Introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV carries over into the new model year with few changes. The SUV, with styling based off the 1960 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, is very characteristic with its angular profile, round headlights and white roof. Other retro-style features are the flat bonnet, outside mounted spare wheel full and off centered rear license plate housing. Inside, the thick steering wheel and large buttons are easy to understand, even with gloves on, while the flat dash and center console panels reflect the FJ Cruiser heritage.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser continues to be driven by a 4.0-liter V-6 coupled to a manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic. While fuel consumption is good for such a big SUV, the FJ Cruiser is a serious sport utility vehicle with a drive capable of towing up to 5000 pounds or Rubicon. Toyota added a kit called the Trail Teams Special Edition FJ Cruiser for 2011, 2012, the kit gets a different color.

Body style: SUV

Engine: 4.0-liter, V-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic

Model: Toyota FJ Cruiser

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition package now offers a new Radiant Red color option. Otherwise, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser carries over unchanged from 2011 model year.

Classified as a midsize SUV, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser will increase many of these through its boxy design. The 2012 FJ Cruiser comes in one trim with the Trail Teams Special Edition package offering off-road lights in air dam and the light markings on the side mirrors. Radiant Red is available for model year 2012.

Toyota borrows from the sparse interior of the original 1960 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 and melds with more comfort-oriented SUVs today. Toyota has made progress in making it easier for passengers to enter / exit through the secondary side doors that are hinged at the back for rear seat access easier.

Water-resistant material to cover the seats, and SUV floor is covered with rubber making it easy to wash dirt and mud. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams with the Special Edition package is equipped with cruise control, rear wiper, and other functions, including 12 watts and 115 watts volt/100 volt/400 outlets.

Although a comfortable ride in the streets of suburbia, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a real off-road capable SUV. The SUV can handle dirt, rocks, boulders, pits, and trails with ease. Power of the V-6 engine, which has only regular unleaded is now available. Note that the FJ Cruiser 4x4 option is offered in both automatic and manual transmission.

But if you absolutely need the Toyota FJ Cruiser to participate in the urban jungle of suburbia, the big SUV FJ is quite capable with a smooth ride (for a mid-size SUV) and precision control. The latter, however, suffers as a result of the blind spots FJ especially when parking or other small maneuvers. The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4.0-liter V-6 pulls strongly when accelerating and, like most Toyotas, is very quiet at cruising speeds. Note that wind noise is noticeable due to the boxy design of the FJ Cruiser.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser includes front side airbags and first-and second-row side curtain airbags, active head restraints, and the Toyota Star Safety System. The latter includes ABS brakes (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Also part of the STAR Safety system of Toyota brake override Smart-Stop system.

Base 4x2 with automatic: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Base 4x4 with manual: 15 city/19 mpg highway

Base 4x4 with automatic: 17 city/21 mpg highway