We've all seen the specs and
ridden along with Edmunds on one
of the first FJ Cruiser road tests, now comes the hard part-- paying for it. Or perhaps not: the base FJ, with
rear-wheel-drive motivation and five-speed slushbox will hit showrooms for $21,710, and a 4x4 six-speed row-it-yourself
will go for $22,890. Soccer moms and some trail hounds will opt for the 4x4 automatic, which commands $23,300.
For reference, the Jeep Wrangler (likely its closest spiritual competitor) strips out to just $18,730, but that price advantage is a bit misleading. The Toyota is at once larger and more powerful, as all FJs are motivated by the brand's 4.0L V6 (mustering nearly 240hp and 278 lb.-ft. of twist) -- The base Wrangler SE makes do with a 2.4L I4 (147hp/165 lb.-ft.) though all Wranglers come with 4WD. Perhaps a more apropos comparison would be the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its standard 4.0L I6 (190hp/235 lb.-ft.) and longer wheelbase. That model starts at $24,655, but is down on power and feature count.
Perhaps, then, the Toy's closest cross-shop is Nissan's Xterra. With a standard 4.0L V6 punching out 265hp and 284 lb.-ft. for just $19,950 (4x2, six-speed stick 'X' trim). An uplevel 'S' trim in 4x4 specification with five-speed automatic rings up at $24,950.
With three offerings now crowding the hard-core 'small' SUV segment, it appears that the demise of the body-on-frame market has been greatly exaggerated. Surprise, surprise.
[Source: Toyota Motor Company via PR Newswire]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jason in Bostn @ Jan 4th 2006 9:56PM
Jeep, Toyota and Chevy are the history proven SUV manufacturers. Chevy invented the SUV brand long ago. Jeep's war buggies have more years than Toyota's 50 in off-road service trucks. Each manufactures a great product. Families, desert dune travellers, farm & construction workers have counted on these reliable tough vehicles for a long time. It's great to see Toyota package something not luxo, a move back to economical truck tradition. There is bad research on pricing in your Autoblog though: The 2006 Jeep Wrangler SE is $20,245 with I6 cylinder 195hp/235lbtrq, 4spd auto with OD, rear stabilizer bar, and alternator upgrade. Not sure where you got your bad info from but you get a 6 cylinder DCX jeep for $1,400 less than the stripped, manual FJ.
RUBICONTRAIL.NET @ Jan 4th 2006 10:37PM
Now compare the FJ with the upcoming 2007 Wrangler (TK). It will be even more off-road capable than the current generation and will be more powerful.
VW-Guy @ Jan 4th 2006 11:27PM
That sounded much too much like a (paid) commercial and less like a neutral party reporting the news.
DT @ Jan 5th 2006 7:45AM
yeah you'd have to compare it to the new Wrangler out this weekend. I think then you'd see some very real competition. Plus a very trick new roof.
ebm14 @ Jan 5th 2006 8:39AM
If dealers dont charge a premium then it is 1005 well worth buying for its price. Earlier reports suggested a higher price for a 4x4 w/ auto.
Comparing this car ro a RAV4 with a 4 cylinder, 4x4 with automatic might just might just be about the same price as a fairly packaged FJ Cruiser and then there is the Highlander to think about too.
Prices seem to run into each other with all three SUV models.
Za @ Jan 5th 2006 6:08PM
ebm14, the RAV4 and Highlander are car based and not meant for off road duty. You definitely miss.
Toyota FJ Cruiser @ Jan 5th 2006 11:18PM
I cant wait to see these things hitting the streets. They are quite unique looking so they will definetly get alot of attention.
If you are interested in the FJ Cruiser, be sure to check out:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/
Tony Allen @ Jan 6th 2006 12:08AM
All the auto manufactures have been trying to catch
up with Nissan in the small SUV market since they introduced the XTERRA. It is the only truly
offroad capable SUV in it’s class. Toyota is just trying do what others have failed to do, build a
SUV to compete with the XTERRA. This year Nissan kick it up another notch with the new
generation XTERRA, boasting 265 hp, 284 lb-ft of torque. I do not believe anyone else comes
close to what Nissan offers in the small SUV class. Xterra, everything you need, nothing you
don't.
M.L. BROWN @ Jan 6th 2006 12:41AM
I've been waiting for years for this outfit. If it comes out with this gear, at this price, what a deal. I've been driving Toyotas and Land Rovers for years, this sounds like a marriage of both! Come on Toyota, be true to your customers!!
jimmy @ Jan 6th 2006 1:20AM
I just saw this at the LA autoshow!!!
This is one sweet ride!!!
I heard that there already is a pretty long waiting list...
I'm heading over to my Toyota dealer first thing in the morning!!
John @ Jan 9th 2006 3:28PM
The FJ Cruiser has no Cruiser roots. It is a rebadged 4Runner. Doesn't mean it isn't capable, but don't be buying this thinking this is a Cruiser. There is no solid axle, the rear pumpkin is centered, frame is smaller, IFS is smaller than a 100 series LC, etc, etc.
Will prove to be a fine vehicle, but no Cruiser. It's Toyota marketing trying to pull another one on us here in the US instead of simply brining in functional & capable vehicles they have in the international markets that would easily conform to safety and emissions here. It's a profit game for them; don't blame them for that, but they simply won't get my $ until they bring in a 70 or 105 series LC (or successors).
James FJC @ Sep 15th 2006 12:41AM
It's not a re-badged 4Runner. The frame, for one, is a modified version taken from the Land Cruiser. The engine is tried and true, and with the modified exhaust and air filter, will produce over 260HP with 300lbs/Tq. I've personally taken mine on the last Rubicon Trail, and those who doubted were the same ones asking how much it was and where they could get one when I finished the course. And, the rear axle is solid. Maybe you should get your facts straight before opening your mouth.