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Business & Money • Automotive

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled mid-size SUV produced by Toyota from 2006 to 2022, depending on market.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled mid-size SUV produced by Toyota from 2006 to 2022, depending on market. It was inspired by the classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 and was built on a body-on-frame off-road platform. In the United States, it was discontinued after the 2014 model year, while production continued longer in some other markets.

History

The FJ Cruiser was first shown as a concept in the early 2000s and entered production in 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. Toyota positioned it as a modern interpretation of the Land Cruiser FJ40.

Design and engineering

The SUV used a body-on-frame off-road layout and a 4.0-litre V6 engine. It was offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on market and trim.

Market history

In the United States, Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser after the 2014 model year. Toyota’s global history indicates the model remained in production longer in some international markets, ending in 2022.

Legacy

The FJ Cruiser developed a strong enthusiast following after production ended in the U.S. Its distinctive styling and off-road focus contributed to its reputation as a cult favourite.

Key facts

  • The FJ Cruiser debuted as a retro-inspired off-road SUV based on Toyota’s Land Cruiser heritage.
  • Toyota sold it in the United States for the 2007 through 2014 model years.
  • Production continued in some global markets until 2022.
  • The model was introduced through concept and showroom appearances before entering production in 2006.
  • Toyota’s official global history page says the name comes from "FJ40" and "Land Cruiser."
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Canadian context

The FJ Cruiser was sold in Canada as part of Toyota’s North American lineup, making it familiar to Canadian off-road and collector-vehicle enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Toyota FJ Cruiser?
It is a retro-styled mid-size SUV from Toyota, inspired by the Land Cruiser FJ40 and designed for off-road use.
When was the Toyota FJ Cruiser made?
Toyota produced it from 2006 to 2022 overall, with U.S. sales ending after the 2014 model year.
What engine did the FJ Cruiser use?
It used a 4.0-litre V6 engine.
Was the FJ Cruiser sold in Canada?
Yes. It was sold in North American markets, including Canada, during its production run.
Why is it called the FJ Cruiser?
Toyota says the name comes from "FJ40" and "Land Cruiser," referring to the classic Land Cruiser model line.

References

  1. Toyota — https://www.toyota.com/fjcruiser/
    Supports: U.S. discontinuation after the 2014 model year.
  2. Toyota Motor Corporation — https://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/vehicle_lineage/car/id60017326/index.html
    Supports: Initial release in 2006, North American market focus, later Japanese market availability, and name origin from FJ40/Land Cruiser.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_FJ_Cruiser
    Supports: Production years, class, body style, and general model overview.
  4. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/features/fj-cruiser
    Supports: Model timing, U.S. sales years, retro styling, and market history.
  5. Hemmings — https://www.hemmings.com/stories/toyota-fj-cruiser-guide/
    Supports: Production start in 2006 at Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan, and off-road-oriented body-on-frame construction.