Fender flares on the FJ Cruiser serve two purposes: keeping mud and rocks off the body when running larger tires, and giving the truck a more aggressive stance. If you are running 285s or larger on a lifted FJ, they are pretty much necessary rather than optional.
The stock FJ Cruiser actually comes with factory plastic flares from Toyota, so aftermarket flares are a replacement rather than an addition. Most owners on fjcruiserforums remove the factory flares and swap in aftermarket ones when they go up in tire size, since the stock flares do not provide enough coverage for anything significantly wider than the stock 265/70R17.
Bushwacker is the brand that comes up most consistently in forum discussions when people ask about quality flares for the FJ. They are more expensive than the budget options but owners report better fitment and longer durability. For owners who want something more affordable, there are several ABS plastic options that get the job done without the Bushwacker price tag.
This guide covers five options across different price points so you can find what works for your build and budget.
#1. Mallofusa – Textured Fender Flares for Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Mallofusa flares are the budget-friendly option in this guide and probably the most accessible choice for FJ owners who want decent coverage without spending Bushwacker money.
They fit all FJ Cruiser models from 2007 to 2014 and use a pocket riveted style that looks reasonably aggressive on the truck. Made from ABS plastic with UV protection, so they hold up to sun exposure without fading or cracking over time.
One thing worth knowing before ordering: you need to remove the factory flares first. The Mallofusa flares are not designed to go over the stock ones. Most owners report the removal process is straightforward with basic hand tools.
Hardware included in the package uses stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts which is a nice detail at this price point since cheaper flares sometimes include hardware that rusts quickly.
Fitment feedback from owners is generally positive for the money, though a few report minor gaps at the mounting points that require some adjustment during installation.
- Style: Pocket Riveted Style
- Surface Finish: Textured
- Color: Black and Grey
- Materials: Quality ABS Plastic
- UV Protection: Yes
- Does not cause any chalking, warping, or cracking
- Safeguards your wheel from any damages caused due to mud or sand particles
- The washers, bolts, and nuts consist of stainless steel components
- Weighted about 20 lbs
- Wears off over time
#2. Bushwacker – Toyota FJ Cruiser Pocket Style Fender Flares
Bushwacker is the most recognized name in fender flares among FJ Cruiser owners and the brand that comes up most often on fjcruiserforums when people ask what to actually buy. Their Pocket Style flares are made from Dura-Flex 2000, a proprietary material that Bushwacker developed specifically for flares. It holds up better than standard ABS in extreme temperatures and does not chalk, warp or crack over time.
The pocket style look works well on the FJ Cruiser body and gives the truck a more purposeful appearance without looking overdone. Fitment is specific to the FJ Cruiser which means no trimming or major adjustments during installation. They attach using existing factory holes so no drilling required.
Bushwacker backs their flares with a lifetime warranty which is the main reason owners justify the higher price. For a part that lives outside in sun, mud and trail abuse, that warranty matters.
- Style: Pocket Style
- Surface Finish: Smooth
- Color: Black
- Materials: Dura-Flex 2000
- UV Protection: Yes
- Provides lifetime warranty for any damages or defects
- Dura-flex components ensure an ultra-strong fit
- Custom made to suit specific vehicles
- Weights 20 lbs
- Clips don’t ensure a snug fit
#3. G-Plus Motorsports – Toyota FJ Cruiser Pocket Rivet Style Fender Flares
G-Plus Motorsport fender flares are a mid-range option that sits between the budget Mallofusa and the premium Bushwacker. Made from high quality ABS plastic with UV protection, they fit all FJ Cruiser models from 2007 to 2014. The pocket rivet style gives the FJ a more aggressive off-road look and the unpainted sanded black finish works fine as-is or can be painted to match your truck color. A lot of owners on the forums go with a matte black spray to blend them into a blacked-out build.
Installation uses existing factory holes so no drilling needed. The package includes all four flares and the necessary hardware. One honest note: the 30 day warranty is short compared to Bushwacker’s lifetime coverage, so these make more sense for owners who want the look without committing to the higher price point.
