20 Cars Similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser refers to a mid-size SUV that offers a unique retro design that pays homage to the classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, a wildly popular off-road Toyota vehicle manufactured in the 1960s – 70s. Its rugged appearance and boxy design deliver in terms of off-road features by providing a spacious interior, advanced off-road technology, and safety features that add remarkable stability control.
In 2023, Toyota halted worldwide production of the FJ Cruiser, which was about a decade after the company stopped U.S. production. Its limited production and uniqueness have begun to make it a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts, and it has even developed a bit of a cult following that hasn’t hurt its resale value. However, this vehicle will need to cover some distance to be a member of the most expensive item in the world list.
The FJ Cruiser is appealing to many due to its comfortable ride combined with impressive off-road capabilities. But are there cars similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser that come near its iconic design and off-road prowess?
Our Methodology for Determining the 20 Cars Similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser
To determine those cars similar to the FJ Cruiser from Toyota, we reviewed vehicles that offer the same aspects and features that define the FJ Cruiser, including the following –
- Off-Road Capabilities: The FJ Cruiser is built with a robust, body-on-frame construction with solid axels. Its overall dimensions and wheelbase are short so that the car can crawl over even the most challenging of terrain. This capable off-roader provides extreme performance without sacrificing luxury by offering –
- A high ground clearance.
- Advanced suspension systems.
- A part-time, four-wheel drive system makes it the perfect choice for attacking challenging terrains.
- A Water-Resistant Interior: The spacious interior of the FJ Cruiser is appointed with modern features yet easily washable – with rubberized floors and water-resistant seats.
- Rear Access Doors: The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a distinctive design with a rear access door system that offers smaller doors and easier access to the rear seats when space is limited.
- Skid Plates: To enhance its off-road capabilities, the FJ Cruiser has skid plates that protect crucial engine and transmission components from rocks and other unexpected terrain obstacles.
Here are the twenty cars similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser if you are looking for alternatives to consider –
The 20 Cars Similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser
20. 2014 Jeep Wrangler
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler performs at its peak when you leave the paved road. The Jeep Wrangler is a no-nonsense vehicle that will likely overcome anything you throw at, thanks to a high ground clearance and four-wheel drive that comes standard and employs short approach angles and a tall ride to steer clear of obstacles. Other features include locking differentials, tunable shocks, and durable axles.
19. 2022 Toyota 4Runner
The mid-size Toyota 4runner includes one of the most advanced suspension systems for an SUV. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) provides power and stability control – by releasing the front and rear stabilizers independently. This expands the wheel’s range of motion to make the 4runner suitable for negotiating rugged terrains. The 4runner also includes the X-REAS Suspension System, which is responsible for maintaining the car’s stability by pumping oil from one part of the rear wheel to the outer part of the front wheel.
18. 2022 Kia Telluride
The Telluride from Kia offers the space that the FJ Cruiser lacks. If equipped with its 60/40-split second-row bench, this Kia SUV can seat up to eight people but can still seat seven without this specialized seat. According to Kia of Streetsboro, the Kia Telluride’s legroom measurements for the front, second-row, and third-row seats are as follows – 41.4”, 42.4 “, and 31.4 “, respectively. Even if you don’t need all the room for people, the car offers incredible space for gear, etc.
17. 2022 Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny features cruise control, remote central locking, manual air-conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels, and many add-ons, depending on the exact model appointments. Jimny’s interior, which, like its color, is a no-frills design, is a bit like a Lego space where each piece clicks into place. The Jimny is powered by a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed auto transmission, which includes the proprietary ‘AllGrip Pro’ part-time four-wheel drive system.
16. 2021 Isuzu MU-X
This Isuzu model is a great choice for people who prioritize safety in the vehicle they drive. The Isuzu MU-X SUV includes an Autonomous Emergency Braking feature that applies emergency braking when the vehicle senses a crash is imminent. In addition, the MU-X offers a mis-acceleration mitigation feature – which reacts (with the use of strategically placed cameras) should someone mistakenly hit the gas pedal to accelerate and cause a potential collision accidentally.
15. 2022 Nissan Terra XTERRA
This mid-size SUV from Nissan offers a sophisticated infotainment system, including a 9-inch touchscreen with various connectivity options. When driving off-road, you may hit a no-network coverage area that renders your phone’s Google Maps or Waze app useless. However, The Nissan Terra XTE#RRA has a built-in satellite navigation system to get you back moving in the right direction, and it won’t set you back a fortune, being the most expensive thing in the world to drive off road.
14. 2020 Land Rover Defender
If you are looking for a car similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser with some incredible towing capacity, the Land Rover Defender is among the best, with a towing capacity of up to 8,201 lbs. (which translates to pulling something that weighs the same as a flatbed truck), which equals the approximate weight of a flatbed truck. The Defender’s exceptional towing capacity is due to its standard 3.0L supercharged 8-speed automatic transmission V6 engine that delivers 340 horsepower along with 332 lb.- ft. of torque. In addition, Land Rover offers these towing features to assist – All-Terrain Progress Control ((ATPC), which allows you to focus on steering/control rather than speed to optimize traction), Dynamic Stability Control, and Electronic Power-assisted steering.
