiser and the average midsize SUV compete for the same parking spaces.

Handling
The Toyota FJ Cruiser and the average midsize SUV have about comparable tires. With its tighter turning radius, the average midsize SUV is definitely nimbler than the Toyota FJ Cruiser, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the flip side, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The typical midsize SUV and the FJ Cruiser have similar-sized engines, with a slight advantage to the FJ Cruiser. The average midsize SUV could learn a lesson or two from the Toyota FJ Cruiser as far as torque.

Overview
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Toyota FJ Cruiser isn't quite as generous as the average midsize SUV's.

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