Why Was the FJ Cruiser Discontinued by Toyota?
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was discontinued after the 2014 model year in North America and fully ended global production in 2022. While the SUV gained a strong fan base, Toyota phased it out due to changing market conditions and strategic priorities.
Key Reasons for Discontinuation
Declining Sales
- After a strong launch in 2006, sales steadily dropped year over year
- Demand for retro-styled, off-road-focused SUVs declined as buyers shifted toward more versatile crossovers
- By 2014, annual sales were no longer strong enough to justify continued production in most markets
Changing Consumer Preferences
- The market moved toward more fuel-efficient, family-friendly vehicles
- Buyers increasingly favored crossovers with better rear access, more cargo space, and modern tech features
- The FJ Cruiser’s design limited rear visibility and rear passenger accessibility, which affected daily usability
Regulatory Pressures
- Tightening emissions and safety regulations in many global markets made it more expensive to continue manufacturing the FJ platform without major redesigns
- The 4.0L V6 engine and body-on-frame platform were less efficient compared to modern alternatives
Strategic Realignment
- Toyota focused resources on expanding hybrid SUVs, the Tacoma, and more globally adaptable Land Cruiser platforms
- Discontinuing the FJ made room for other, more profitable and scalable vehicles in Toyota’s SUV lineup
Final Production Timeline
- 2014 – Final model year in North America with the Trail Teams Ultimate Edition
- 2018 – Ended in Japan and Australia
- 2022 – Final Edition released in the Middle East, marking the official end of global production