Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a compact, retro-style SUV that is excellent for off-road adventures. The model was discontinued in the US in 2014 due to a dip in sales since the start of the recession. So, if you want to buy a car similar to a Toyota FJ Cruiser then you can choose from –
- Jeep Wrangler
- Nissan Xterra
- Suzuki Jimny
- Land Rover Defender
- Toyota 4Runner
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Porsche Macan
- Audi Q5
This article takes you through different vehicle models that are similar to the FJ cruiser that you can buy. We’ll take you through the features and specs to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading!
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the closest vehicle to the FJ Cruiser in the market; it looks as vintage as the FJ cruiser and is great for off-road. The jeep wrangler is more powerful than the FJ cruiser and has a 3.6L engine that produces up to 285 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260lb-ft of torque. It also has a turbo option with a V6 engine. The wrangler has enough torque to handle off-roading, climb hills, and rocks, and come out of any sticky situation with ease.
This vehicle is also more fuel-efficient than the Toyota FJ cruiser and has an MPG of 18 in the city, 21 on the highway, and 19 combined. Like the FJ, the jeep wrangler also has an option of a manual transmission to offer you more control over the vehicle’s torque and speed. The 2019 wrangler has a 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission that gives the vehicle an advantage.
Another feature that makes the wrangler popular is its outstanding exterior design. It has a tough and rugged design that is still cute. It also has a rare spare tire that makes it resemble the FJ cruiser even more conspicuously. The wrangler’s roof and doors can also be dismantled partially to make the vehicle a lightweight off-roader.
Specifications Of The Jeep Wrangler
| Mileage | 12.1 km |
| Engine displacement | 1998cc |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Airbags | Yes |
| Seats | 5 |
| BHP | 268.0 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Max power | 268bhp@5250rpm |
| Max torque | 400nm@3000rpm |
| Ground clearance | 9.7″ |
| Approach angle | 41.4 degrees |
| Departure angle | 36.1 degrees |
| Breakover angle | 20.3 degrees |
| Fording depth | 30″ |
| wheelbase | 118.4″ |
2. Toyota 4Runner
If you are looking for something from Toyota that resembles the FJ Cruiser, we recommend the Toyota 4Runner. This vehicle is relatively bigger and pricier, but it is excellent on the road and the trail. The 4runner is quite similar to the FJ Cruiser, considering both models have: a 4-liter V6 gas engine, 5- speed automatic transmission, a 4WD powertrain, a 5-person capacity, and a 4,700 lb. towing capacity.
These similarities mean that both vehicle models are equally reliable and excellent for off-road ventures. The only downside with 4runners is that they are pricy, whether you buy a new or used vehicle. However, the features that come with the vehicle make it worth the price. It also holds its value quite well, and you are guaranteed to get a good deal if you choose to trade in or resell your car in the future.
Toyota 4Runner exhibits advantages over the FJ cruiser, such as a roomier interior, luxurious touches, interior insulation, and technological gadgets. It has three-row seating, which offers ample legroom and space for children’s car seats and adult passengers. It makes the perfect car for anyone who wants a comfortable and spacious off-roader.
Specifications Of The Toyota 4Runner
| Fuel efficiency mpg | 16city /19 highway |
| Fuel tank capacity | 23 gallons |
| horsepower | 270 RPM |
| Torque | 278lb-ft |
| Cargo space | 46.3-47.2ft^3 |
| Wheelbase | 109.8″ |
| Wheel size | 20″ x7.5″ |
| Rear seat legroom | 32.9″ |
| Turning diameter | 37.4″ |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Suspension | Double wishbone |
| Ground clearance | 9.6″ |
| Approach angle | 33 degrees |
| Departure angle | 26 degrees |
3. Landrover Defender
The Landrover defender has a modern design that closely resembles the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It comes packed with tons of useful tech that make off-roading more fun and enjoyable. The vehicle has a six-cylinder engine and a mild hybrid system that produces up to 395 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft of torque. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission that distributes power to all four wheels.
