2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser review

1. Distinctive retro design 

The flashy lollipop-flavor paint colors, retro round headlights, and trio of wipers on the windshield combine with the upright, rugged stance of the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser to create one of the more unique vehicles you'll see on the road. The classic design of this five-seat SUV hearkens back to the FJ40, sold in the US from 1960 to 1983. In addition to the five-inch round headlights, other heritage design cues include the hood and fender contours, space for a rear-mounted full-size spare tire, and off-center license plate mount. 

2. Ready to get dirty 

If you like to go far, far off the beaten path, the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4X4 models have you covered. In addition to skid plates for the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank, this body-on-frame SUV has standard 32-inch tires, which translates into an impressive 9.6-inch ground clearance. You'll also get 34-degree and 31-degree approach and departure angles. On top of that, seat materials are water-repellant, and the floors have a rubber-like surface — all of which makes it easier to clean after you've had your adventure. 

3. Flexible cargo options 

Behind the back seat, the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers 27.9 cu-ft of cargo volume, and the rear cargo area has cargo net hooks, multipurpose grocery-bag hooks, and floor-mounted cargo tie-down anchor points. The rear seat back has a 60/40 split. If you need a flat-load floor, you can remove the bottom and back cushions from the rear seats. Max rear cargo volume tops out at 66.8 cu.-ft. 

4. Excellent powertrain 

The 260-hp, 4.0L V6 engine in the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a solid performer. It has enough get-up-and-go for highway driving and good low-end torque for slower off-roading and quick off-the-line starts. Die-hard enthusiasts will be happy to know there is a six-speed manual transmission available — if you can find one — as well as the more common five-speed automatic. Take note, the upright stance and thirsty engine produce EPA estimates in combined driving that range between 18 mpg for both 2WD and 4WD with the five-speed automatic transmission and 16 mpg for the 4WD model with the six-speed manual.

5. Minimalist interior 

If you have screen fatigue, you'll appreciate the simplistic — and screenless — interior of the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. You have classic analog gauges behind the wheel, a basic radio with actual buttons and dials, large HVAC dials, and a cool cluster set above the center stack. Though this vehicle is pre-Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ integration, you will see things like available SiriusXM Radio^™ and Bluetooth^® phone pairing for hands-free phone calling and music streaming.