2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
With an eye to the youth, outdoor, and tuner markets, the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser combines utility with retro hipness. Entering its third...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser really appreciate its utility and strong performance, especially praising its build quality and value retention. Many love that it’s a fun vehicle to drive, with a sporty appearance and dependable nature. However, some drivers have noted challenges with visibility, particularly out of the back, which can be concerning in traffic."
Good utility vehicle,great beach mobile,holds value well and very dependable
October 21, 2022Only thing I can complain about is that it is hard to see out of the back. I almost ran into or got run into 3 times in one weekend. Although, you have to take into consideration I was driving in the great state of New Jersey where dents are standard factory options on every vehicle.
August 6, 2009Performance: Great and huge car with speed ;)! Build Quality: Strong Appearance: great and sporty look !! Cost Of Ownership: for such a huge performance this car does not cost that much !! Fun Factor: this car is great n i keep on loving it every time i drive it !!
August 18, 2009What owners say
Good utility vehicle,great beach mobile,holds value well and very dependable
October 21, 2022Only thing I can complain about is that it is hard to see out of the back. I almost ran into or got run into 3 times in one weekend. Although, you have to take into consideration I was driving in the great state of New Jersey where dents are standard factory options on every vehicle.
August 6, 2009Performance: Great and huge car with speed ;)! Build Quality: Strong Appearance: great and sporty look !! Cost Of Ownership: for such a huge performance this car does not cost that much !! Fun Factor: this car is great n i keep on loving it every time i drive it !!
August 18, 2009Excellent CAR! With a lot of possible upgrades, excellent service, the fuel consumption is high, build quality is perfect, maintenance is cheaper, is fun car to drive, it has a lot of blind spot i use small mirrors on the side.
August 24, 2009Build Quality: perfect Car Comparisons: alot,,best in over all pespective taking the reagon into consideration Performance: great More About My Car: cheap,,nice,, tough,,does the job
April 14, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,320 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 239 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 27.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $24,500 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 239 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 27.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
