Used Toyota FJ Cruiser Buying Guide

The Toyota FJ Cruiser only lasted one generation, but, boy, did it leave an impression! This used off-road SUV is still sought after over a decade after its last model hit showroom floors. If you’re looking for one today, there are some model years that fare better than others.

Key Takeaways:

• In 2010, Toyota added a more powerful 4.0-liter V6 to the FJ Cruiser and slightly improved fuel economy.
• Trail Teams Special Editions became some of the most desirable FJ Cruisers thanks to their exclusive colors and off-road gear.
• The 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition marked the end of North American production.

 

What Was the FJ Cruiser Like When It Debuted?

Toyota introduced the FJ Cruiser for the 2007 model year, giving buyers a midsize SUV built for adventure rather than luxury. Every model came with a 239-hp, 4.0-liter V6 producing 278 lb-ft of torque. It paired with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual, and buyers could choose rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

 

Fuel economy wasn’t the FJ Cruiser’s strong suit. Rear-wheel-drive automatic models returned 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. Four-wheel-drive versions were slightly less efficient, while manual-transmission models posted the lowest fuel economy of the bunch.

 

Unlike many SUVs, the FJ Cruiser wasn’t offered in multiple trim levels. Instead, Toyota relied on optional packages to give buyers different combinations of equipment.

 

Which Early Model Years Stand Out?

Toyota launched the first TRD Special Edition in 2007. Finished exclusively in black without the signature white roof, it added Bilstein shocks, TRD wheels, rock rails, and a TRD exhaust system for buyers planning to leave the pavement behind.

 

For 2008, Toyota replaced the TRD Special Edition with the All-Terrain Package. It had many of the same off-road upgrades but introduced an Iceberg White exterior. Buyers could also order an Upgrade Package that added alloy wheels, Toyota’s A-TRAC traction control system, a locking rear differential, and an upgraded audio system. The 2009 model remained mostly the same.

 

Why Do Many Buyers Prefer 2010 and Newer Models?

The biggest update came for 2010–Toyota revised the 4.0-liter V6, increasing output to 259 horsepower and 270 lb-ft while also squeezing out slightly better mileage numbers. Properly equipped automatic models got 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

That same year also introduced the first Trail Teams Special Edition. Finished in Sandstorm paint with unique upholstery, it became the first of several annual Trail Teams models that are still highly collectible today.

Toyota made another small adjustment for 2011, bumping output once again to 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. Those ratings remained unchanged through the final model year.

Which Special Editions Should You Consider?

Toyota released a new Trail Teams Special Edition nearly every year after 2010, each distinguished by exclusive paint colors and unique equipment. The 2011 version came in Army Green and featured a water-resistant interior. The 2012 model switched to Radiant Red while continuing to offer Bilstein shocks and other off-road upgrades through available TRD and Off-Road packages. For 2013, Toyota introduced a Cement Gray Trail Teams Special Edition.

The rarest (and most sought after) of them all is the 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition. Built to celebrate the FJ Cruiser’s final year in North America, it featured Heritage Blue paint, upgraded suspension components, bead-lock-style wheels, aggressive off-road tires, and additional skid plates.

Can You Get a Used FJ Cruiser Today?

Finding a used FJ Cruiser can take patience because clean examples don’t stay on the market for long. Contact us today at Arlington Toyota to see what we have in stock!