2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review
2011 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
For 2011, the Toyota FJ Cruiser receives minor equipment changes, including upgraded standard audio system and better access to the rear seat, plus folding headrests for rear seat passengers. The Trail Teams Special Edition debuts later in the year, complete with Army Green paint, fortified underpinnings and water-resistant seats and floors.
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 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is hard to top.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 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 $3.62 per gallon for regular unleaded in New Jersey.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$235/mo for FJ Cruiser Base
FJ Cruiser Base
vs
$202/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
No doubt influenced by its forebears, the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser nods to the old school, with its boxy shape and narrow-set headlights inspired by the design cues of the original, iconic FJ40 that came to America in the 1960s. And just like the old FJ, it is as tough and agile as a mountain goat thanks to a robust engine, a rugged chassis and a nimble off-road nature.
The FJ Cruiser hasn't changed much since its introduction four years ago. Of course, this means that its strengths and weaknesses haven't changed, either. While it offers reasonable maneuverability and comfort on either blacktop or dirt, the FJ's thick roof pillars and high hood line compromise visibility. Rear-seat ingress and egress is also awkward. Despite the increased folding angle for the front passenger seat in this year's model, climbing (key word) into the back is still hampered by small rear-access doors and a high step-in height. Well, this is a vehicle for sport, not limousine duty.
As midsize SUVs go, the 2011 FJ Cruiser has formidable competition. The 2011 Nissan Xterra has four conventional doors, so it's a better choice for those who want a capable off-roader with maximum daily versatility. And there's always the venerable 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Although not as refined or powerful as the FJ, it has four real doors (in the Unlimited model) and about the best off-road ability of anything with four wheels. That said, the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is still a serious piece of off-road kit and should satisfy anyone who wants a rugged rig with the boulder-crawling spirit.
Performance & mpg
Beneath the hood of the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a 4.0-liter V6 good for 260 horsepower and 271 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 four-wheel-drive 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. Fuel economy ratings stand at 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined for the 4WD with the automatic transmission. The 4WD with the manual gearbox drops to 15/19/17, while the 2WD is 17/22/19.
Safety
Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and rollover-sensing side curtain airbags. In Edmunds testing, the Toyota FJ Cruiser came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet -- very good performance for an off-road SUV.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings, however, (which aren't comparable to the new methodology) were 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. The roof strength test resulted in a second-best score of "Average."
Driving
The 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is in its element when off-road. With ample suspension articulation, it crawls over boulders, ruts and most other obstacles with ease. The FJ is also surprisingly good on pavement, offering precise steering and a smooth ride. But the boxy shape creates noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, and poor outward visibility can make parking or identifying off-road obstacles difficult. Acceleration from the V6 engine is brisk, particularly at low- and midrange speeds. Notably, the FJ does not require premium fuel.
Interior
The FJ's retro-themed dash is color-keyed to match the exterior. Controls are placed within easy reach and are easy to find. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear compartment is a tight fit and requires a high step-up for entry. Wide roof pillars, small rear windows and a tailgate-mounted spare tire all contribute to poor rearward visibility. Front visibility is also less than optimal due to the FJ's high hood line.
The rear-access doors, like those on most extended-cab pickups, open rearward. Though this configuration offers a wide portal with both front and rear doors open, it's tiresome if you're frequently carting rear passengers, as the rear doors won't open with the front doors closed. This is a vehicle for sport, not for kids. With the rear seats folded, 67 cubic feet of cargo space is created.
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser models
The 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV with standard-size front doors and smaller, rear-hinge half doors. It's offered in a single trim level with a list of standard features that includes 17-inch steel wheels, two-tone exterior paint, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, eight-way manual adjustment for the driver seat and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, Bluetooth, auxiliary/USB jacks, iPod integration and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
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. The TRD package includes 16-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires and off-road-biased suspension tuning. The Upgrade Package #2 (oddly, there is no #1) features 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire (with matching wheel), active traction control (4WD), a locking rear differential, rear park assist, a 120-volt AC outlet, an upgraded 11-speaker JBL audio system with six-CD changer, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, silver-tone cabin accents and additional gauges including an inclinometer and compass.
The All Terrain package (available on 4WD models) includes Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, active traction control and the additional gauges of the Upgrade package. The Trail Teams Special Edition will debut later in the model year and offer Army Green paint, black bumpers/grille/mirrors, water-resistant seats and floors, the features of the TRD and All Terrain packages, skid plates, rock rails, rearview camera, multiple power outlets and the JBL sound system.
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 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
5 star(89%)
4 star(7%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
I am 52 and look for excuses to drive my FJ
tom522, 03/27/2011
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Well it is still brand new, so only can say limited, but this is my 8000 mile report, just drove thru a tough winter and this thing was the easiest thing I have ever seen in deep snow. I would go out after a huge storm and people stuck all over and it just seemed weird because it was SO easy. You just cant help getting the feeling of a very well built truck. I feel like a kid in a way, I … keep driving down dirt roads looking for a hill to climb over. Its actually pretty quite, unless going highspeed on x-way. You get a FJ Cruiser if you want easy. Easy in the snow, easy on the ice, easy off road, easy around town.
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Very rugged and sturdy
Jim1947, 03/01/2011
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Its a 2011, I can only say so much, ask me in 10 years, but in a few thousand miles, it has tackled all sorts of big snow storms, it has pulled out a few larger vehicles, it warms up quick, you just feel like your driving in a very sturdy truck, but much smoother. I keep pressing the issue in how much it can do, and it has not failed yet, done some off roading, I have the 4X4 with the … off road pkg, that does make a difference, between work and not owning it for years yet, my off roading has been limited, its quiet on freeway unless your over 75 and sometimes if a strong wind is hitting you from another direction, the radio is good
4.88 out of 5 stars
Just got my 2nd one
fjbob, 04/01/2011
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I had a 2007 Silver manual FJ and absolutely loved it!
2 weeks ago we were in an accident on I95 where we were hit from behind and then swerved and smashed head-on into the concrete barrier (ever see the insurance industry/gov't crash tests with the crash test dummies? - that was us) at around 60 mph.
I came out w/o a scratch; my wife & kid had some buising and a couple broken ribs, but … overall very well off.The truck was totalled, but we walked away from the accident - very impressive!I just got a brand new 2011 model to repalce it (Brick Red).If you want a fun, tough, and safe vehicle, this is definately it.
I truly believe that my 1st FJ saved us very serious injury or even our lives!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, so we've included reviews for other years of the FJ Cruiser since its last redesign.
2011 FJ Cruiser Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,790 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $235/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 RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover25.6%
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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