2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review
Price: $24,604
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impressive off-road ability
- distinctive interior and exterior styling
- comfortable front seats
- simple controls.
Cons
- Poor outward visibility
- cramped rear seat with impeded entry and exit.
What’s new
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser gets a new off-road-ready Trail Teams special edition 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 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is hard to beat.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
59 listings
- 162,000 miles
- Frame damage reported, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- Korres Auto Group (150 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Upgraded Stereo
Close
Located in Delran, NJ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (17 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEBU4BF7DK149520
Stock: 149520
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-25-2024- $23,295good price$2,933 below market
- 110,871 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- Heritage Motor Company (164 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (17 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEBU4BF1DK169116
Stock: 18286
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
For a brand long known for building cars that put practicality and reliability before "hey-look-at-me" styling, the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a bit of an outlier.
While this midsize SUV shares much of Toyota's core dependability DNA, its rugged looks make it stand out anywhere it goes. The FJ's traditional body-on-frame design and excellent off-road capability also go against the recent trend toward building car-based crossover SUVs. But even if it's an outlier, the FJ Cruiser has a lot going for it.
On the road its strong V6 engine, responsive steering and reasonably comfortable ride quality make it a lot less truckish than you might expect -- and more fun than the average Toyota as well. Off the pavement is where the FJ Cruiser really shines, however, thanks to its high ground clearance, generous approach/departure angles and serious four-wheel-drive hardware including low-range gearing and a locking rear differential.
The FJ Cruiser's quirky design saddles it with several inherent weaknesses, though, including the short windows and thick roof pillars that create blind spots large enough to make negotiating tight urban environments a little dicey. The rear half-doors also make getting in and out of the backseat a hassle.
That said, we still are fond of the unapologetic FJ. Its main competitor, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, is even less refined for everyday driving, though it does provide superior off-road capability and greater opportunities for aftermarket modifications. The Nissan Xterra takes the opposite approach, offering more livable qualities like four real doors and better visibility. As such, the FJ Cruiser represents the middle-ground choice for a rugged SUV that's happy to spend a lot of time in the dirt.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.
A five-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential are standard. There are also two different four-wheel-drive systems available, including a part-time system that comes mated to the five-speed automatic transmission and a full-time system fitted with a six-speed manual and a locking rear differential.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the two-wheel-drive model is 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined -- not great, but typical for off-road SUVs. With four-wheel drive, those numbers are 17/20/18 with the automatic and 15/18/16 with the manual.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the FJ Cruiser received the top rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side-impact tests, but a second-best rating of "Acceptable" in the roof strength test.
Driving
On the road, the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser performs surprisingly well for a vehicle with such an off-road slant. The V6 engine offers plenty of grunt, while the suspension tuning and precise steering feel put the Jeep Wrangler to shame. Again, the limited visibility all around is a distinct negative in about any situation you can name. The robust-looking exterior also creates a fair amount of wind noise at highway speeds.
Leave the pavement behind and the FJ Cruiser is in its element. The combination of ample ground clearance, excellent approach and departure angles, ample wheel travel, low-range gearing and the available locking rear differential gives it the ability to tackle rugged trails with ease.
Interior
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser sports a no-frills interior with dash panels color-matched to the outside body color. Controls are well placed and easy to use, though some buttons and knobs are so big they look a little silly. Front seats offer good comfort and the water-repellent upholstery and rubber floor covering are built to take abuse.
The bad news here is that the wide rear roof pillars and outside-mounted spare tire create enormous blind spots and diminished rear visibility. Even the view forward isn't that great because of the high dash and hood. You may look good in the FJ, but seeing other people is a bit of a problem.
The rear seat has its own problems, starting with the rear-hinged back doors. Like those on extended-cab pickups, they require you to open the front doors every time someone gets in or out of the backseat. You'll also find getting into the second row requires a bit of a climb and, once you're in, the accommodations are fairly tight. Folding down both sections of that 60/40-split rear seat creates a cargo hold with a healthy 67 cubic feet of space. That's about the same as in a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser models
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a five-passenger SUV with two regular front doors and two half-sized rear-hinged doors.
