Hamura, Tokyo, Japan

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-style SUV produced by Toyota introduced as a concept at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show and in production form at the following North American International Auto Show. It went on sale in early 2006 as a 2007 model and features styling reminiscent of the original Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers from the 1960s (particularly the front fascia, white roof and wrap around rear windows) and is based on the Land Cruiser Prado platform. The FJ Cruiser was not originally intended for production but due to enormous consumer response about the car following the North American International Auto Show, production eventually began in early 2006. FJ Cruisers are built by Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan.

The Base price is US$24,180(). At 183.9 inches in length, the FJ Cruiser is the longest compact SUV offered in North America slotting between the smaller RAV4 (181.1 in. overall length; originally rumored to be replaced by the FJ Cruiser) and the mid-size Highlander (184.6 in. overall length); it still remains that title today.

The addition of the FJ Cruiser adds a sixth SUV in Toyota's American lineup, Toyota now has two compact SUVs (the crossover RAV4 and FJ Cruiser), two mid-size SUVs (the crossover Highlander and 4Runner), and two full-size SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). One in each category is designed for on-road use, while the other caters to those who may take the vehicle offroad (though the Sequoia and Land Cruiser are body-on-frame SUVs, the Sequoia is generally more car-like and more oriented for towing).

The FJ Cruiser is also Toyota's only current vehicle to use the name Toyota spelled out across the grille instead of the corporate emblem (the first since the 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser), a nod to the classic FJ40 and Land Cruiser family and to older Toyotas before the introduction of the Toyota emblem in 1990 for the 1991 model year. This off-road vehicle usually attracts young buyers that want a sporty vehicle that is built for the off-road terrain.

Toyota began selling the FJ Cruiser in Mexico as a 2008 model, and also in China.

The FJ Cruiser uses the 4.0L 1GR-FE DOHC V6 with VVT-i, rated at 259 hp (193 kW) at 4400 rpm, and 270 lb·ft (370 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm (). It is the same engine that is used in some versions of the Tacoma and 4Runner. For the 2010 model year the FJ Cruiser's engine gains Dual VVT-i resulting in an additional 19 hp (14 kW) and improved fuel economy.

"Chirp" Many owners with the manual transmission have reported clutch problems associated with throwout bearing failure and subsequent damage to the pilot shaft. The pilot shaft is a single unit with the entire bellhousing made of cast aluminum, thus requiring the entire bell housing to be replaced to repair the pilot shaft. This may or may not be associated with water and/or dirt entering the unit and frequently diagnosed from a "chirp" during clutch engagement that progessively worsens over time.

4WD models equipped with the RA61F manual transmission have a full time 4WD system that is permanently engaged; it employs front, centre and rear differentials, similar to Subaru AWD vehicles and the Lada Niva. 4WD models with automatic transmission have a part time system using a transfer case, typical of traditional 4WD trucks like Toyota's own Tundra. 2WD models are only available with automatic transmission, and come standard with a limited-slip rear differential.

The FJ Cruiser uses a high-mounted, double wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, and a 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado shares the same suspension parts as the FJ Cruiser.