The Landrover defender is different from all other Land Rover SUVs because it has a unibody design and not a body-on-frame design. This design makes it perfect for off-roading with a smooth ride on the road. You also have the option of adding an air suspension system that can increase your ground clearance significantly.
The Landrover defender is a good alternative to the FJ Cruiser if you want a luxury SUV that can handle off-roading and daily driving exceptionally well. It comes with amazing tech features that make it well-equipped for handling challenging terrain.
| Engine capacity | 1999 cc |
| Maximum power PS/kW/rpm | 200/147/3.750-4.000 |
| Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) | 430/1,400-3,000 |
| transmission | Automatic |
| Maximum speed | 109 mph |
| Acceleration 0-60mph | 9,6 |
| Fuel economy combined 1l100km | 7.6 |
| Tank capacity | 89 liters |
| wheelbase | 2.587 |
| Rear-wheel track | 1.6699,6 coil suspension1.701,8 air suspension |
| Front-wheel track | 1.704,1 coil suspension1.706,2 air suspension |
4. Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra has a lot of similarities to the FJ Cruiser; both vehicles are reliable with almost similar horsepower. The Xterra has a better fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon and is offered in the rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. It is also easier to steer and drive and is more comfortable than the FJ cruiser.
If you are interested in more cargo volume, then the Nissan Xterra will be perfect for you because it features 1028l cargo space while the FJ cruiser has 790l. It also has a larger fuel tank meaning you will drive a long distance before you need a refill.
Specifications Of The Nissan Xterra
| Engine type | Regular unleaded v-6 |
| Displacement | 4.0L/241 |
| Net horsepower @ RPM | 261@5600 |
| Net torque @RPM | 281@4000 |
| Combined fuel economy | 18mpg |
| EPA fuel economy city | 16 mpg |
| EPA fuel economy highway | 22mpg |
| Transmission | Automatic w/OD |
| Front suspension type | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Leaf |
| Front axle ratio | 3.13 |
| Rear axle ratio | 3.13 |
5. Ford Bronco
Ford bronco comes as close to the FJ cruiser as it possibly could. It brings out the retro- SUV design of the Toyota FJ cruiser and better off-road capabilities. This vehicle also has a convertible top and comes in four and two-door body styles. The interior is made of durable materials with a simplistic design.
This vehicle has all-wheel drive and an option of either a twin-turbo v6 or a turbo four. These engines are responsive and quick, but they slack when it comes to fuel efficiency. It has impressive on-road performance with more precise steering. The vehicle is equipped with the softest suspension and large tires and can tow up to 3500 pounds.
The infotainment system and safety assistance features on the ford bronco are also worth noting. It has in-dash software that powers the touchscreen on the dashboard. It can connect to your smartphone or cloud wirelessly and supports other features like apple car play and android auto. The driver assistant technology features parking sensors and automatic high beams. It also has technology that makes trail driving and low-speed rock crawling easier. If you want a stylish retro-style SUV that is safe and fun to drive, the ford bronco is best for you.
Specifications Of The Ford Bronco
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged and intercooler v6 |
| Displacement | 164in3 |
| Power | 330 hp@5250rpm |
| torque | 415 lb.-ft @3100 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in |
| Combined fuel economy | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy city | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy highway | 17 mpg |
| Passenger | 4- passenger |
Wrapping Up
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed to meet the needs of those who love trail driving and appreciate a retro-style SUV. The vehicle is powerful and drives excellently on every terrain. Since they no longer bring this model to the US, you might consider getting a used model. If you don’t fancy buying a used car, you will have to get an alternative model.
We hope that you find a suitable one from the suggestions on our list. We tried our best to give you a model that looks and performs similarly to the FJ Cruiser. Go ahead and pick a model to buy and get back to us with what you choose and how it performs. We assure you that all the models are great and you will not be disappointed.
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim , a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing .