With an eye to the youth, outdoor, and tuner markets, the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser combines utility with retro hipness. Entering its third year, this compact SUV receives minor changes, mostly to its safety equipment. These include the addition of front seat active head restraints, roll-sensing side curtain airbags, and a cut-off switch for stability control. A driver's side vanity mirror is also new this year.

Competing directly with the Nissan Xterra and Honda Element, the 2009 FJ Cruiser stands out from the crowd with its love-it-or-hate-it MINI-like two-tone exterior (colored body, white roof). Trims are divided into rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive, but otherwise offer the exact same features and engine. The 24-valve, 4.0-liter DOHC V6 delivers 239 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Variable valve timing improves fuel economy, but as an SUV the FJ Cruiser's numbers lag miserably, around 16/19 mpg.

Rear-wheel and part-time four-wheel-drive models receive a 5-speed adaptive automatic, while the full-time four-wheel drive comes equipped with a 6-speed manual. The 4WD defaults to a 50/50 front/rear torque split, but can deliver as much as a 40/60 torque split between the front and rear wheels. Low-range gearing allows for off-road use.

The 2009 FJ Cruiser earns five stars in driver's front impact and all side impact categories, but only three stars in rollover tests. Dual stage front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows and a tire monitor are all standard. The standard STAR Safety System includes traction and stability control, ABS brakes, and brake assist, while a limited-slip rear differential helps with road grip. Standard skid plates and 9.6 inches of ground clearance protect the underside when taking the Cruiser over rugged back roads.

The interior comes sparsely equipped, but should have enough for the Cruiser's target driver – outdoor adventure types, rather than high-end soccer moms. Power windows and locks, a CD/MP3 player, tilt steering wheel, and a tachometer are all standard. The FJ Cruiser rides on 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires, but these can be replaced with alloy wheels or smaller 16-inch ones for smoother highway driving. Other add-ons include power mirrors, backup sensors, a rearview camera, a 6-CD changer, and a utility roof rack, with many off-market products available for the tuner market. The SUV seats four in two rows, but rear seats barely house adults with their extremely cramped 31 inches of legroom. The handy water-resistant seats split 60/40, with cushions that can flip up or be removed, and the cargo area holds anywhere from 27.9 to 67 cubic feet.