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.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
 2012 Toyota FJ CruiserBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Jeep Grand CherokeeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Jeep WranglerBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan PathfinderBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan XterraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota 4RunnerBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
