Like the exterior, the interior of the Toyota FJ Cruiser reflects the character of the early FJs, especially with its machined-look dashboard and with the optional body-colored door panel inserts. The dashboard looks like an extruded aluminum beam. Audio and climate controls are set into a body-colored panel in the center of the dash, and similar body-colored accent panels for the interior doors figure to be a popular option.

If you want leather seats, you don't want an FJ Cruiser, which comes only with water-resistant cloth-covered seats with rubberized floor and cargo mats. The expectation is that people who drive FJ Cruisers will get them dirty, and want the easy cleanup provided by such materials.

Switches for various mechanical systems are set in a panel just ahead of the shift lever. Not only are they conveniently placed, but there are dummy switches to ease installation of aftermarket equipment such as auxiliary lighting or locking axles for extreme off-road use.

The driver faces white-faced gauges (speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature, voltage and fuel level) that are easy to read. In addition to the regular glove box ahead of the front passenger seat, there's a smaller covered storage box on top of the instrument panel in front of the driver. This area can be equipped with an optional Garmin Quest 2 navigation unit that can be removed from the vehicle for hiking or other activities.

Another option is a trio of gauges (outside thermometer, compass and inclinometer) that sit on top of the center of the dash.

There are cup holders in the center console and four doors. A 12-volt outlet is mounted on the switch panel ahead of the shifter with a three-prong, grounded 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area with a switch for either 100 or 400 watts of output (the higher figure available when the vehicle is at idle).

The rear seatback splits 60/40 to optimize cargo carrying options. The rear seat cushion tips forward and can be removed to provide a few more inches of cargo area behind the front seats.

The standard audio system includes a CD player and iPod and MP3 capability as well as two ceiling-mounted speakers designed to enhance the sound experience within the FJ Cruiser. An optional FJammer audio system includes a factory-installed eight-inch subwoofer and a pair of 2.6-inch speakers mounted on the rear pillars.

Because the FJ Cruiser has wide C-pillars that may interfere with the driver's rearward vision, an optional rear sonar system is available to warn the driver of the proximity of objects when the transmission is in Reverse. We had no trouble parking the FJ in urban settings on our test drive, nor did we have to move into strange positions to see stoplights through the upright windshield.