
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
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. |
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-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. |
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. |
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. |
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 | 16 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 4-Door Automatic (GS) | RWD 4-Door Laredo | 4WD 2-Door Freedom Edition | 2WD 4-Door V6 S | 2WD 4-Door Automatic X | RWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS) |
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 |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 2012 Jeep Wrangler | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner |