Toyota FJ Cruiser: Variants explained

Toyota FJ Cruiser is one of those vehicles that grow old with time but never lose their value. In fact, their value increases. This unique-looking SUV was launched in 2005 and it’s still available in the Middle East. Over its period of existence, the FJ Cruiser witnessed many new cars and SUVs come and go. But it remained standing. Today, the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2019 price starts at AED 147,000 and comes in two variants- GXR and Xtreme. In this article, we’re going to discuss both the two variants so that you can have a better understanding. Let’s get started, shall we?

There aren’t a whole lot of differences between the GXR and Xtreme models. So, we will first talk about the similarities and then move to the differences.

Similarities between the variants

Technical features

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2019 variants are powered by the same engine. It’s a massive 4.0-litre V6 DOHC Dual VVT-i arrangement which has been assembled and tuned to produce max power of 270 hp at 5600 revs and the peak torque of 380 Nm which kicks in at 4400 revs. These figures are more than sufficient to take this SUV to different off-road terrains. The transmission in both the variants is also the same, a 5-speed automatic unit.

It’s not a hidden fact about the FJ Cruiser that it’s a capable off-road machine. There’s no doubt about its performance. It can give tough competition to today’s SUVs. The Toyota FJ Cruiser specs have got another interesting element apart from the V6 engine. It’s the 4x4 part-time drive system. This is the one that really gives a helping hand to the 4.0-litre engine and pushes and pulls the FJ Cruiser out of any treacherous surface.

Interior features

The interior of the FJ Cruiser is very old-school which can either be liked or disliked. Also, the FJ Cruiser shy away from many of the latest technological advancements. What you do get in both the variants include a manual AC, leather steering wheel, an air compressor, basic instrument cluster, and a driver and passenger side armrest. There’s also a 7-inch audio and entertainment system that features navigation audio with the support of CD, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth. The three dials on the dashboard show direction, temperature, and altitude is a very classy touch.

Exterior features

Again, a lot of the features of this SUV come common in both the GXR and Xtreme models. There is a pair of round headlamps which is very classy. The overall design is very old-school and retro. The design of the rear doors is something that makes the FJ Cruiser look like a 3-door vehicle, but we know that it’s not. However, you can only open these doors from the inside. We like how the FJ Cruiser looks but there are a few flaws. For example, apart from the front visibility, if you need to have a look anywhere else it’s not that great. Then there’s the tailgate which opens horizontally needing much more space to get it fully opened.

Safety features

Both the variants of the FJ Cruiser comes with the same set of safety features. These include ABS, vehicle stability control, active traction control, dual front airbags, differential lock, tire pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a rearview camera.

Differences between the variants

The only major difference between the GXR and Xtreme models of the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2019 lies on the outside. The Xtreme variant gets a special design black 17-inch alloy wheels rather than the normal ones seen on the GXR. The door handles are black and so is the front silver radiator grille and door mirrors. This black treatment makes the FJ Cruiser looks more badass.

The Xtreme model also gets LED headlights instead of the conventional halogens. There’s a hood scoop for a bit of added sporty character. The suspension setup in this model comes from Fox and the stock exhaust has also been replaced by the performance exhaust with Cat-Back system.

And that’s about it. These were the similarities and differences between the two variants of the FJ Cruiser. The GXR is priced at AED 147,000 and the Xtreme costs a bit more at AED 166,950. Toyota UAE offers both the variants are available in 7 different colors - White, Black, Red, Yellow, Beige, Cement Grey Metallic, and Smoky Blue.