2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs Jeep Wrangler

The Japanese and Americans were fierce World War II adversaries. One of their post 1940s battle grounds were their tough four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, the Jeep Willis and Toyota FJ40. These two warrior vehicles carved out a reputation of unrelenting offroad workhorses. 
They are the bedrock of today’s duelers; the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler who have reincarnated the fierce rivalry of their ancestors as modern compact midsize four-door tough 4WD Sports Utility Vehicles. 

Front and back end style
FJ Cruiser and Wrangler frontal looks blend with tradition. The brand name Toyota and Jeep are boldly displayed. Signature round lights in the middle, tapering nose design and the extended bumper set the no nonsense tone. The Wrangler deceitfully looks shy with its pronounced flared fenders, while FJ Cruiser’s flat straight up windscreen and bulging front fenders give it a military issue look. Wrangler’s reassuring solid boxy look with straight but softly curved rear edges emphasises readiness for field duty but tamed for the commute. 

FJ Cruiser’s retro stocky and stylish bulging muscle looks are brutish but head turning. It looks like a solid bomb squad truck comfortable in the city but ready to chase the Wrangler on tough trails in a rocky or wet slippery wilderness. The FJ Cruiser and Wrangler have an assortment of accessories such as heavy duty metallic front bumpers, snorkel air intakes and roof racks for meaner off road looks, protection and performance enhancement.

Interior designing and features
The Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler centre consoles and dashboards come with creative easy to clean vinyl finish, clear instrument dials and easy to reach knobs and stalks. However, the important switches for hill descent control, A TRAC and skid control are not easy to access at button of the centre console on both cars. FJ Cruiser offers two big front passenger doors and two smaller swing back ‘suicide’ doors for the rear passengers. This looks cool. However, adult rear passengers struggle to gain access. 

The Wrangler’s easier rear passenger access reminds us that it would be nice to have full sized doors. It also offers leather upholstery with a rather stiff but command seating position. 
FJ’s fabric seats are easier to clean, more comfortable and supportive. The Wrangler provides better front passenger legroom while the FJ has better middle row leg and shoulder room. 

Practicality, safety, performance and handling
FJ Cruiser’s creative features include driver glovebox above the steering, backup camera in the rear view mirror, two sun visors for each front passenger, a remote controlled swing out glass hatch on the rear door, a rear invertor socket for power equipment and a vinyl easy to clean floor. 

The Wrangler’s unique features include removable doors and roof (freedom top) to get the outdoor open air feeling. 
The FJ Cruiser has better safety ratings from the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal and side impact crashes. FJ has more airbags to protect the passenger torso and sides. 

The Wrangler has better engine efficiency with its 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine delivering 285 HP and a fuel economy of 9.5 KM/Litre. FJ Cruiser’s bigger 4.0L V6 engine delivers smaller 260HP and a fuel economy of 9.0 KM/L. 
Off road, the Wrangler is a bit bouncier but retains excellent road holding with improved steering precision. FJ Cruiser and Wrangler feel nimble and responsive on tarmac. 

Verdict
The FJ and Wrangler’s body on frame design, high ground clearance and heavy duty independent suspension give them imperishable toughness. However, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser has excellent retention of value and is quite a hot cake on the used car market as the Toyota brand has global perception of affordability and maintainability.