The FJ Cruiser comes in three very similar trim levels: a rear-wheel drive with 5-speed automatic; a 4-wheel drive with 6-speed manual; and a 4-wheel drive and 5-speed automatic. All FJ Cruisers have a 4.0L V6 with variable valve timing, which produces 258 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and allows the FJ to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The regular-issue FJ Cruiser comes standard with the 2-tone paint scheme (color-keyed body and white top), rear-hinged half-doors for rear seat access and 17-inch black steel wheels. Toyota's Star Safety System is also standard. It includes stability control, traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. It also comes with dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted airbags and side-curtain airbags. Rear parking assist is available as part of the Convenience Package.
The interior is designed specifically for people who don't mind getting muddy for fun. Seats are water resistant and the floor and deck mat are made of rubber. The rear seat folds flat for extra cargo space. Air conditioning is standard. There are four map pockets and backlit analog instruments in the dash. A 6-speaker CD/MP3 stereo is standard, but a 10-speaker JBL system are available.
The Convenience package adds remote keyless entry, a rear wiper, a rear view camera, cruise control and power mirrors. The Upgrade package has alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, brushed aluminum interior trim and a 10-speaker JBL sound system, a 120V power outlet, rear backup sonar assist and on 4-wheel drive models, active traction control and an off-road data display.
The Trail Team Special Edition starts out as a trail-ready FJ Cruiser, but adds off-road and appearance tweaks. First of all, it gets a special shade of Army green inside and out. It gets the Bilstein shocks, traction control, off-road display, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, privacy glass, rear wiper, backup camera, JBL 10-speaker stereo, but also BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, daytime running lights and rock rails.
A new Off-Road package that includes Bilstein shocks and a special off-road information display, active traction control and special off-road suspension has been added for 2011. The stereo got a subtle upgrade with iPod and USB input, satellite radio and Bluetooth.
Sun Fusion, Sandstorm paints are no longer available.
The FJ Cruiser's quirky design's underpinnings are based on Toyota's Tacoma, and the FJ's performance on unpaved terrain does the brand proud. The 4.0L V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and the utilitarian interior can accommodate five passengers and their gear.
