FJ Cruiser
The Icon
"Retro FJ40 soul, modern V6 muscle, and a personality like nothing else on the road."
About the FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser arrived in South Africa in 2011 and immediately built a fanatical following that persists to this day. Based on the 150 Prado platform but dressed in retro FJ40-inspired bodywork, it offered a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V6, proper body-on-frame construction, an electrically locking rear differential, and Crawl Control (from 2013). Quirky reverse-hinged rear doors, tiny fixed rear windows, and chunky C-pillars divided opinion — but for enthusiasts it was love at first sight. Low-mileage examples now command serious premiums.
Who It's For
Enthusiasts first, overlanders second. The FJ Cruiser is for buyers who want character and capability in equal measure — someone who sees a vehicle as an extension of their personality. It's not the most practical choice, but it's one of the most rewarding.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Unique retro design — still one of the best-looking 4x4s ever made
- Excellent factory ground clearance: 245 mm
- Rear e-diff lock standard
- Crawl Control from 2013 models
- Bulletproof 4.0L V6 — proven across the entire Toyota range
- Strong enthusiast community and aftermarket in SA
- Exceptional resale value — demand far exceeds supply
Weaknesses
- Petrol only — thirsty (11–14L/100km)
- Terrible rear visibility — tiny fixed windows and chunky C-pillars
- Awkward rear door access — reverse-hinged, accessed from the back
- Low towing capacity: 1,500 kg
- No diesel option was always a significant compromise for long-distance SA travel
Buying Tips
- 1 Post-2013 models: Crawl Control and optional supplementary 87L fuel tank — prioritise these
- 2 2022+ examples: touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — a meaningful upgrade
- 3 Low-mileage examples are extremely rare — budget accordingly
- 4 Verify the rear diff lock engages and disengages cleanly
- 5 Check the windscreen for chips — the upright angle makes it very vulnerable
- 6 Prefer stock or Toyota-accessorised examples — quality of aftermarket mods varies widely
Common Issues to Check
- Windscreen stone chips — the upright rake is unavoidable
- High fuel consumption — real-world 13–16L/100km is common
- Rear visibility problems can cause parking/manoeuvring incidents
- Timing belt wear — check service history carefully
Ready to buy?
Browse FJ Cruiser listings for sale in South Africa
