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10 Cool Facts About the Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser blended FJ40-inspired looks with unusual rear access, off-road hardware and a limited 2014 sendoff. Here are 10 facts worth knowing.
Entry238 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The Toyota FJ Cruiser paired FJ40-inspired styling with practical quirks and serious off-road hardware. Here are 10 facts that explain what made it stand out, with specifications clearly tied to the 2014 model year where applicable.

1. Its retro design took cues from the FJ40

Toyota drew on the classic FJ40 for the FJ Cruiser’s two round headlights, shaped hood and fenders, and exposed full-size spare tire mounted at the rear. Toyota dates FJ40 sales in the United States from 1960 to 1983. Toyota USA Newsroom

2. The rear doors open like clamshells

The FJ Cruiser’s side access doors open 90 degrees, providing access to the back seat. The arrangement gives the SUV a distinctive profile while making its two-door-looking body usable for rear passengers. Toyota USA Newsroom

3. The rear window opens independently

A swing-up glass hatch is built into the side-hinged tailgate, so the glass can be opened separately. Toyota noted that this can help when loading longer items. Toyota USA Newsroom

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#1 Best Overall
Toyota Fj Cruiser
  • Used Book in Good Condition

4. Toyota built in off-road protection

For the 2014 model year, Toyota listed engine, fuel-tank and—on 4×4 models—transfer-case skid plates as standard. Toyota also described a boxed steel frame reinforced with ladder bracing, part of the vehicle’s foundation for off-road use. Toyota USA Newsroom

5. The 2014 V6 used regular-grade fuel

The 2014 FJ Cruiser’s 4.0-liter V6 was rated by Toyota at 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, and Toyota specified regular-grade fuel. Those are 2014 model-year figures, not a blanket specification for every FJ Cruiser. Toyota USA Newsroom

6. The 2014 4×4’s drivetrain depended on the transmission

Toyota offered two different four-wheel-drive arrangements in the 2014 model year. The manual-transmission 4×4 used full-time four-wheel drive with a locking TORSEN center differential; the automatic-transmission 4×4 used part-time four-wheel drive. They are distinct systems, so a used FJ’s transmission and configuration matter when comparing how its 4×4 operates. Toyota USA Newsroom

7. The manual 4×4 had the lower crawl ratio

Toyota gave the 2014 manual 4×4 a 41.84:1 crawl ratio, compared with 33.76:1 for the 2014 automatic 4×4. The ratios are configuration-specific and should not be separated from their respective transmissions and model year. Toyota USA Newsroom

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Rank #3
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser FJ Owners Manual Factory Issue
  • Owner Manual. Also called an operating manual, this book acquaints the owner with the operating controls of the vehicle, recommends certain maintenance minor service procedures, includes brief specifications & capabilities. Driver & Passenger Safety. Checking & Replacing Fuses. Tire Pressure and Fluid Levels. Instruments & Controls. Maintenance & Driving Info.

8. Its 2014 dimensions supported off-road driving

Toyota listed standard P265/70 R17 tires—described as 32-inch tires—for the 2014 FJ Cruiser. The company’s geometry figures varied by drivetrain:

2014 configuration Ground clearance Approach angle Departure angle
4×4 9.6 inches 34 degrees 31 degrees
4×2 8.7 inches 32 degrees 30 degrees

These are Toyota’s published figures for the 2014 model year. On a used vehicle, check its tire placard and actual equipment: wheels, tires, lifts and other modifications can differ from the original setup. Toyota USA Newsroom

9. The 2014 model could tow up to 4,700 pounds

Toyota listed a maximum towing capacity of up to 4,700 pounds for the 2014 FJ Cruiser when equipped with the optional Class Four receiver hitch. Toyota said the figure followed SAE J2807 standards; it does not describe every configuration without that equipment. Toyota USA Newsroom

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10. A limited edition marked the end of production

On November 5, 2013, Toyota announced that FJ Cruiser production would end after the 2014 model year. The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition was planned for a run of 2,500 vehicles, with Heritage Blue paint, a white grille surround, a TRD skid plate and off-road-tuned suspension. Toyota also reported that more than 200,000 FJ Cruisers had been sold since 2006. Toyota USA Newsroom

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One historical item to check on a used FJ

A Toyota campaign document hosted by NHTSA concerns certain—not all—2008–2011 FJ Cruisers equipped with both TRD accessory wheels and Toyota-recommended LT tires. The issue involved TPMS warning calibration; Toyota’s described remedy was a TPMS ECU replacement and updated tire/loading label at no charge. Because applicability is vehicle-specific and the campaign record is historical, ask a Toyota dealer to check the VIN for current status. NHTSA

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Toyota Fj Cruiser
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Used Book in Good Condition
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