The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser stays true to its off road performance roots, while adding some refinement to urban travel. The first aspect of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser that you will notice is the aggressively-styled, retro-looking exterior. At first glance upon the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, peoples’ decisions will be split to whether or not they have an appreciation for the overemphasized rugged characteristics of the unique exterior design. This split decision coupled with the specific off-road focused design elements could be some of the reasons for the decline in FJ Cruiser sales since its first release in 2006.
EXTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS
Having owned numerous Jeeps in the past, I’m a huge supporter of the aggressive, off-road inspired, retro-styled image that the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser exudes. The tough and aggressive look comes from the 9.6” ground clearance, the large 32” tires with full size spare on the rear gate, the beefy black bumpers and wheel fenders and the near vertical windshield. The exterior’s retro style comes from the round headlights, the full length word “TOYOTA” mounted on the elongated front grille and the wrap around tail lights.
One of the unique features that set apart the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser from a Jeep (its closest competitor) are the rear passenger access doors that open nearly 90 degrees to allow rear passengers easy access to the rear seats. The other feature setting apart the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is the short and near vertical front windshield with 3 windshield wipers. Having driven the vehicle in heavy rain, the 3rd wiper comes in handy to allow an almost completely clear and unobstructed view through the front windshield.
SIMPLE, FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR
Although the back to basics interior of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is nothing to write home about, the interior is well thought out with respect to placement, convenience and comfort in mind. The oversized dials and buttons allow for easy manipulation with gloved hands and most buttons and selectors are in places that one would expect to find them.
A great feature for the front passengers is the adjustable armrests which can be locked into place at the desired height. The front passenger seats seem to sit close to the ground so front passengers don’t have to climb up onto the seats when entering the vehicle and also it would bring the center of gravity down for the whole vehicle.
At first, the field of vision seems limited when sitting in the driver’s seat of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, but when you factor in the properly placed windows and the backup camera that displays in the rear view mirror you don’t even notice after a few minutes of driving.
OFFROAD RUGGED MEETS URBAN CONVENIENCE
There’s no denying that most aspects of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser are built for a rugged off-road experience. Beefy parts and performance features aside, one of the less noticeable features that come in handy is the ease of cleaning the interior. The seat fabric is water repellent and the instrument panels are protected from water by a ruby layer, allowing easy cleaning from wet and muddy adventures.
When you are done off-road and want to take the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser into town, the powerful engine and smooth ride will bring you there in style.
Although the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser may not be for everyone, it is definitely worthy of praise for its unique looks and off-road capabilities. At a reasonable starting price of $33,440 it is a great vehicle to consider when you need the safety, reliability and performance in snow or on road trips to lesser traveled areas.