There is only one trim level and it comes standard with 17-inch black-painted steel wheels, an electronically controlled locking rear differential (manual transmission 4WD only), full power accessories, air-conditioning, an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, water-resistant cloth upholstery, heavy-duty vinyl flooring, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
There are a number of option packages available. The Convenience package adds rear privacy glass, a rear wiper, a spare tire cover, keyless entry, cruise control, a rearview camera and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Upgrade package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded traction control system on four-wheel-drive models, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, extra gauges and trip computer functions, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system with a six-CD changer. The Off-Road package adds Bilstein shock absorbers, the locking rear differential, an upgraded traction-control system and extra gauges. The TRD package adds special 16-inch alloy wheels, BFGoodrich off-road tires and different Bilstein shock absorbers.
The Trail Teams Special Edition bundles unique gray exterior paint, special interior trim, 16-inch alloy wheels and off-road tires, an upgraded suspension, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, a large roof rack, rock rails and most of the content from the Convenience and Upgrade packages.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is celebrated for its robust off-road capability and distinctive design that attracts attention and garners compliments. Owners frequently note the solid, tank-like build quality, which prioritizes durability and assures a safe, secure ride both on and off the pavement. The FJ's ability to comfortably navigate both rugged trails and everyday roads adds to the versatile appeal, with many praising its stability in adverse weather conditions such as snow, mud, and rain. Drivers appreciate its commanding road presence, enhanced by features like independent front suspension, which offers a smoother, more controlled ride compared to some competitors like the Jeep Wrangler. The unique styling, including bold exterior aesthetic and rugged interior design, aligns well with its outdoor-ready ethos, making it a favorite among those who enjoy adventurous lifestyles. Despite visibility challenges pointed out by some, many feel confident using mirrors and backup cameras effectively to mitigate this drawback. The vehicle's reliability record, coupled with its high resale value, offers peace of mind to those planning long-term ownership. Additionally, the engaging driving experience and comfort of the FJ Cruiser earn it high marks from owners who find the combination of functionality, uniqueness, and fun hard to beat.
Common Issues
Drivers of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser often wrestle with significant visibility issues. The vehicle's design, characterized by its wide rear roof pillars and externally mounted spare tire, can create troubling blind spots, complicating maneuvers in tight spaces or high-traffic areas. This challenge is exacerbated by the limited view out of the high dashboard and hood, making navigation in urban environments particularly taxing. Inside, the FJ Cruiser's rear-hinged doors can be cumbersome, necessitating the front doors to be opened every time someone enters or exits the backseat, an inconvenience noted during busy stops. Additionally, the small gas tank combined with less-than-ideal fuel economy leads to frequent refueling stops, interrupting longer journeys more than drivers might like. On the tech front, there are complaints about the radio display's lack of visibility during daylight, frustrating those trying to control audio functions while on the move. Likewise, the single power supply for the entire vehicle can be limiting for those who depend heavily on electronic devices. Lastly, owners occasionally mention that the wind noise at highway speeds can be intrusive, detracting from the comfort during long drives.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser consistently wins over everyday drivers with its reliability and off-road prowess. Owners find that it delivers a impressive combination of rugged capability and style, making it a compelling choice for those who crave both adventure and attention. The vehicle's reputation for durability reassures FJ drivers, even when tackling the harshest terrains or navigating snowy roads. Many drivers appreciate the strong engine performance and independent front suspension, which contributes to a confident drive both on smooth highways and bumpy trails. While some struggle with limited visibility due to the FJ's design, it seems a small price to pay for the overall satisfaction of driving such a robust vehicle. Practical aspects like the spacious cargo area are frequently highlighted, offering functionality along with its distinctive aesthetics. Despite receiving feedback on areas like wind noise and fuel economy, owners often view these as minor inconveniences compared to the joy the FJ provides in rugged environments. The FJ Cruiser manages to balance its utilitarian purpose with just enough comfort and reliability, securing its place as a beloved choice among those who appreciate its unique blend of qualities.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$194/mo for FJ Cruiser Base
