2010 FJ Cruiser

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The FJ Cruiser does exactly what it's supposed to do: Excel as a top-notch off-roading machine. But it's still a decent enough performer on the pavement, even though the non-off-roaders in its class offer smoother rides and quieter engines. For off-roading, the FJ Cruiser offers an All-Terrain Package that comes with a locking rear differential, A-TRAC Active Traction Control and floating ball-type multi-information display (with an inclinometer, compass and temperature).

• "Cruising along in the low gear, the engine has a high-pitched whine that makes you feel like you're filming a segment of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom TV show." -- BusinessWeek
• "Among the pros are a strong V6 engine that does an admirable job of scooting 4,295 pounds from a dead stop, a five-speed automatic transmission characterized by smooth shifts, and rack-and-pinion steering that's dialed in nicely." -- Autoweb
• "On pavement, the precise steering, smooth ride and surprisingly low wind noise at freeway speeds make for an affable commuter." -- Edmunds
• "Like a Hummer, the FJ feels huge but with small windows. It drives like a Tacoma, meaning getting there is less than half the fun." -- Car and Driver

Acceleration and Power

The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser features an updated 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 258 horsepower, an increase of 19 horsepower over last year's model. It is available with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or an optional six-speed manual for the full-time 4WD model. Along with the added power, the new engine comes with better fuel economy -- a plus considering that low gas mileage was a major complaint on the 2009 model.

The EPA has not yet rated the 2010 model, but it's expected to net a one mile-per-gallon increase. The 2009 2WD model achieves 17/21 mpg city/highway. The 4WD model achieves 16/20 with the automatic transmission and 14/19 with the manual. These figures are a little better than average for an off-road SUV, but they fall in the bottom half of their class when compared to non-off-roaders. The Jeep Patriot and Suzuki Grand Vitara are the two off-roaders that achieve the best fuel economy.

• "Only 4WD FJs have been made available for testing. They have adequate pep with either transmission, though with the automatic, the V6 can feel overmatched by vehicle weight in passing maneuvers and on long uphill stretches. An automatic version did 7.2 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. The manual has long throws but light clutch action." -- Consumer Guide
• "The engine will delight you and drive you nuts. The torque-rich V-6, shared with Toyota's Tacoma and Tundra pickups, moves FJ smoothly at low speed, common in urban traffic as it is off-road, and gives the rugged truck an unexpected, easygoing nature." -- USA Today
• "I enjoyed driving both transmissions. The manual feels appropriate in a truck of this type, and its six gears are generous.... The automatic is typical Toyota: responsive, smooth and unobtrusive." -- Cars.com

Handling and Braking

The consensus is that the FJ Cruiser offers good handling, although it's not as smooth or nimble as crossover SUVs. Competitors that are smoother on the pavement include the Ford Flex and Toyota 4Runner. Minor suspension updates for 2010 are expected to reduce the turning radius by more than a foot.

• "Firm but compliant suspension combines with tall-sidewall mud and snow tires to flatten most road bumps with little jolt or body quiver. FJ's relatively short wheelbase results in bouncy body motions on uneven surfaces." -- Consumer Guide
• "On-road handling feels slightly better than a similarly outfitted 4Runner, where the FJ Cruiser enjoys a marginally more planted and stable cornering attitude." -- Road and Track