Lee Toyota of Topsham

The Toyota FJ Cruiser, which melds the brand's off-road legacy with distinct heritage design in a modern SUV, gets a more powerful engine and a unique new trail-oriented Special Edition Package for 2010. Engine changes also help boost the EPA estimated combined fuel economy ratings from 17 mpg to 18 mpg, and the switch to recommended regular-grade fuel can help reduce operating costs, as well.

 

A new Trail Teams Special Edition package draws on Toyota's off-road heritage and equips the FJ Cruiser for off-road driving adventures. The 2010 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition looks the part of a safari vehicle with exclusive Sandstorm exterior color (including the roof) and hood blackout paint, along with other blackout components. Backing up the rugged styling is an array of equipment designed to enhance trail driving capability.

The FJ Cruiser is powered by a DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine, newly equipped for 2010 with a new dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system (variable phasing for both the intake and exhaust cams) and new roller rockers. The changes help boost horsepower to 258, up from 239. Peak torque is now 270 lb.-ft., and the broad torque curve facilitates easy cruising on or off-road. The V6 offers a gratifying exhaust note, while special sound-absorbing material under the engine cover helps keep the cabin quiet. The FJ Cruiser meets the stringent LEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions certification.

 

The FJ Cruiser 4x4 offers a choice between an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission; the 4x2 model is equipped exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission. The automatic varies the shifting pattern based on road conditions and driver input.

 

Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser from the start for serious trail driving capability. The FJ Cruiser's tough, wide stance is based around a frame and front-and-rear suspension systems adapted from those found on the Toyota 120-Series Prado (Land Cruiser Prado in some markets). The frame is a boxed steel ladder-braced unit to which the FJ Cruiser's welded steel body is mounted. Double-wishbone independent front suspension offers 7.87 inches of wheel travel for outstanding suspension articulation. Its geometry is optimized for excellent road feel and ride comfort.

 

The solid rear axle uses a four-link coil-spring suspension system with a lateral rod, tubular shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. This system provides 9.1 inches of wheel travel. The disc-brake system uses ventilated 12.6-inch front and 12.3-inch rear rotors. The FJ Cruiser employs a variable-ratio, hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. Standard wheels are 17-inch steel with P265/70 R17 tires; six-spoke aluminum wheels available as an option.

 

With the FJ Cruiser's standard 32-inch tires, ground clearance is 9.6 inches (8.7 inches for 4x2 models). Approach and departure angles are 34 degrees/31 degrees for the 4x4 FJ Cruiser and 32/30 for the 4x2 model. Maximum towing capacity with the optional Class Four receiver hitch is 5,000 pounds.

 

 

The FJ Cruiser provides a comprehensive standard safety package, including the standard front seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row roll sensing side curtain airbags. Dual-stage front driver and passenger advanced airbags deploy based on impact type and severity.

 

Additionally, the FJ Cruiser is equipped with active headrests for the front seats and provides the LATCH child-restraint system. In certain rear collisions, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant's head.

 

As with all Toyota SUVs, the FJ Cruiser is equipped as standard with Toyota's STAR Safety System? that includes VSC, Traction Control (TRAC), an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The roll sensing side curtain airbags can detect a potential rollover and signal the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system to help reduce a lateral skid. 

 

In addition, the rollover senser can signal the standard seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags to deploy.

The FJ Cruiser comes with a long list of standard features, including: air conditioning; power windows and door locks; black water-resistant seats; tilt steering wheel; four cup holders and two bottle holders; rear-window defogger; skid plates for the engine, transfer case and fuel-tank; rear-door-mounted full-size spare tire; front and rear tow hooks, and mudguards.

 

Three audio systems are available for the FJ Cruiser. An AM/FM/CD system with six speakers is standard. A pair of NXT SurfaceSound transducers convert the vehicle's ceiling into a speaker diaphragm (the FJ Cruiser was the first vehicle to use this audio technology). The ceiling transducers complement the conventional speakers elsewhere in the vehicle, creating broad, omni-directional sound dispersion.

With styling cues reminiscent of Toyota's famed FJ40 4x4 utility vehicle, sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983, the FJ Cruiser offers a youthful, contemporary spirit. The original FJ40, which during its production life served around the world as the safari and expedition vehicle of choice, is today a sought-after collectable.

 

Heritage design features include the front grille with two round, five-inch headlights, reminiscent of the FJ40's frontal styling; the hood and fender contours; and a rear-mounted and exposed full-size spare tire with an off-center license plate mount. 

 

The FJ Cruiser's interior combines heritage-inspired design with the comfort and convenience of a modern Toyota SUV. The dash is bordered by upper and lower tubular forms, which frame rectangular-shaped flat panels. Large control knobs provide easy grip, even when wearing gloves.  Switches for major functions, including climate and audio controls, and the optional locking rear differential, are mounted in the center dash panel within easy reach for the driver.

 

Seating materials are not only water-repellant, but also provide excellent ventilation. Seats are covered with a fabric backed by a special breathable resin coating to enhance the material's ability to shed liquids, making it easier seat wipe down and clean-up. Even the stitched seams of the seat covers are treated with sealant to prevent liquids from penetrating. The FJ Cruiser's floor surfaces are covered with an easy-to-clean rubber-type material.