2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Legendary reputations don’t come easily. The 2012 FJ Cruiser path to respect began one summer day sixty years ago when its predecessor, then called the BJ, ventured up the vast slope of Mt. Fuji and accomplished something no other vehicle in history had, climbing to the spot known as Checkpoint No. 6. This event marked more than simply the triumph of one vehicle over one arduous challenge. It heralded the emergence of Land Cruiser as an off road icon. Today, more than four million Land Cruisers later, its heir, the FJ Cruiser, embodies all the rugged capabilities that those early Toyota SUVs became known for and more. The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Twenty-fi ve-degree grades. Frame-bending boulders. Dizzying drop-off s. The sort of challenges nature presents when you tackle trails like Rubicon or Moab’s Poison Spider Mesa. But fi ve decades of off -road experience has given 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser the capability to handle them. Its V6 engine churns out 260 hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, in part thanks to Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The available 6-speed manual transmission features a 2-speed transfer case as well as an electronically controlled locking rear diff erential, to help ensure the power goes where it’s needed. The independent front suspension system delivers nearly eight inches of wheel travel, while the 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod provides more than nine inches. And rock solid body on frame construction keeps the FJ
Cruiser rigid regardless of the terrain.

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

 It’s no surprise a vehicle like Toyota FJ Cruiser is able to reach the trail’s end in one piece. But 2012 FJ Cruiser also handles pavement with equal profi ciency. Its Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) adjusts engine power and braking to help maintain the direction in which it’s been steered, while Traction Control (TRAC) helps reduce slipping when accelerating. So enjoy the ride. You may find gloating makes the drive home shorter.

There’s not a lot of level ground in the 2012 FJ Cruiser natural habitat. That’s why the FJ off ers equipment to help keep you in control at all times. There’s an available Multi-Information Display, complete with an inclinometer you’ll no doubt consult frequently. There’s an available advanced JBL audio system and standard Bluetooth wireless technology. That, and the steering wheelmounted controls will help you keep your hands on the wheel. Plus, the 8-way adjustable driver’s seat is bolstered to help keep you secure, no matter what the ground is doing below. The available floating-ball Multi-Information Display includes such helpful tools as an inclinometer, compass and outside temperature gauge. The standard audio system offers hands-free phone and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and a 90-day trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Included are an auxiliary audio jack and USB port that lets you play music from a compatible MP3 player or flash drive. Steering wheel-mounted controls help you operate the system while keeping your eyes on the trail ahead.

A true measure of strength is enduring an extreme challenge, and then having the ability to dust yourself off and jump back into the fray. By that standard, the interior of FJ Cruiser is well put together. When it’s time to head out into the middle of nowhere, the passenger seat is designed to fold way forward, to easily load passengers and cargo. Adding even more fl exibility are the two full-size passenger doors and two rear access doors. Together, they open wide, making it easy to clean out dust and debris each time you emerge from another one of nature’s obstacle courses. A must-have for any serious off-roading. These handy tie downs help keep your gear in place when your rig is rocking and rolling.


Get your gear on. The vast cargo area found in FJ Cruiser, with its 60/40 split rear seat and removable bottom cushion, can handle all manner of weekend warrior ordnance. Just drop the seatbacks to open up 66.8 cu. ft. of cargo space. Plus, waterresistant seats and heavy-duty all-weather flooring and rear deck make cleaning easy. Power up. With the available 115V/400W AC power outlet, you’ve got the juice to recharge electronic devices or run small equipment, like an air compressor for refilling the tires.


Package includes Radiant Red exterior color (including roof); black bumpers, grille, door handles, power outside mirrors with illuminated markers and rock rails; Trail Teams badge, TRD 16-in. 6-spoke Special Edition alloy wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain LT265/75R16 tires, wheel locks, rear wiper, privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear door windows, roof rack; cruise control, leather-trimmed steering wheel, floating-ball Multi-Information Display with inclinometer, compass and outside temperature; red-accented door trim, fabric seat inserts and steering wheel; remote keyless entry system, auto dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera2 display, one 115V/400W AC power outlet, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), electronically controlled locking rear differential,3 and Trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers.

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