If the FJ Cruiser were a person, I’m sure it’d do well at parties. The 2012 FJ can be considered a mid-sized SUV, but that’s really telling half the story. This retro themed off-road attraction is fun to look at and stays equally as attractive in the elements, but the pleasure seeking lifestyle does have its drawbacks. Think of the FJ like an energetic puppy; it loves to get out, always waiting by the door, tailpipe wagging for that next romp into the mud. It’s a little rough around the edges, though in the end, you can’t help but to fall in love. With that in mind, on we go…
Give your overstressed mind a break and check out the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Trims And Features
The 2012 FJ Cruiser is available in a single trim format with a choice of rear-wheel, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD drivetrains. There are a number of features that make the FJ cruise, including V6 4X4 capable performance, a 2-tone color exterior, rear access doors, skid plates for the engine and suspension, all-weather vinyl floors, and water resistant seats. A number of packaged upgrades are available, including the TRD and Trail Teams Packages, offering things like exterior aesthetic touches and improved shocks and tires- off-road orientated of course. Check out everything here at Carwoo.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Performance
Toyota has fitted the FJ Cruiser with a 4.0 liter V6 capable of 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the rear-wheel drive and part-time 4WD FJs come with a 5-speed automatic transmission and automatic limited slip differential. The full-time 4WD edition gets a 6-speed manual and a locking rear differential.
Tow capacity for every FJ is 5,000 pounds.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Fuel Economy
Rear-wheel FJs receive an EPA estimated 17/20/19 (city/highway/combined) MPG, while the part-time 4WD model loses an overall MPG for 17/20/18. Full-time 4WD models suffer slightly more and end up at 15/18/16.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Interior Highlights
Those looking for more uniqueness inside the FJ will be able to nod approvingly. There are a few too many plastics for some, but this is an off-road orientated setup. Toyota chose not to go too complicated here, so necessary controls are all within an acceptable reaching range. The Cruiser will fit 5- 2 up front by way of normal doors, while the 3 in the 60/40 split rear seats must traverse the rear ‘suicide’ style hinge doors. Useful wear and tear preventative features include water resistant fabric draped seats and an all-weather floor that Toyota dubs ‘heavy duty,’ which can only mean that you’ll have to try a little harder to destroy it. Storage space is good, with 66.8 cubic feet behind the front seats, and 27.9 cubes with the back seats upright.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Safety
FJ Cruiser standards include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, front seat-side airbags, and 2-row side curtain bags. Extras include both a rearview camera and parking sensors for Saturday night parking. These are optional on all trims, and many say it’s worth the cost due to FJ’s minimal rear visibility. The 2012 FJ gets good crash grades for frontal and side impacts; the IIHS gives both its top rating of ‘good,’ though roof strength is less impressive with a 2nd place score of ‘acceptable.’ Government testing agrees, giving rollover damage results 3/5 stars.
FJ’s Bottom Line
If you yearn to live in a retro-styled world with enough modern conveniences to survive the urban jungle, this may be your stop. Granted, this puppy isn’t the most family orientated SUV out there, but if you like getting off the beaten path, or just looking like you do, you’ll probably end up branding the FJ as one of your own. Check out the 2012 FJ Cruiser and its irresistible charm now, at Carwoo.