FJ Cruiser Base
vs
$163/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #11 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating 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
$419/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.03x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
14.8%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 14V475000
- Manufactured from:
- 2007-08-03 to 2014-07-29
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 20000
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Defect Consequence:
- If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
- Recall Number:
- 13V163000
- Manufactured from:
- 2006-01-25 to 2013-02-23
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 208000
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured January 25, 2006 through February 23, 2013 and equipped with a Toyota Auxiliary Driving Lamp Kits mounted to the front bumper. These lamp assemblies include 55 watt bulbs and due to this wattage and mounting angle, the combination of the upper beam headlamps plus the auxiliary lamps are too bright and exceed the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- Defect Consequence:
- Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 55 watt bulbs with 35 watt bulbs, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- Recall Number:
- 13V123000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7525
- Defect Description:
- Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Defect Consequence:
- An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- Corrective Action:
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
- Recall Number:
- 13V098000
- Manufactured from:
- 2006-01-25 to 2013-02-23
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 209000
- Defect Description:
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2013 FJ Cruiser passenger vehicles. The retractors for the front driver and passenger seat belts are mounted in the access door (rear door) panels of the vehicle. Due to insufficient strength of the access door panel, cracks may develop in the panel if the access door is repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time.
- Defect Consequence:
- If cracks occur in the panel around the lower retractor anchor, the seat belt retractor could become detached, which could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Toyota will mail an interim letter to owners late in April 2013. Remedy notifications to the owners for the repair will begin in late May 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 2 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 2 years / 25,000 miles
Toyota FJ Cruiser Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(79%)
4(15%)
3(2%)
2(4%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
It's an FJ thing....
4.88 out of 5 starstbrock60, 04/11/2012
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
It's obvious that most "professional" automotive journalists don't get the FJ and don't understnd it's purpose.
It isn't a AWD cross over, it is a very capable Off Road Vehicle.
A properly equipped FJ is unequaled in off road capability, comfort and reliability.
The often complained about "limited visibility" is easily remedied by adjusting your mirrors properly.
Gas Mileage?
Do you … really buy an off road vehicle for gas mileage?
I'm getting between 23 and 24 on the highway...much better than my Dodge Ram!
All in all, you either understand the purpose of the FJ and love it or you don't get it and the vehicle just confuses you.
I am 52 and look for excuses to drive my FJ
4.88 out of 5 starstom522, 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.
Very rugged and sturdy
4.75 out of 5 starsJim1947, 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
FJ
5 out of 5 starsdakomaha, 05/21/2014
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I'm 36, I served in the military for 12 yrs. rough, tough and rugged reliable rigs at work, and jeep wranglers at home. I've never even considered anything else. purchase a wrangler, smittybilt bumpers, black rims, and rugged mud tires for the snow, mud ect........... now, over a decade later 100% IU disabled vet with a bad back and no leg from my left knee down, I was devestated. no … clutch lol.... so, i decided to open my options. in the entire car/suv/and 4x4 line up I was about to throw my hands up. then I saw a FJ extremely attractive from the outside. I don't want to say "boxy" but it wasn't all aero dynamic- It looked like a SUV built for a man. Then I saw the inside. WOW!
I held the Toyota in such high regards- I've upgraded to a TRD Sr5 4Runner!
Which is everything and more than I could have imagined!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, so we've included reviews for other years of the FJ Cruiser since its last redesign.
2013 FJ Cruiser Highlights
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,030 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $194/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.9 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the FJ Cruiser include:
- Back-up camera
- 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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