13. 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers a luxurious alternative with remarkable safety systems, including the Distronic Plus – an advanced adaptive cruise control system that accelerates/breaks/maintains a safe distance automatically from the car driving in front of your G-Class car. The system is configurable and allows the driver to set the distances for which they are most comfortable. No matter the movement of the vehicle ahead – whether it slows down or speeds up, your Mercedes Benz G-Class will make the adjustment contingent on your preset speed to avoid a potential crash.
12. 2021 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco needs no introduction to the world of off road adventures. The rugged Bronco from Ford is offered in either a two- or four-door design, a removable hard-top or soft roof, panels, and removable doors. The Ford Bronco also includes advanced off-road technology and has the G.O.A.T. Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes – to allow for a maximized performance as you change driving environments.
11. 2019 GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia offers remarkable climate control features that help accommodate each passenger’s preferences. With this model’s tri-zone auto climate control, each row of passengers controls the AC for that specific area. The Acadia also offers a rear-seat reminder safety-alert system – so there is no chance of leaving the car without checking to see if there are animals, pets, or anything else you are leaving in a hot car.
10. 2022 Subaru Ascent
This Subaru Ascent offers great power with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that can create upwards of 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque. The Ascent SUV from Subaru can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and that speed is achieved even if the car is fully loaded with people and a full cargo space. In addition, Subaru offers a safety feature called – Driver Assist Technology that warns a driver when departing lanes, brakes as a pre-collision warning, and even offers adaptive cruise control.
9. 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Compared to most of the 4WD rivals, this SUV from Jeep stands out among its competition in terms of safety features, which include keyless entry, reverse parking camera sensors, bi-xenon headlamps, and seven airbags strategically placed throughout the Cherokee. As a result, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a 5-star ANCAP rating. For those looking for something extra, check out the Limited-Edition Jeep Grand Cherokee model, which will have additional features like auto-dimming mirrors and full-speed warning.
8. 2022 Dodge Durango
This SUV model built by Dodge is a best bet for cars similar to the Toyota FJ Cruiser for those who are looking for a vehicle with a strong towing capacity. The Durango’s standard V6 engine can tow up to 6,200 lbs.; however, Dodge offers alternative engine sizes that increase towing capacity – the 5.7-liter V8 engine (which tows up to 7,400 lbs.) and the 6.2-liter V8 engine (which tows up to 8,700 lbs.). Although the Dodge Durango is not built specifically off-road use, it does surprisingly well when driven off the beaten path. Most Durango models of this brand have all-wheel drive and low-range gearing that are helpful in negotiating tricky environments.
7. 2022 Honda Pilot
This SUV built by Honda offers exceptional cargo space for a vehicle its size – about 84 cubic feet, which provides plenty of space to carry anything you may need, from bikes to other bulky items. For more cargo space, you can fold the Honda Pilot’s seats down. The Pilot from Honda also offers these driver-assist safety features within its Honda Sensing Package, including – adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation.
6. 2022 Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas is available with a choice of two engines – a 235-horsepower four-cylinder or a 276-horsepower – V6 engine. Each of these engines works with an 8-speed transmission and can be bought with front- or all-wheel drive. The VW Atlas four-cylinder has a better fuel economy than the alternative V6 engine with the front-wheel drive variant; however, the V6 responds more effectively. Fuel economy numbers for the VW Atlas four-cylinder include 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, while the V6 Atlas scores with fuel economy ratings of 18 MPG for those driving in urban and city locations and 24 MPG for highway driving.
5. 2014 Lexus GX 460
The Lexus GX 460 car offers a luxurious alternative and comfortable ride with several standard safety features that are usually extra in most competitors. The Lexus safety features include antilock brakes, hill start assist, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and traction/stability control. The more modern technology options to consider for the Lexus GX include frontal collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warnings.
4. 2022 Kia Sorento
The Kia models released prior to 2022 were not engaging to drive until this model hit the market. When you drive this Kida model, you’ll notice its sharper handling, offering more stability control even on twisting roads. The Kia SUV offers a Sport Mode feature that provides the driver with a firmer steering feel, offering a greater sense of control off or on roads. Check out the Kia infotainment unit that is provided with a standard 8.0-inch sharp graphic touch display.
3. 2022 Toyota Highlander
This SUV, also made by Toyota, offers some of the best handling of the off-road vehicles selected. The Highlander is available with a torque-vectoring AWD system that provides traction by generating power to each of the Highlander’s rear wheels. Additionally, you can opt for Highlander’s adaptive suspension, which makes handling slightly better on all four wheels.
2. 2022 Nissan Murano
If you are a music enthusiast and still enjoy a car that will prioritize off road performance, the Nissan Murano fits the bill. The Murano’s Bose premium sound system includes 11 speakers plus dual subwoofers and will adjust based on the sounds related to changes in the speed of the car – raising the volume as wind and road noises overtake the music or talking from the sound system.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevy Blazer is an SUV that offers remarkable safety features. The Blazer, which is similar to the FJ cruiser, comes with a tire-pressure monitor, seven standard airbags, and a rear-vision camera., plus comprehensive driver-assist technology applications. These include land-change alert, rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, and lane-keeping assist.
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