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Nissan Xterra Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser

I love my Wrangler and I never thought I would ever want to part with it but recently I realized it’s not a very practical car. Actually I always knew it wasn’t a very practical car but never had an issue with it until now. I can’t fit anything in the trunk! I just got a 1/5 scale RC car and it barely fits in the back, barely anything fits even with the seat folded. So, I am now considering swapping the Wrangler for another SUV, one that at least has some decent space to hold stuff. Personally I would actually prefer a pick up truck like the Ford Raptor but Nat hates trucks. The two options I’ve currently narrowed down to are the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota FJ Cruiser. I’ve actually been begging Negative Effect practically on a weekly basis for the past few months to sell me his nicely modified FJ but have failed miserably in convincing him.

Both SUV’s are actually great, the Xterra being the more practical out of the bunch while the FJ being the timeless one. Anyone have any opinion on the two cars?

51 replies on “Nissan Xterra Vs Toyota FJ Cruiser”

Both great, i drive an FJ cruiser , and i say go for it . Retro look , capable off-road , fun to drive .

All you need is 3″ OME lift kits and you’ll have an amazing 4×4 that can take you anywhere .

FJ Cruiser all the way! But you’ve still got a 3rd decision to make. The colour. Or do you already have one picked? Oh God I hope it’s not the purply pink of your site lol.

Just take a note on the FJ cruiser, has a very small fuel tank. Relative has one and does alot of crusing around offroading etc he modded the fuel tank to a prado tank and a reserve tank and runs better, he has to work on the CG to keep things in check for ride handling.

Am seriously considering getting the FJ but waiting for the new patrol to come and see it.

The problem with the FJ is it only has looks but no engine to complement it the Xterra has a great engine and not bad looks and 4-door which is more conventional than the half door on the FJ so i think you should go for the Xterra which i might add looks great with a safari snorkel and a lift

Xterra is half the price of the FJ !!!!!!
as for offrouding ,, i HAVE seen the Xterra getting the FJ Owned !! ,, and the FJ had a lift kit ,, while the Xterra didn’t !
all what the Xterra missing ,, is a wheel to be in the back of it just the like th Fj ,, and i for sure know that there are only one Xterra owner who did that to his SUV in Q8 ,, and ppl are asking him what is his car ! ( it totally changed the car from behind ) !!

I drive a nissan Xterra (2009) and I’m in love with it. that car is amazing! it’s capable of doing anything. I love the engine although it is not economical with fuel. The only (kinda major) problem with the Xterra (2009) is the interior, it’s kinda cheap and sooooooo un-tec.

one more thing, the back seat of the Xterra is a bitch! I think it’s smaller than Tida and Yaris. Also, the curved doors is stupid. not sure about the new models though.

Between those 2 cars – the FJ wins hands down. The Xterra is just weird and looks like a pregnant duck!
I have an FJ and they are lots of fun,reliable,and very easy to modify if you want to.
Another suggestion if you feel like spending a bit more money is the cherokee SLR. Its a bullet,not a bad off roader and super interior and exterior.

When I saw your post I thought you meant FJ Land Cruiser like your RC car (is that even available?!). The FJ Cruiser though? I think it looks pretty childish. The Xterra also looks kinda weird but seems more capable.

FJ is much more reliable in offroad that the Xterra.. I gave both a try and the FJ was much more comfortable.. With the FJ i’m sure you can switch between rear and all wheel drive, but for the xterra im not sure.. as for interior space, the FJ is very roomy in the front but a bit tight in the back, Xterra is not that roomy in the back but of course the back doors make an easier access.. Performance, the Xterra is faster on the roads because it has like 20 horsepower and torque more than the FJ.. But, Toyota is the King 😛 (very biased remark) haha

Here’s a link from inside line:
https://www.insideline.com/toyota/fj-cruiser/2007/2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-vs-2006-nissan-xterra-off-road.html

Goodluck with choosing 😉

I would go for the Xterra for sure. Stronger engine, bigger wheels, better value for money (the full option is still less than the FJ), much better looks (in my opinion) and above all far more superior offroad capabilities. I’ve driven both cars extensively and I vouch for the Xterra.

Btw, any reason you’re not thinking of the H3?

Hey Mark! I’m Yousef from the FJArabia group.. I had that same question a couple of months ago.. April 2009 to be precise.. I ended up buying a yellow FJ Cruiser 😀 I’m totally in love with it. Just to sum things up..

Pros:
1. FJ Cruisers – They just have that look to them.. You can’t deny that.

2. You’ll have a GREAT community to join (FjArabia), with many people that have a lot of experience with FJ cuisers and will be able to help you in many ways- we also do cross country trips in the ME, bi-weekly camping trips (in winter).

3. Offroad capabilities are great! Compared to other cars and with my personal experience I can assure you that FJ cruisers are built RIGID – they have a re-enforeced Toyota prado Chasis, and the amount of mods you can get on it — Countless!

4. Its a TOYOTA.. Resell value of FJ criusers beat the Resell value for xterra any time of the year.

5. Mods, Modifications, Accessories, Call them whatever you like, u’ll surely find lots and lots of them for the FJ Cruiser.

6. Interior is mostly water-proof.. Which will mean that its easier to clean up.. or shall I say.. Wash out 😀

Cons:

You should really think about getting it from Alsayer .. I bought mine from KSA and then after the first service, when i took it in for the Second service I was told by the people at AlSayer, thay now we have a new law, that prohibits us from Maintaining your vehichle (Even a simple oil change is not permissable) and i ended up going to KSA every month for 5000 km servicing (I could do it here but i really don’t wanna loose the warranty on my car).

* Alsayer don’t have rear view cameras on their cars, + you can get lots of better options and TRD Accessories in KSA, sometimes the car would be out of stock, or they might not have all the colors you like..

* As one of the guys mentioned petrol tank is a bit small.. a little less than 4 KWD to fill up on an empty tank.

* A little tight to seat people in the back.. Tried it going to bahrain and back a few times, its nice but not the most comfortable going accross country.

* Stock tires might aren’t the best, but they’re ok.. I still haven’t changed nor added a lift on mine.. I added some fog lamps though..

For Pics (You thought that guy had a modded ride )
https://picasaweb.google.com/alZanki/FJArabiaKuwaitMeet6122009#

We have weekly meetings every Sunday, send me an email with your contact details and i’ll take you to meet the FJ Arabia Kuwait Group. A lot of friendly people, ofcourse we welcome ALL 4×4 owners, we started out as FJ cruisers but now we are a 4×4 community to the MAX.

Its a tough decision, I don’t regret buying an FJ, and i Do recommend it.. If you need any help.. Don’t hesitate to contact..

GOOD LUCK 😀

YYYZ has given a nice break down..

Just recently gotten in both cars..

FJ Cruiser:

Nicer and more comfortable interior
Better Stock sound system by far
Very aggressive looks
Bigger seating area in the rear
Small Gas Tank
More Expensive
Good Dealership, cheap service

Xterra:

Better Engine
More capable off road
Kind of weird looking
Crappy interior
Sound system is very bad
seating is a bit cramped in the second row
Cheaper Car

There is your simple break down, both of them have their points but I would go for the FJ Cruiser even with the difference of Enigne strength.

Also how often do you really go off-roading? In reality the FJ Cruiser is a very capable machine.

Just one thing that nobody has mentioned. The FJ is useless if you’re over about 5’8″ tall. VERY limited leg-room when I tried it for a test drive.

another thing i think no one’s mentioned is the FJ got nasty blind spots while driving..

anyways Fck them both get a NISSAN PATROL SWB..

FJ has less Horsepower than Xterra but its still very very fast and powerful for a Toyota 4×4. Its also in another league when it comes to quality and ride. The Xterra is cheap for a reason people.

at one time in my life i had to make a decision just like yours, in the end though i didnt buy a car! 😛 i used my money for something else.
but after researching alot on these cars i found out that its better to go with what you budget can get you, if you can afford the FJ then get that.
reasons? its much better built, higher quality interior,better resale value, much better aftersale service at al-sayer than at al-babtain, legendary toyota quality and reliabilty and if you like to mod your car, the FJ has more parts and looks funkier when modded than the Xterra
they are both similier in interior space from the inside but the nissan has the better access to that space.
the nissan is alot cheaper than the toyota (+,-3000KD)
has the stronger engine,
and is less common in our roads, yes the FJ looks better but you see alot of them everyday.
so to me both are excellent cars for their price, and if u can afford to fork out the extra 3000kd or so, then get the FJ, it is worth the extra $$$ IMHO
good luck mark

Toyota FJ Cruiser

THE GOOD

Very nice ground clearance (especially with a lift kit)

Engine isnt too bad, 270HP, But TRD (Toyota Racing Development) have TONS (and i mean tons) of aftermarket’s – Bolt-On Supercharger’s, Cold Air intakes, brakes, everything!

and ofcourse, its a toyota, must i say more?

THE BAD

Its quite heavy – around 1850-1950KG (depending on whether its 4WD or 2WD – AT/MT)

(In my opinion) not the prettiest car of all of em, especially the interior (that sheet metal on the centre console doesn’t do it for me)

I think its a bit expensive? not too sure though

Nissan Xterra

THE GOOD

One hell of an offroader – lighter than the FJ , almost as powerful, 2 or 3HP more

(Not sure if this is in the good or bad) – But pretty basic (and when i say pretty basic, i mean really really basic) Instrument cluster’s basic, stereo’s basic, everything’s basic
BUT its better offroad, cheaper, and i think more spacious

THE BAD

Too basic – not much you can do about it (even with the high end models, still feels plasticky)

ON THE WHOLE

Obviously the FJ’s more expensive, but i think its more comfortable, DEFINATLY better equipped, higher build quality – haven’t heard any horror stories, Al Sayer’s an amazing dealership, it’ll be perfect – but if you’re an offroad maniac (by that i mean you’re out mudding/dune bashing every weekend, i’d say buy the Xterra)

Good luck choosing Mark!

Louka

Another thing about the FJ that i wish they could add :

– Sub Fuel Tank( 90 Litres + 60 Litres )
– glass roof

That will be the ultimate 4×4 car for me .

X-terra is built FOR OFF-ROADING. FJ is a bit of both, but don’t think you will have too much storage place. The FJ is a bit of a headache for the streets though the X-Terra is extremely basic and crappy interior plus is made in Malaysia or Singapore. Rather go for a Nissan Pathfinder. Decent price, nice road handling, awesome off-roading, nice shape and loads of storage place. Go on http://www.drivearabia.com and you shall see reviews (some of them road/off road testing) for ALL CARS for GCC.

Hey Mark,

Its me again, If you’d like.. We have gatherings every sunday afternoon at an exhibition ground behind Ford motor company (email me for details),you’re welcome to join us and sit around and talk to all the guys there, a lot have FJ’s some have Chevy and GMC trucks. You’ll C great mods ( a couple of 6″ lifts and even a supercharged FJ cruiser) as well as a couple of stock FJ’s. Have a look and talk to all the guys before you make up your mind, a lot of us have had the car for over a year (i haven’t hehe) some have families and some are bachelors, so you’ll have more than one type of opinion and insight on usability.

hey thanks, well i am going to borrow Negative Effects FJ for like a day and try it out. I was already leaning for the FJ from the start but always had the hots for the Xterra even before it came out in Kuwait and wanted to see what people thought about it. Tough choice for sure but I am thinking long term and I think the FJ fits that bill better.

I currently own a FJ but before i bought it i was a huge wrangler fan and i wasnt sure about the FJ but now that i have it and use it daily im really comftroble with it and its amazing offroad i use it offroad alot

I say go for the Xterra .
you get power almost like the FJ , more space , less price , better look if you got the top cover
and finally NISSANs are good but still bot hard as toyota =P

This post has been pretty well-flogged. Currently the dealer is waiting on another shipment of Xterra Off-Road. Some are right about the interior being crap but you can’t beat the Xterra’s capability on & off-road. I’ve already asked for a quote on the Off-Road version (which is the pimped up version) and it’s 7400KD tops. Which makes it a whole lot less than the shoebox FJ.

I’m trading in my Mini for the Xterra, big jump eh?

No idea really, I visited the showroom about a month ago. Been doing comparison shopping for a couple of months now & some guy there told me I can have it for 7400, but I didn’t like the color. So I decided to wait on the next shipment.

Did you test drive it yet?

Nope. Going to take Negative Effects FJ tonight and if I like it just going with the FJ.

Xterra my biggest issue is it gets old. They come out with a new model next year or so and automatically the xterra gets outdated. The FJ is more like a Wranglr, the design doesn’t get old.

Hmm..good point there. Let me know how it goes with the FJ. I’ve still got time to change my mind lol..who knows I might end up selling off my Mini for a newer JC Mini & forget about a 4×4

Mark, have you considered the Suzuki Grand Vitara? Either the 2 door or the 4 door version? I won a Suzuki swift and my brother owns a Grand Vitara, the 2 door version. Both are very reliable and come with a nice affordable price tag. You won’t be disappointed with the performance of the Vitara.

I love Suzuki 🙂

Just to give you a heads up….the Xterra does not come with differential locks. At least the FJ cruiser has rear differential locks so in the event you are bogged down in the sand, the Xterra will be free wheeling till someone tows them out. The FJ can lock the rear differential and distribute the power equally and get out of the most sticky situation. Better than both of these though would be a 2 door nissan patrol!!

The pro-4x has a rear locking differential and all the models come with abls which similar to a-trac

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