Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 Philippines: Price, Specs & Interior Review

The FJ Cruiser has been known as a venerable 4x4 in the local car market in the past and present. With a retro look, an airy and comfortable cabin along with a go-anywhere ability, the FJ Cruiser can even make Land Rover representatives and some Jeeps look up to.

Toyota FJ Cruiser has been known as a venerable 4x4 in the local car market in the past and present

The easy availability of aftermarket parts is also a main factor that helps the SUV gain popularity in the Philippine market today. Hence, it comes as no surprise to spot a fully dressed up FJ Cruiser on the roads. As we know, Toyota has been very successful with its TRD accessories. While a wide range of its vehicles comes with such special body kit, the Japanese brand does not leave the FJ Cruiser in the lurch. So, let’s find out what the SUV looks like with new outfit as well as what it has to offer via our Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 Review here on Philkotse. 

Before getting started, please note that this review is zooming in the current generation Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD in the Philippines.

Roadtrip with the Philippine FJ Cruisers Club!

With TRD options, this 4x4 vehicle is exactly more tempting and rugged from bumper to bumper. Frankly, this set is born for off-roaders, for the FJ Cruiser to be exact.

With TRD options, this 4x4 vehicle is exactly more tempting and rugged from bumper to bumper

New in the façade is an aluminum skid plate with “TRD” cut out to differentiate itself from standard version.

The side, meanwhile, is fitted with riveted wheel arches bolt over the standard flares and all-terrain tires covering polished black wheels.

Behind those wheels, now we can spot a glossy new tailpipe finisher and larger mudflaps

Behind those wheels, now we can spot a glossy new tailpipe finisher and larger mudflaps. Further, a new steel bar places underneath the wheelbase which serves as protection when off-roading.

Frankly, this set is born for off-roaders, for the FJ Cruiser to be exact

If you want your Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 model more aggressive, TRD side graphics comes as an option.

Controls, knobs and buttons are quite thickset with nice touches. A triple-meter cluster above the dash further exudes the SUV’s one-off. It includes the thermometer, compass and inclinometer which are all effective and helpful to you while on the go.

A triple-meter cluster above the dash further exudes the SUV’s one-off

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 Review: Safety Features

The FJ Cruiser is safe; we could say that with certainty. To prove, look at the following list:

• Driver's Airbag
• Front Passenger's Airbag
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• ABS with Anti-lock Brake System
• Immobilizer
• Stability Control
• Electronic Door Locks
• ISOFIX

Like the exterior, the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 interior also features a throwback design suggesting that Toyota engineers did it with hard core off-roaders in their mind.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 interior also features a retro look

To keep itself always ready for muddy days, it is understandable when there is no carpeted floor here. Off-road aficionados like simplicity, so it’s no problem when plastics are overexploited. Interestingly, rounded child-safe handles remind us of a Tonka toy truck, to be honest.

In terms of practicality, this SUV can accommodate 5 people while still boosting a cavernous cargo space with seats up.

The 2018 Toyota FJ Cruiser can accommodate 5 people...

...while still boosting a cavernous cargo space with seats up

The Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 is powered by a 4.0L DOHC V6 engine delivering up to 268 PS and a peak torque of 366 Nm. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 5-spped automatic gearbox. Though no overdrive button is offered, the automatic mode allows you to limit the top gear to each of the five speeds. Plus, a 2nd gear shifter is in charge of directing the transfer case, so that you can easily shift to 4H and 4L.

The 2018 model is powered by a 4.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine

Purposely designed for the US market, the Toyota FJ Cruiser naturally features a grand and boat-like feel when it comes to ride and handling. Everything is great, from squats, rolls and dips when you rocket the SUV from the standstill, turn or brake. For the most part, the ride is very comfortable but we are not sure if you’re at high speeds. However, it’s still soft and quite stable in spite of more off-road geared TRD set. This soft ride is likewise helpful in going off-road as it will mute much of tough roads.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser naturally features a grand and boat-like feel

Yes, off-roading is the best part of the Toyota FJ Cruiser that has made its far-famed. With steep approach angles and a decent ground clearance, challenging rocks or ruts is easy-peasy. With such power delivered from the potent V6, as mentioned above, regulating once in 4H and 4L is just a child’s play too. More than that, do not tremble with the fear for toppling over while behind this cruiser’s wheel.

EXTREME OFFROAD - FJ Cruiser In Action

You might be open-mouthed when knowing moving around town is the FJ Cruiser’s hindrance. Classified as a compact SUV, but the SUV is surprisingly wide. Window line and a high hood are wrongdoers who make the driver confused when obstacles are on the left side. Not only that, thick pillars block out much of the view behind, resulting in some large blind spots. Thankfully, Toyota has been aware of this and has furnished the SUV with a back-up camera.

In terms of fuel economy, in heavy traffic, the FJ Cruiser rates 5.0 – 6.0 km/L in heavy traffic. Nevertheless, on highway roads, it only guzzles 10 km/L at an average speed of 100 km/h.

In the Philippine market, the Toyota FJ Cruiser price starts at P1,958,000 in 2018. Compared to last year’s price, it is P62,000 more expensive. However, it sets it against that of other 4x4s, our SUV is worth considering with a plethora of goodies.

>>> Click to find Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 for sale in the Philippines

At the end of our Toyota FJ Cruiser 2018 Review, it can be concluded that with a peculiar look, flexible interior, soft ride and admirable performance, the FJ Cruiser 2018 model is exactly what an off-road fanatic wants.

“The FJ Cruiser doesn’t care where you want to go, it just takes you there. Rocks, hills, riverbeds     and roards are no match for the sheer power and torque that the FJ Cruiser brings,” according to Toyota.

The FJ Cruiser doesn’t care where you want to go, it just takes you there

Many of you have already known that Toyota said goodbye to the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the US and in its home country. As to our market, we've known about its demise for some time now, but it’s sure that the reality still stings for Pinoy drivers.

>>> To learn more about other sought-after models in the local car market, please click here where our in-depth reviews will help you get your head round.