Toyota FJ Cruiser
| Price | From $44,000 (when new) |
|---|---|
| ANCAP Safety Rating | 5 stars (2011) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
The Toyota FJ Cruiser hit Australian showrooms in 2007 as a retro-inspired, purpose-built off-roader, designed to recapture the rugged spirit of the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser.
Underneath its distinctive boxy styling lies a durable body-on-frame chassis, a 4.0-litre V6 engine pushing solid power, and solid front and rear axles paired with a selectable four-wheel-drive system. These features combined to give the FJ Cruiser serious off-road chops, with good ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and reliable traction, making it a favourite for those who wanted a no-nonsense, go-anywhere 4×4. Production in Australia ceased by 2014.
Inside, the FJ Cruiser keeps things simple and rugged rather than plush. Hard-wearing materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and straightforward controls reflect its focus on function over luxury. While the cabin isn’t as spacious or refined as modern SUVs, it’s built to handle dirt, mud and wear without fuss.
Pros
- Tough, reliable 4.0-litre V6 with strong off-road capability
- Durable body-on-frame chassis with solid axles for rough terrain
- Iconic retro styling that stands out on and off the trail
Cons
- Limited interior space and comfort compared to modern SUVs
- Fuel consumption is relatively high for its class
- Discontinued in Australia, making parts and servicing less accessible over time
Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-litre V6 petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic / 6-speed manual (varies by model year) |
| Power | 200kW (varies with model year) |
| Torque | 380Nm (varies with model year) |
| Kerb Weight | ~1900kg |
| Payload | Approximately 550kg |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 2500kg (braked trailer) |
Off-road specs
| Off-Road Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Approach Angle | 36 |
| Departure Angle | 31 |
| Rampover Angle | 29 |
| Ground Clearance | 224mm |
| Wading Depth | 700mm |
Warranty
During its time on sale in Australia, the FJ Cruiser was covered by Toyota’s standard three-year/100,000km warranty, with capped-price servicing introduced in later model years. Servicing costs were reasonable for a petrol V6, with six-month or 10,000km intervals. While it’s no longer in production, Toyota’s wide dealer network and strong parts availability help keep ongoing maintenance manageable, though some trim-specific components may now require aftermarket or second-hand sourcing.
Pricing
When new, the FJ Cruiser was priced from around $44,000 to $48,000 depending on spec and year. Since its Australian discontinuation in 2014, strong demand and limited supply have kept used prices high. Well-kept examples typically sell for $40,000 to $60,000, with late-model or low-kilometre units sometimes pushing beyond that, especially if fitted with quality off-road accessories. The FJ’s cult following, proven durability, and retro appeal continue to drive strong resale values in the used 4×4 market.
