FJ Cruiser vs Jeep – Comparison Guide 2022

Everyone agrees the FJ is the Toyota that looks like a Jeep Wrangler – at least the closest thing Toyota has produced in nearly 50 years. 

The automotive press, the automotive public, and no doubt Toyota themselves have lamented the death of the FJ Cruiser for the better part of 7 years now. For the life of us, we never understood why this funky-looking, incredibly capable off-roader died an early death in the midst of one of the greatest resurgences in off-road capable, lifestyle vehicles since the FJ’s cousins roamed the streets way back in the 1960s! Nonetheless, it is gone but not forgotten and those in the know are keen to pick these unique vehicles up for what seems like positively insane prices. 

So, is the FJ Cruiser vs Jeep Wrangler a fair fight – even though one of these vehicles hasn’t been on sale since 2014? You bet it is and today, we’re going to tell you all about how these two titans off-road cool stack up to one another. 

Ready to hit the trail? Grab your gear and let’s get out there! 

TL;DR: FJ Cruiser vs Jeep Wrangler

Although it hasn’t been on sale since 2014, the FJ Cruiser represents a distinctive, incredibly reliable, and supremely capable version of a true automotive classic. It ain’t no soft-roader either, since Toyota does know a thing or two about making some seriously tough trucks.

Ultimately though, its age and lack of top-down fun / modern tech hold it back. The Wrangler is and has been, the king of off-road lifestyle vehicles for over 30 years and offers a huge array of engines, configurations, and top options that really cement it as the leader in this market.

Relevant Specs: FJ Cruiser vs Jeep Wrangler

To be sure, these two vehicles have vastly different ways of going about their business of getting you off the beaten path. At the end of the day, they share the same mission of being a fully capable, stock, off-road vehicle but their specifications tell much of the story. Let’s dig in here a bit. 

Engine Options

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date technology, with options like a Hybrid drive system or a turbocharged powerplant, the Wrangler is a clear winner. We’re not going to bag on the stalwart 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 in the FJ here though. This motor is incredibly reliable and provides a plethora of down-low grunt that makes the FJ feel punchy and fun around town. At the end of the day, it’s still a gas hog and even the base engines in the Wrangler make due on providing more punch. 

Due to the age of the FJ, and lack of Hybrid or Diesel options, the Wrangler handily whips the snot of the FJ. Getting the FJ to its 20 MPG figure is a real challenge in the real world, while EcoDiesel Wranglers lay down nearly 30 MPG out on the open road. Over time, this can have a real effect on your bottom line but that may not matter to every driver. 

Towing Capacity

Here’s a win for the plucky FJ! It can outmuscle the wrangler (low down, dirty grunt from that big old V6) to pull up to 4750 pounds. The best the Wrangler can do in any trim is 3500 pounds. If you need just that extra bit of muscle, the Toyota may be a better choice for you. 

Interior Space (cu.ft)

Since the FJ is only available as a 2 door, we can only really compare the 2 door Wrangler directly. Here, the FJ has slightly less interior volume but not by much. Obviously, if you spring for a 4 door Wrangler, you get WAY more interior space than anything the FJ could muster. 

Cargo Space (cu.ft)

The story for cargo space is actually quite similar. Here, we have superior cargo space in the FJ vs. the 2 door Wrangler but it gets positively trounced by the 4 doors massive 70+ cubic feet of space. Unfair fight? You decide, but the facts remain: You can not get a 4 Door FJ! 

Powertrain Warranty

If you’re comparing new vehicles, vs. old vehicles – clearly the advantage is going to lie with the Wrangler here. Since they haven’t sold the FJ since 2014, you’ll be on your own for any repairs that come up. A quick poke through any forum will tell you that the FJ is, however, supremely reliable. 

Ground Clearance

This is basically a dead-even heat, although the Wrangler may have slightly higher water fording capability. 

Approach Angle

Although the FJ is equipped with outrageously good specs, it still loses out to the slightly better approach angles on the Wrangler. 

Breakover Angle

Here, the FJ scores a win! It’s less likely to get hung up on off-road obstacles due to its tidy wheelbase and overall length. 

Departure Angle

Here, the Toyota is again barely edged out by the mighty Wrangler. This is remarkable considering the specs of the Toyota but it just goes to show how good the Wrangler really is in the rough stuff. 

Use-Case Comparison: FJ Cruiser vs Jeep Wrangler

Although it’s clear that the Wrangler outperforms the FJ Cruiser spec-wise, the showdown is not over yet. Below we discuss the next important criteria in comparing these two vehicles: applications.

Off-Roading

Let’s just get this out of the way up front: both of these vehicles are AWESOME off-road. Spec for spec, the Wrangler manages to barely outmuscle the mighty FJ Cruiser but that doesn’t mean the FJ is some slouch. If rolls in a beefy 4 wheel drive system, and off-road tricks like crawl control and hill descent control.

Throw in that torque-rich motor and easy to place size and you have a very capable beast. At the end of the day though, the overall capability of the Wrangler, huge availability of off-road aftermarket equipment, and straight from the factory spec packages like the Rubicon make it the undeniable winner.

Family Use / Road Trips

If you’re going to use your vehicle for road trips or for hauling the family around, the 4 door Jeep Wrangler is a clear choice here. Although the 2 door Wrangler and the FJ are similar in size, their limited cargo capacity does not make them great options for hitting the road. Throw in the poor fuel economy of the FJ and the nail is really in that coffin.

Towing 

Final Thoughts: FJ Cruiser vs Jeep Wrangler

At the end of the day, this is a tale of two completely different vehicles. These days, an FJ in excellent condition can easily fetch into the Mid $30k range! Yes, you read that right. A vehicle that is at a minimum of 7 years old is going for what you can buy a brand new Wrangler for! This sort of rabid following is due to the legendary reliability of the FJ Cruiser platform and its absolute one-of-a-kind looks. If you want a vehicle that will no doubt continue to appreciate over time, the FJ is a unique investment and possible future collectible. (See also: Do Jeeps Hold Their Value?)

On the other hand, the Wrangler positively stomps the FJ in every possible aspect – except for rareness and reliability. With hundreds of configurations, a handful of great motors, and trail-rated capability – there is really nothing on the market like a Jeep Wrangler. You can even bring your family, friends, and your dogs along for the ride and let everyone get a good old dose of Sunshine from the open top. The Wrangler simply oozes cool factor, while giving you something that is truly useful out on the trail and around town! What’s better than that?