Most impressive is the 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine. Its semi-throaty roar makes the FJ seem fast, yet the exhaust was stock quiet under moderate acceleration. The boisterous engine lends a lot of off-road competence to the vehicle.
There are a lot of interesting items that make the FJ different from your everyday, grocery-getting SUV. The flooring and seats are made of a material that encourages cleaning with a hose. The tilt urethane steering wheel is nicely sized, and feels almost like a scuba diver's glove in your hand. While it looks like a two-door, there are two rear-hinged doors that open widely to reveal a rear seat with a 60/40 split seat back.
The Star Safety System is standard equipment in the FJ. It includes vehicle stability control, ABS brakes, front air bags, and three point belts in every position. Further protection comes both from standard underbelly skid plates, and ones that are part of the $1,000 convenience package, as well as front and rear side curtain air bags.
The two-wheel-drive FJ comes with a five-speed automatic transmission whereas the four-wheel-drive model can be ordered with a six-speed manual or the automatic.
In addition to the many post-production options Toyota usually offers, FJ's can be equipped with running boards, TRD (Toyota Racing Department) goodies, upgraded wheels, and remote keyless entry. A rear clearance sonar device assists in rock riding applications.