What replaced the Toyota FJ Cruiser? For fans of this iconic SUV who were unhappy to see it go, that’s a valid question. Toyota offers a similar model, but enthusiasts fans want the FJ Cruiser, not a substitute.

Where have all the FJ Cruisers gone?

The FJ Cruiser isn’t as famous as the Jeep Wrangler in the off-roading community, but there’s no denying it has a loyal fan base. 

Toyota hatched plans to produce the FJ Cruiser in the early 2000s with the idea that it would hark back to the vehicles of the ’50s and ’60s. But the first production model didn’t hit showroom floors in the United States until 2007. However, very few details changed from the design concept to manufacturing, which was unusual.

After testing the FJ Cruiser on some of the toughest trails in America to prove it was a true off-roading machine, critics warmly embraced it. The SUV could hold its own with better-known models like the Tacoma, and its unique retro looks made it an instant hit. But like all good things, it came to an end.

The last FJ Cruiser for the American market rolled off the production line in 2014, although the company continued producing it for a few markets overseas.

The good news? One Toyota SUV makes a suitable alternative. But it doesn’t replace the FJ Cruiser per se.

Toyota points FJ Cruiser fans to the 4Runner

Toyota knows that fans miss the FJ Cruiser and want to see it return. But the company doesn’t appear to have any plans to make that happen and has yet to announce a replacement. Instead, the company directs fans to the 4Runner.

The FJ Cruiser stands out for its body style. It has a unique blend of modern and retro that no other Toyota SUV provides. The 4Runner has a rugged-looking body, but it’s modern through and through.

However, these two vehicles have many similarities. Both are 4x4s designed to hit the trails. Also, both pack a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 260 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Even though the FJ Cruiser has been out of production in the States for a decade, Toyota has yet to update this engine. 

However, fans can still buy the few used FJ Cruisers still on the market. But you might want to think twice about it. 

Used FJ Cruisers in good condition are extremely expensive. One even sold for $80,000. Unless you’re a collector, you might be better off purchasing a new 4Runner than spending that much for a used car.

Toyota is really done this time

Although Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser in America, it continued producing the SUV elsewhere. Motor1 reports that the Japanese auto giant has been slowly cutting back on FJ Cruiser production for years, but it still has a powerful presence in other parts of the world. Now, Toyota has branded the last FJ Cruiser model the “Final Edition” and announced it would produce no more.

So, is this truly the end? Officially, yes. Consumer demand remains strong, however, so the pressure is on for Toyota to bring the FJ Cruiser back from the grave, much like Ford resurrected the Bronco. Though we see no signs of that happening, we continue to hope.