When was fj cruiser discontinued

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Toyota FJ Cruiser was discontinued in the United States after the 2014 model year. Production officially ended in December 2014, marking the close of a seven-year run that began in 2007.

Key Facts

The FJ Cruiser was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2014 model year
Production ended in December 2014 at Toyota's Indiana plant
Introduced in 2007, the FJ Cruiser had a seven-year production run
Sales declined from a peak of 43,581 units in 2007 to under 14,000 by 2013
The FJ Cruiser remains available in select international markets post-2014

Overview

The Toyota FJ Cruiser, a retro-styled SUV inspired by the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser, was discontinued in the United States after the 2014 model year. Despite a strong debut and loyal fan base, declining sales and shifting market preferences led Toyota to discontinue the model in North America.

The FJ Cruiser was marketed as an off-road-focused vehicle with distinctive styling, including rear-hinged rear doors and a bold, boxy design. While praised for its rugged capability and reliability, it struggled to maintain consistent sales volume over time.

Launch and design: The FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2007 as a 2007 model year vehicle, drawing direct inspiration from the 1960s-era FJ40 Land Cruiser with modern mechanicals and safety features.
Production timeline: Manufactured from 2006 to 2014, the FJ Cruiser was built at Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana plant, with final U.S. production ending in December 2014.
Sales performance: Sales peaked in 2007 with 43,581 units sold in the U.S., but dropped to just 13,977 by 2013, contributing to the discontinuation decision.
Market positioning: Positioned between the compact Toyota 4Runner and full-size Sequoia, the FJ Cruiser targeted off-road enthusiasts seeking a unique, trail-capable SUV with retro flair.
Legacy: Despite its discontinuation, the FJ Cruiser maintains a strong enthusiast community and is frequently modified for overlanding and off-road adventures.

How It Works

The FJ Cruiser combined body-on-frame construction with advanced off-road systems, making it a capable and durable SUV for rugged terrain. Its engineering prioritized durability, traction, and driver control in challenging environments.

4x4 System: The full-time four-wheel-drive system included a center differential lock, allowing drivers to maintain traction on loose or uneven surfaces without damaging the drivetrain.
Off-Road Package: Models equipped with the optional Off-Road Package featured an electronic locking rear differential, enhancing grip when one rear wheel loses contact with the ground.
Approach and Departure Angles: With a 34-degree approach angle and 29-degree departure angle, the FJ Cruiser outperformed many SUVs in navigating steep inclines and rocky trails.
Suspension Setup: The double-wishbone front and four-link rear solid axle suspension provided a balance of on-road comfort and off-road articulation.
Engine Specs: Powered by a 4.0L V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Efficiency: EPA ratings were modest at 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, reflecting its focus on performance over economy.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the FJ Cruiser to key competitors in its class during its final years of production.

Model	Years Active	Final U.S. Sales (2014)	Engine	MSRP (2014)
Toyota FJ Cruiser	2007–2014	13,977	4.0L V6	$29,065–$36,480
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited	2007–present	85,000+	3.6L V6	$26,000–$35,000
Land Rover Defender	1983–2016	~500 (U.S.)	2.2L Diesel	$45,000+
Hummer H3	2006–2010	Discontinued	3.7L I5	$30,000–$40,000
Ford Bronco (revival)	1966–1996, 2021–present	N/A (2014)	N/A	N/A

The FJ Cruiser’s niche appeal and limited practicality—such as rear-hinged doors and reduced rear visibility—placed it at a disadvantage compared to more versatile or mainstream SUVs. While the Jeep Wrangler continued strong sales, Toyota chose to focus on the updated 4Runner and future SUV models instead.

Why It Matters

The discontinuation of the FJ Cruiser reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, including the shift toward fuel-efficient crossovers and away from body-on-frame SUVs. However, its lasting popularity among off-road communities underscores enduring demand for rugged, capable vehicles.

Enthusiast Culture: The FJ Cruiser has a dedicated following, with numerous online forums, aftermarket support, and custom builds focused on overlanding and rock crawling.
Used Market Value: Well-maintained models retain strong resale value, with many selling above original MSRP due to limited supply and high demand.
Influence on Design: The FJ’s retro styling influenced later Toyota concepts, including the 2020 FJ-40-inspired FJ Garage concept and the 2023 Urban Cruiser prototype.
Global Availability: While discontinued in the U.S., the FJ Cruiser remains in production for markets like the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
Toyota’s SUV Strategy: Post-FJ, Toyota shifted focus to the refreshed 4Runner, Highlander, and the introduction of the compact C-HR and later the reborn 2021 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition.
Legacy in Off-Roading: The FJ Cruiser is often cited in off-road communities as one of the most capable factory-equipped SUVs of the 2000s, frequently compared to the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Patrol.

The FJ Cruiser may no longer be sold new in the U.S., but its impact on SUV design and off-road culture continues to resonate with drivers and manufacturers alike.