Collectible Classics: Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota jumped on the rapidly growing retro-themed bandwagon of the 2000s when it introduced the FJ Cruiser for the 2007 model year.

Automakers as old and storied as Toyota have plenty of models from the past from which to draw inspiration. Perhaps no single nameplate from Toyota’s vast and vibrant history is as revered as Land Cruiser, an off-road machine that was, interestingly enough, built by Toyota in response to a request from the U.S. military, originally called a Jeep and used an engine design borrowed from Chevrolet. Historically, the Land Cruiser that stands out as the defining model is the FJ40, which was sold in the United States from the early 1960s through the 1983 model year.

It’s no surprise that Toyota decided to use the classic FJ40 as the inspiration to attract a new clientele to its increasingly expensive Land Cruiser lineup. The Toyota FJ Cruiser was produced from 2007 through 2014, and unlike most boxy off-road SUVs from the era, Toyota’s throwback utility vehicle has already reached a level of desirability on the used market that it’s almost certain to become a certified collectible.

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What Makes the Toyota FJ Cruiser So Interesting?

While some cars inspired by classics from the past are only meant to look the part, Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser with true off-road capability in mind. The fact that Toyota’s parts bin was (and still is) full of excellent powertrain and chassis designs known for their durability and reliability means that the FJ Cruiser’s borrowed bits and pieces are anything but a drawback. Included in the FJ’s parts list are a 4.0-liter V6 engine, optional part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive systems, and locking differentials, and many of these components were used in 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, and Land Cruiser models globally.

Besides the fact that it’s a true off-roader, the FJ Cruiser was also a unique design with rearward-hinged back doors and split-folding rear seats that made for versatile seating and cargo options. It also offered water-resistant interior treatments, which is a nice feature for people who plan to play in the mud.

What is the Best Version of the Toyota FJ Cruiser?

First, you’ll have to decide if you want a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The manual version had a full-time four-wheel-drive system while the automatic model had a traditional part-time system that had to be shifted from rear-wheel to four-wheel drive. Both systems featured low-range gearing for tough rocky or rutted obstacles.

Toyota FJ Cruiser models from 2010 through 2014 had more power than the 2007 through 2009 editions. TRD and Trail Teams Special Edition models are the most desirable FJ Cruiser variants, and the final 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition had all the best off-road equipment Toyota offered from the factory.

What Should You Expect To Pay For a Used Toyota FJ Cruiser?

When this was written in the fall of 2025, CarGurus.com reported that the average price for a used Toyota FJ Cruiser stood right around the $20,000 mark. While that’s a ballpark figure for the entirety of the FJ Cruiser range, buyers looking for the best versions of Toyota’s retro-themed off-roader should expect to pay quite a bit more. Some well-kept FJ Cruiser models from later model years and with particularly low mileage can be found listed at or above the $50,000 figure that currently represents the average cost of a brand-new car in late 2025. But a buyer who is willing to travel to find the right car will likely be able to find a solid FJ Cruiser with desirable options for $35,000 to $40,000.

AutoGuide’s used car classifieds includes several Toyota FJ Cruiser models, some below the national average asking price and a few with particularly desirable options listed at prices above average.

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