2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impressive off-road ability, distinctive interior and exterior styling, comfortable front seats.
Cons
- Limited visibility fore and aft, cramped rear seat with impeded entry and exit.
What’s new
The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser benefits from engine modifications for increased horsepower and fuel economy. There's also a new Trail Teams Edition package that's mostly just a variant of the Off Road package.
Edmunds says
It's not the most versatile choice available, but if distinctive looks and outstanding off-road ability are important to you in a midsize SUV, the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser is hard to top.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$280/mo for FJ Cruiser Base
FJ Cruiser Base
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
With its squared-off lines and round, close-set headlights, the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser pays homage to the original FJ40 that tamed tough trails from the early '60s to the mid-'80s. Yet today's FJ has more than just retro styling to remind us of that rugged Toyota classic. As with its forebears, the FJ Cruiser is blessed with a torquey engine, a robust chassis and the chops to take on ruts, steep muddy hills or just about any other off-road adventure you can throw at it.
Toyota introduced the FJ Cruiser for the 2007 model year, and this midsize SUV has stayed pretty much the same since. This year does see a couple notable changes. Revised variable valve timing is a new addition to the V6 engine, and the result is a bump in power (from 238 horsepower to 259) as well as a slight increase in fuel economy. There's also a new Trail Teams Special Edition package, though it does little more than bundle hardware from existing packages with an exclusive Sandstorm exterior paint color and blacked-out trim details.
Just as before, the FJ offers reasonable maneuverability and comfort even when it's not taking its owner to remote locations. However, there are two main drawbacks to this midsize sport-utility: hindered outward visibility and awkward access to the rear seats. The massive rear side roof pillars and tall hood line can make for anxious moments when parking, while the small rear access doors make entry to and exit from the second row a chore.
For these reasons, the more conventional-looking four-door Nissan Xterra is a better choice for those seeking an off-roader with maximum daily versatility. Another option would be the venerable Jeep Wrangler. It's not as refined as the FJ, but it has four real doors (via the Unlimited model) and also boasts the best off-road capabilities of the bunch. That said, the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser is without question a lot of fun to drive and own and will likely satisfy those desiring a vehicle with the boulder-crawling spirit of the earliest SUVs.
Performance & mpg
Pop the hood of the 2010 FJ Cruiser and you'll find a 4.0-liter V6 good for 259 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both a five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission are offered. FJs with manual transmissions are only available with a full-time 4WD system; models with automatic transmissions come with either two-wheel drive or a part-time 4WD system.
Towing capacity, at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, is about average, as is fuel economy -- 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined in 4WD models with the automatic transmission. The manual lowers to 15/19/17, while 2WD is 17/23/19.
Safety
Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and rollover-sensing side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet -- very good performance for an off-road SUV.
In government crash tests, the Toyota FJ Cruiser earned a top five-star rating for driver safety in head-on collisions, while front passenger protection rated four stars. In side-impact testing, front and rear passenger protection received five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the FJ its top score of "Good" for the vehicle's protection of occupants in frontal-offset and side-impact collisions.
Driving
The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser is in its element off-road. Thanks to its ample suspension articulation, it crawls over boulders, tree roots and most other obstacles with ease. It's also better than most customers would expect on pavement, with precise steering and a smooth ride. The FJ's boxy lines result in noticeable wind noise on the highway, though. In terms of power, this year's engine revisions have given the FJ a bit of a boost -- acceleration is brisk. Notably, the FJ no longer requires premium fuel either.
Interior
The FJ's dash features retro themes and is color-keyed to match the exterior. For the most part, the controls are well placed and easy to find. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear compartment is a tight fit and requires a high step up for entry.
The rear access doors are like a crew-cab pickup's in that they open rearward. Though this setup means that a wide portal is created when the doors are opened, it ultimately proves to be a bit inconvenient. The rear doors don't open unless the front doors are also opened, and they can be difficult to close if you're seated in back. As a result, the FJ isn't the best choice if you're looking for a kid-friendly hauler. With the rear seats folded, 67 cubic feet of cargo space is created.
