Toyota's rugged and offroad-capable FJ Cruiser receives a few updates for 2010, including a more powerful V6 engine and minor revisions to the suspension, which reduces the FJ Cruiser's turning radius by more than a foot. In addition, the FJ Cruiser comes in a new Army Green exterior color for 2010.

Now in its fourth year of production, the compact, outdoor-oriented FJ Cruiser borrows its platform from the 4Runner and some styling cues from the classic Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser of the 1960s. Some of those retro-styling cues include the FJ Cruiser's tall "greenhouse" cabin, white roof, wraparound rear windows, silver-painted mirrors, and square grille framed by round headlights. Two full front doors as well as two reverse-hinged side doors and a rear hatch provide access to the interior, which seats four passengers in two rows.

The FJ Cruiser comes in three trims for 2010, including the Base rear-wheel-drive trim and two 4WD trims, differentiated by their transmissions. An upgraded 4.0-liter V6 powerplant drives all three trims. The V6 now features variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which boosts horsepower to 260, up from 239 hp for the previous year. Fuel mileage also improves, from 16/19 mpg for the previous year to 17/22 for the Base rear-wheel-drive FJ Cruiser, which comes equipped with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The 4WD trims post fuel economy numbers of 17/21 and 15/19 mpg, when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic transmission, respectively.

Owners can choose from both part-time and full-time 4WD systems. The FJ Cruiser trim with part-time 4WD comes equipped with the automatic transmission, while in the full-time 4WD trim, the V6 engine mates to the manual transmission. Both the part- and full-time 4WD systems default to a 50/50 torque split, but can deliver as much as a 40/60 torque split between the front and rear wheels when conditions require it. Both 4WD trims deliver superior off-road performance, thanks to low-range gearing, 9.6 inches of ground clearance, and standard skid plates. In addition, both come equipped with a limited-slip rear differential, as does the Base rear-wheel-drive trim.

The FJ Cruiser rides on a firm suspension, which minimizes most of the roughness of off-road surfaces and keeps passengers comfortable around town. Its short wheelbase results in good overall handling and maneuverability, although some owners find fault with the FJ Cruiser's steering, which they say is too light and unresponsive. Tire and engine noise are minimal in the cabin, although at higher speeds wind noise can start to intrude.

The rugged, offroad theme continues in the somewhat spartan cabin, which provides plenty of headroom for taller passengers, as well as water-resistant seat fabric and washable flooring. The comfortable front seats do not slide forward, which can make it difficult for some adults to climb into the back seats, despite the wide-opening, reverse-hinged side-access doors. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold, and are removable to expand cargo space. The rear cargo bay offers 27.9 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats in place and expands to 67 cubic feet with the rear seats removed. The tailgate opens to the side, separately from the rear window, allowing access to the cargo area.

Interior features include a tilt steering wheel with silver trim, air conditioning, analog instrument gauges, and power windows and door locks. For entertainment, the FJ Cruiser includes a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and an MP3 input jack. Owners can add an optional eight-speaker system with a 6-CD changer or a nine-speaker system with a subwoofer. Toyota also offers a backup camera as an option, as well as available cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

The FJ Cruiser received a top safety rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for protecting passengers in the event of front or side impacts, but only three stars in rollover tests. The Star Safety System, which comes standard with the FJ Cruiser, includes stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Dual front, front seat-mounted, and front- and second-row side-curtain airbags also come standard. The 2010 FJ Cruiser rides on 17-inch black steel wheels, which come standard, or optional 17-inch alloy wheels. Owners can also add optional 16-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.