Is the Toyota FJ Cruiser good for families?

If you're thinking of buying an FJ Cruiser for your family, we hope you have factored in a fuel fund! While the FJ Cruiser is one of those cars I'd buy if I won the lottery, it may not be perfectly suitable as a day-to-day family car, but this also depends on a few important factors...

Ané Albertse

4 Aug 2022 · 16:45Buying a Car

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The FJ Cruiser with its Tonka-toy retro looks and rugged demeanour is one of those cars that is loved by all. If you've been tempted to buy yourself one as your daily drive, we can certainly understand why you would fall for this SUV. But if you're a family man or woman, practicality is key, and the FJ isn't the most practical SUV out there. Let's take a look at its positive and negative points as a family vehicle.

1. It's quite thirsty...

And by thirsty, we mean as thirsty as a student at a 2-for-1 tequila night special. You can probably imagine how much petrol a 4.0-litre V6 engine is going to drink in traffic between your kid's school and the office. So, if your budget allows for fuel consumption of between 14 and 18 litres per 100 km, go ahead. If not, rather keep that petrol money for your kids' varsity fees.

2. But it also has delicious power!

A walloping 200 kiloWatts and 380 Nm of torque is lovely to have, even if you don't use it all that often. Just think how easily you'll overcome the obstacles at your local 4x4 track and how quickly you'll tow the boat to the dam with it.

3. It's quite cramped in the rear

Head room is good, but those suicide doors are difficult to open and close from the inside, especially if you're a child on the back seat. The doors themselves are quite heavy and you have to reach quite far. Also, the view to the outside isn't great for the people in the back because of that massive C-pillar. The backrests are quite straight so the rear is not the most comfortable place in the FJ Cruiser. You can easily fit three child seats side-by-side on the rear seat, though.

4. But it can take you places!

The FJ Cruiser is like a tank: Completely unstoppable and almost invincible. With the last update the FJ adopted the *Crawl Control function, "a 'feet-off' control system that helps take the vehicle over severe or slippery terrain. It assists in climbing or descending steep hills, freeing the vehicle if it is stuck, and is also helpful in mud, sand and gravel, and when wading through water", says Toyota. Taking your family on extreme off-roading adventures is a cinch when you drive an FJ.

5. In-car tech is quite limited

Nope, there's no touchscreen available. But since you're probably a little bit old-school, this won't bother you too much. At least you can bring your Baby Mozart CDs along to soothe junior in his baby seat!

Bluetooth is standard, as are USB/AUX sockets, while remote steering wheel buttons will help keep your eyes on the road.

But Apart from those six speakers that form part of the sound system, Toyota says the FJ's roof lining also acts as a speaker membrane which contributes to better sound quality for the whole family's enjoyment.

7. But in general, the FJ Cruiser has a decent specification sheet

There is powerful air-conditioning electric windows, ABS, EBD, Brake assist, vehicle stability control, and 6 airbags, but as they say, "that's not all!" The full list of equipment can be viewed on Toyota's FJ Cruiser microsite, here.

Another practical characteristic of the FJ Cruiser is its spacious luggage area with its hardy boot floor, which can be hosed down if you've been dirt-biking or riding around with wet dogs in the car (The FJ makes an excellent car for dog owners, by the way). The back row of seats can easily be flipped forward in a 60/40 split configuration or both can be completely folded flat.

Other options?

Might we suggest a nice pre-loved Land Cruiser Prado for better fuel consumption and added practicality? It may be a bit larger than the FJ, but it's a winner of a family SUV I would probaly opt for a used Prado instead of a new FJ if practicality is at the top of your list. Read our Land Cruiser Prado 3.0 VX-L road test (2018) here.

To see just how capable the Prado is off-road, we took part in a 4x4 competition in the sand dunes near Melkbosstrand in the Western Cape. Read The Flying Prados of Atlantis, here.

Other family-friendly alternatives to the FJ Cruiser include the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner.

Recommended next

Look for Ford Everests on AutoTrader here

Written by Ané Albertse

Ané was bitten by the motoring bug at a very young age. Her mom recalls her sitting in her stroller as a 3-year old, naming every car that came past. She was creating content for various publications within Media24 when AutoTrader nabbed her for good, and is one of the longest-standing members of the AutoTrader team. She prefers dirt roads to tar and SUVs/bakkies to sports cars, but her greatest passion is helping people find the perfect car for their budget, lifestyle, and personality.Read more