- Style: Pocket Rivet Style
- Surface Finish: Smooth/Textured
- Color: Sanded Black
- Materials: High-Quality ABS
- UV Protection: Yes
- Offers a contemporary style and appearance
- Shields the new set of tires from getting damaged
- Safeguards the paint job of your vehicle
- Some users reported it might not offer a snug fit
#4. PM – Glossy Fender Flares for Toyota FJ Cruiser
PM fender flares are a budget option for FJ Cruiser owners who need basic tire coverage without spending much. The pocket riveted style gives a bolted-on off-road look that works on the FJ body. Made from ABS plastic with UV protection so they hold up to sun exposure without fading. Resistant to chipping and cracking according to the manufacturer, which is standard for ABS at this price point.
Like the other budget options in this guide, they come unpainted and can be painted to match your truck. Hardware is included in the package and installation does not require drilling.
Honest note: PM is not a brand that comes up on fjcruiserforums or r/FJCruiser with any significant owner feedback, so long term durability is harder to verify compared to Bushwacker or even Mallofusa which have more reviews behind them.
- Style: Pocket Riveted Style
- Surface Finish: Textured
- Color: Black
- Materials: Light Weight ABS Plastic
- UV Protection: Yes
- Capable of upgrading the overall appearance
- Can be custom designed to match your specifications
- Exhibits a glossy and textured finishing
- Made using a unique form of poly material
- Instruction manual is not provided
#5. DNA Motoring – Toyota FJ Cruiser Riveted Style Fender Flares
DNA Motoring flares are another budget-friendly ABS option for the FJ Cruiser. The pocket riveted style looks solid on the truck and the 3mm thickness gives them decent impact resistance for trail use. Primary function is what you would expect from any flare: keeping rocks, mud and debris off the body when running larger tires. No drilling or cutting needed for installation and all hardware is included in the package.
DNA Motoring as a brand has a reasonable amount of Amazon reviews across their product line which gives some confidence compared to completely unknown brands. That said, like most budget flares they do not have the long term owner feedback on FJ specific forums that Bushwacker does. They offer 1.5 inches of coverage front and rear which is adequate for owners running 285s on a modest lift.
- Style: Pocket Riveted Style
- Surface Finish: Glossy Bump Texture
- Color: Black
- Materials: ABS Thermo Plastic
- UV Protection: Yes
- Offers coverage of 1.5” to both the rear and front tires
- Available as a set of four pieces
- Gives your car a completely new look
- Weighs around 20 lbs
- The adhesive effect may wear off with time
Bottom Line
Fender flares are a practical upgrade for any FJ Cruiser running larger tires. Without them you get mud and rocks thrown onto the body and paint on every trail run. If budget is not a concern, Bushwacker is the obvious pick. The lifetime warranty and Dura-Flex material justify the price for a part that lives outside year round. It is the most recommended option on fjcruiserforums for a reason. For owners who want decent coverage without the Bushwacker price tag, Mallofusa and DNA Motoring both get the job done. Just go in with realistic expectations about long term durability compared to the premium option.
Video: How To Install Fender Flares on Toyota FJ Cruiser
FAQs
What are fender flares?
Fender flares are car accessories that you fit on top of the tires of your vehicle. They shield the tires from harsh environmental factors. You can fit them right over your wheel to give a great finishing appearance. They are mostly designed using ABS plastic components to provide a rigid foam.
Do fender flares require drilling on the FJ Cruiser?
Most aftermarket flares for the FJ Cruiser use the existing factory mounting holes and do not require drilling. Always confirm before buying since some universal fit options may need additional holes.
Would these fit if i’ve got a snorkel in place?
If you have a snorkel, you may have to trim the flare fender slightly to fit them together. However, for some thin models, you won’t have to do so, as they don’t come in contact with each other.
Do I need to remove the factory flares first?
Yes. The FJ Cruiser comes with factory plastic flares from Toyota. All aftermarket options in this guide require removing the stock flares before installation.
Can fender flares be painted?
Most ABS plastic flares in this guide can be painted with adhesion promoter and plastic compatible paint. Bushwacker smooth finish flares paint particularly well. Textured flares are harder to paint evenly.
How much tire coverage do fender flares add?
Depending on the style, most flares add 1.5 to 2 inches of coverage per side. Pocket style flares tend to offer slightly more coverage than flat style options.
Related Reviews:
Best Snorkel Kit for Toyota FJ Cruiser
Best Shock Absorbers and Lift Kit
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About the Author
Anton has owned a Toyota FJ Cruiser since 2015 and created FJCruiserHub in 2020 to help fellow owners find the right gear without the guesswork. Every review on this site is based on hands-on research and real-world experience with the FJ Cruiser. Learn more