2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. Its Competition

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD 4-door Auto (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 7.6 out of 10

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Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of Motor Authority... More

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Feb 23, 2012

The Nissan Xterra and Jeep Wrangler are the only remaining off-road-focused vehicles that actually forgo some city ride and handling in the name of trail ability.

Compared to the FJ, the Nissan Xterra has a roomier, more versatile interior, although the Toyota feels better-detailed throughout the cabin.

The Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, has off-road ability that's perhaps better than that of the FJ; and the Jeep gets even better for 2012 with the introduction of the new Pentastar V-6 engine and five-speed automatic—in addition to last year's interior upgrades.

Those thinking about doing occasional off-roading, but needing a real backseat for occasional longer trips, should consider three of the most rugged conventional mid-size SUVs: the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Of those, the Grand Cherokee was just redesigned last year and has a much more refined and sophisticated feel overall, while the 4Runner is surprisingly well rounded considering its more traditional truck look and feel.

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Jeep Wrangler Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Nissan Pathfinder Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Nissan Xterra Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota 4Runner Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.6 If head-turning style and true trail toughness are priorities, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser stands above most SUVs—although families and city commuters need not apply.	8.6 The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8.	6.8 The off-road-hardy 2012 Jeep Wrangler is still fine-tuned for adventurous weekend warriors, but it's become a little more tolerable for the commute.	6.2 The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder appeals to those who need tow or off-road, yet occasionally carry passengers; if it's the other way around, you can do better.	7.4 If you have a lot of gear to haul to tough-to-reach places, the 2010 Nissan Xterra is a good choice for weekend adventurers.	8.2 The brawny 2012 Toyota 4Runner targets off-road purists who sometimes need to haul the family—and it's better on the highway than you might think.
MSRP From
$26,115	$27,195	$22,045	$29,290	$25,480	$31,090
Gas Mileage
15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	4WD Sport Utility Vehicles	2WD Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Style Name
RWD 4dr Auto (Natl)	RWD 4dr Laredo	4WD 2dr Sport	2WD 4dr V6 S	2WD 4dr Auto X	RWD 4dr V6 SR5 (Natl)
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	4	7	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	2 Door	Sport Utility	Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift