If you’re looking for a new retro-style compact SUV a la Toyota FJ Cruiser, you may be out of time. Thing is, this type of vehicles went out of fashion. The Nissan Xterra was one of the last, and it was discontinued in 2015. This fate also befell the Jeep Liberty and the Dodge Nitro a couple of years earlier, so the choice among new retro-style compact SUVs or vehicles with a similar feel is virtually absent.
You may purchase something of the above but used, not new. If you want a new vehicle, here are few suggestions.
Jeep Wrangler
2016 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
With all their obvious differences, the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota FJ Cruiser are still the birds of a feather. They are both retro-style; they are both compact; they are both good at off-road. Actually, the Jeep Wrangler is even more extreme in those aspects which gave birth to a joke popular among Jeep owners that FJ stands for ‘Fake Jeep’.
Toyota 4Runner
2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail © Toyota Motor Corporation
In case you want something precisely made by Toyota, you should stick with the Toyota 4Runner. It is bigger and more expensive, yes. On the other hand, it is also good on the trail as well as on the road.
Subaru Forester
2016 Subaru Forester © Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.
It is like the Toyota 4Runner only less expensive. The Subaru Forester has a generic design and mediocre fuel economy; on the other hand, it provides nice smooth drive in any conditions.
Chevrolet Trax
2016 Chevrolet Trax LTZ © General Motors
This ‘city-smart SUV’ is one of the newest entries in Chevy’s lineup. It doesn’t resemble the Toyota FJ Cruiser by design and its marketing is quite different – while the Toyota FJ Cruiser was focused on off-road and handling, the Chevrolet Trax is focused on city driving – but the actual feel on the road and on the trail is somewhat similar.
Jeep Renegade
2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
It is small, capable, off-road-friendly, with an interesting design. Isn’t that what you want from a vehicle asking for a similarity with the Toyota FJ Cruiser? Yeah, it has four doors instead of two, but that’s a minor difference.
