In what seems to be a plot twist in the Indian automotive market, a Toyota FJ Cruiser has mysteriously made its way into the country, despite the model never officially launching in India. This 2022 manufactured and 2023 registered FJ Cruiser stands as a solitary figure on Indian soil, boasting a mere 5,000 km on the odometer and maintaining a condition as pristine as a royal chariot.
Under the hood, this rogue FJ Cruiser hides a formidable 4.0 L, V6 engine, capable of delivering a hearty 260 horsepower and a torque of 367 N⋅m, ready to take on the subcontinent’s diverse terrains. The vehicle, which commands a king’s ransom of Rs. 1.05 crore, is a 5-door SUV complete with rear suicide doors, adding a touch of rebellion to its appearance.
The FJ Cruiser, a brainchild of Toyota’s retro revolution, was produced by the Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan, from 2006 to 2022. This mid-size SUV, which shares its genetic blueprint with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, was Toyota’s nod to the iconic FJ40, blending nostalgia with modern engineering marvels.
First unveiled at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show in the now-signature Voodoo Blue, the FJ Cruiser dazzled the automotive world, holding its own against more exotic contemporaries with its bold, retro styling. This approach not only won the hearts of the automotive press and public alike but also positioned the FJ Cruiser as Toyota’s halo car of the era, reminiscent of the impact the retro-styled 2005 Mustang had for Ford.
Design-wise, the FJ Cruiser is a homage to the original FJ40, with its short wheelbase, stocky frame, and a grille-headlight arrangement that harks back to the past. The interior is a testament to practicality, featuring washable rubber materials and oversized controls to accommodate the adventurous soul, ensuring that a bit of mud and grit only adds to the vehicle’s character.
With components sourced from siblings like the Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and even the Prado, the FJ Cruiser is not just a relic of the past but a modern beast built for the wild. The lone FJ Cruiser in India, therefore, is not just a vehicle; it’s a collector’s dream, a symbol of rugged individuality, and now, a rare jewel in the crown of India’s luxury SUV market.
