With automatic-transmission models, FJ Cruiser gets a part-time transfer case. When the transfer cases are in high range, their output ratio is 1:1. When shifted into low range, their gear ratio is 2.566:1. With the automatic transmission, the FJ Cruiser's crawl ratio is 33.76:1. With the manual transmission, the crawl ratio is 41.84:1, a fact that helped the FJ Cruiser traverse California's famed Rubicon Trail in September 2005.


FJ Cruiser Comfort / Interior

Toyota FJ Cruiser's interior features a dash that is bordered by upper and lower tubular forms, which frame rectangular-shaped flat panels. Control knobs are large enough to provide easy grip, even when wearing gloves, and switches for critical functions, including HVAC, audio controls and the optional locking rear differential, are mounted in the center dash panel within easy reach of the driver. With the optional upgrade packages, the front interior door panels are color-keyed to the exterior color.

A standard full gauge package, including speedometer, tachometer, amp meter, temperature gauge and fuel gauge, uses round, black-on-white dials and gauges for enhanced visibility. Warning lights monitor other functions and an oil-maintenance indicator notifies the driver when the FJ Cruiser's engine oil is dueto be changed.

Seating is especially adaptable in the FJ Cruiser. The driver's seat is adjustable in eight ways to help drivers of all sizes and shapes find their most comfortable driving positions. The passenger seat is adjustable in four ways. The rear seat is split 60/40, with folding (removable) bottom and back cushions that convert to a nearly flat cargo floor. Additionally, for 4x4 enthusiasts with young families, the FJ Cruiser uses Toyota's LATCH child-restraint system.

Because the FJ Cruiser is optimized for dusty, muddy driving environments, easy cleaning and maintenance are important elements of its interior. Seating materials are not only water-repellant, but also provide excellent ventilation. Seats are covered with a fabric backed by a special breathable resin coating to enhance the material's ability to shed liquids so that seats can easily be wiped down and cleaned. Even the stitched seams of the seat covers are treated with sealant to prevent liquids from penetrating the seams. Also as an aid to easy cleaning, the FJ Cruiser's floor surfaces are covered with an attractive gray rubber-like material.


FJ Cruiser Design and Styling

Design features that hint at the FJ Cruiser's heritage are its front grille, which ties its two round, five-inch headlights together in much the same way the FJ40's headlights and grille were integrated; its hood and fender contours; and a rear-mounted and exposed full-size spare tire with an off-center license-plate-mounting location. Additionally, the FJ Cruiser employs a white roof cap and wrap-around rear side windows, which were FJ40 signatures.

FJ Cruiser uses two main doors - one per side - but unlike anything ever seen on an FJ40, it also uses two access doors that open 90 degrees in clamshell fashion for easy rear-seat ingress and egress. Additionally, a swing-up glass hatch is incorporated into the side-hinged rear door. This opens independently of the rear door and helps accommodate longer items such as lumber or surfboards while keeping the rear door closed.

Wheel arches are angular and open to provide maximum clearance for the FJ Cruiser's large 32-inch tires at full suspension deflection. The arches are edged by flexible fender flares that resist damage during vigorous off-roading - and also resist damage from the doors of the vehicles beside which Toyota FJ Cruiser might find itself parked during urban and suburban expeditions.

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