What Is the Safety Rating of the FJ Cruiser?
The Toyota FJ Cruiser earned strong safety scores during its production years, particularly in crash protection. While it lacks some of the advanced driver‑assist technology found in newer SUVs, its robust build and standard safety equipment helped it achieve favorable ratings.
Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – U.S.)
- Overall Rating – 4 out of 5 stars
- Frontal Crash – 4 out of 5 stars
- Side Crash – 5 out of 5 stars
- Rollover Resistance – 3 out of 5 stars (due to higher center of gravity typical of SUVs)
IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – U.S.)
- Rated “Good” in moderate overlap front, side impact, and roof strength tests
- Lower ratings in small overlap front tests (not common during its production years)
Standard Safety Features
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Anti‑lock brakes (ABS)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake‑force Distribution (EBD)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Safety Considerations
- The FJ Cruiser’s body‑on‑frame design offers strength but can contribute to more body roll compared to unibody SUVs.
- Limited rear visibility can be a drawback, making a backup camera a highly recommended addition for safety.