Wide C-pillars, small rear windows and a tailgate-mounted spare tire all contribute to poor rearward visibility. Front visibility is also less than optimal, thanks to the FJ's high hood line. As a result, parking maneuvers can be challenging; it can also be tricky to spot obstacles when traveling off-road.
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser models
The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV technically with four doors. The front doors are standard-sized, but the rear doors are smaller and are reverse opening. A single trim level is offered, and its list of standard features includes 17-inch black steel wheels, snazzy two-tone exterior paint, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, eight-way manual adjustment for the driver seat and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo.
Options include a Convenience package that offers keyless entry, power side mirrors, cruise control, rear privacy glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rearview camera. Two "Upgrade" packages bring with them features such as alloy wheels, a locking rear differential, a premium audio system with a six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, active traction control (4WD models only), rear park assist and an information display that includes a compass and an inclinometer.
Serious off-road enthusiasts will want to consider the following two packages. The All Terrain package includes special 16-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, performance shock absorbers and a locking rear differential. Taking it a step further is the Trail Teams package that includes most of the contents of the All Terrain and Convenience packages and adds blacked-out body accents (hood, grille, mirrors, bumper caps), skid plates and special paint and seat fabric.
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#11 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota FJ Cruiser from 2008-2022.$419/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.03x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.8%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
5 star(94%)
4 star(2%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
230k, runs like new
mikkeb, 10/02/2013
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
This is my first Toyota, and I bought it new, a 2010 Trail Teams Edition.
After 50K miles, I have not had to repair anything.
In fact, there isn't even a rattle or squeak.
I have taken it off road and it has performed well.
There are negatives about the vehicle, but you should know them before you buy.
The vehicle has blind spots, not because there aren't enough windows to see the … vehicles, it is because the vehicle is so tall, that most passenger cars are below the view of the window.
Remember, this vehicle was designed for off-road, and ground clearance is important.
A couple cheap convex mirrors cures this problem.
The gas mileage is average for an SUV,
but this is obvious too.
UPDATE at 105k miles. No problems or complaints to discuss. No mechanical problems of any kind. I just replaced the rear brakes.
UPDATE at 126K miles. No problems or complaints to discuss. No mechanical problems of any kind. I change the oil every 5K miles and it discolors very little and no loss is noticed.
Update 178k - No mechanical problems and I towed a camper 18000 miles to Alaska and across the country. I still have a small timing cover leak, but it isn’t getting worse or affecting the oil level. I have so much confidence with this vehicle, that I would take it anywhere.
Update 245k, still runs great.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended
Dan, 04/23/2010
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I am surprised these are not more popular. I traded in my 2005 4Runner and like the FJ better so far. The lack of gas mileage in my opinion is overrated...it's not too bad at around 19-20 mpg for me. The back seat room is decent and the blind spot isn't THAT big of a deal too me.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Fun and quirky
Raider, 10/16/2010
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
In spite of some minor design issues, the FJ is the best do-it-all, purpose built SUV on the market. If you don't need/want 4 full doors and don't routinely haul adult back seat passengers, it is extremely comfortable and spacious. It is absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned for off road performance and handles winter road conditions with ease (I have had three jeeps - no … comparison). The blind spot issue has received too much attention. If you know how to use rear/side mirrors you will not have a problem. Wind noise is surprising low in spite of cool "rolling brick" aerodynamics. Bullet-proof engine and transmission. Interior is simple and controls are well thought out. FUN!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great niche truck
ed, 12/09/2009
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I absolutely love this truck. Styling is a matter of taste. The retro theme is appealing to me however, and I like having a truck that doesn't blend in. The engine is very powerful with a lot of low end torque, great exhaust note too. The suspension is made with off roading in mind and is a bit floaty with some body roll in the turns. Regardless though it is surprisingly fun to drive. … Also very smooth/comfortable on the road/hwy. Was worried about wind noise w roof rack but no more than my Explorer had. Gas mileage avg 19 mpg mixed. Not bad considering: 4200 lbs, powerful engine, big tires, and styling sacrifices some aerodynamics. Back seat tight getting in/out but don't really ever use.
2010 FJ Cruiser Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,180 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $280/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the FJ Cruiser include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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