It’s tough to resist climbing into the front of Toyota’s distinctive FJ Cruiser and hitting the road.
The two-tone, sporty exterior catches the eyes of just about everyone on the road. The great news is that the 5-passenger SUV is as exciting to drive as it is to admire. The 2009 FJ Cruiser hasn’t been modified since mid-2008, according to Toyota. One drive will show you why – it’s a terrific ride.
This truck may be built for off-road adventures but it’s smooth and steady on pavement, too. There’s no hesitation whether you’re driving across back roads or smooth pavement. That power is due to the 239 hp 4.0-liter V-6 engine on all models and what is obviously a top-notch front and wheels suspension. Plus, the anti-lock disc brakes are more than up to the task of stopping this powerful five-passenger SUV fast. That’s more than many of its competitors can claim.
Although it’s true that this vehicle was designed for active guys there’s plenty here for families to love. The truck has the Star Safety System, which includes everything from Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control to 4-wheel Anti Lock Brakes, and dual stage air bags. Those systems have earned the truck top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Although some reviews have noted limited visibility from the car due to design, that wasn’t found in this test drive.
The truck used for this review didn’t have a backup camera/monitor, but the windows in the FJ Cruiser allowed plenty of visibility. That’s not true of many other competing SUVs that have small windows and lower seats.
Before you dismiss this SUV due to the less-than-impressive 17-mpg city, 21-mpg (2 WD) highway ratings, look at what you get. This is a big truck with plenty of heft, which not only plows over rough terrain but also protects passengers during a crash. Plus it’s plenty roomy with space for the bikes, boxes, and other gear active families need. The FJ Cruiser boasts 66.8 cubic feet behind the front seats and 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That’s fairly standard on SUVs of this size, but definitely not skimpy.
Take a glance at the interior and you know this car is for those that love the outdoors. The water-resistant-cloth covered seats, rubberized floor and cargo mats and the industrial-strength looking dashboard would clearly be easy to clean or even hose down. No more worries about ruining the carpet with caked in mud or spilled sports drinks. The interior can be wiped down and still look great. If you’re looking for plush carpeting and leather, though, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere.
The FJ Cruiser’s interior is para-military sporty with silver trim, and analog instrument meters with backlit white surface area to the pounded-steel-looking faced dashboard.
With an affordable MSRP of $23,320, the FJ Cruiser should be tops on any SUV shopper’s list.
SPECS BOX
2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
(Note: No modifications have been made to the 2009 model since the mid-2008 models)
Engine: 239 hp 4.0-liter V-6 engine
Transmission: Choice of an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission;
Fuel economy: 17-mpg city, 21-mpg (2-WD); 16-mpg city, 20-mpg highway (4-WD, automatic, 5-speed)
MSRP: Starting at $23,320
