Toyota aimed at a young male audience with the FJ Cruiser SUV, which is styled to resemble the classic FJ 40 from the 1960s. Positioned as a "lifestyle" vehicle with rear-hinged access doors, the FJ Cruiser is much closer to the Nissan XTerra than the Honda Element. Based on a slightly altered 4Runner platform, the FJ Cruiser is powered by the same 4.0L V-6, mated to a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, the FJ Cruiser is also equipped with comprehensive active safety enhancements such as: VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), TRAC (traction control), ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and brake assist. 2WD models are equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential.

Revisions to the 4.0L V6 result in increased horsepower (19-bhp) and fuel economy (1 MPG).