Toyota I just took the wraps off the new Land Cruiser FJ in Japan, and it’s everything fans of the badge have been asking for, except it’s not coming to the United States. The Land Cruiser FJ, or ‘Rankle FJ’ as Toyota calls it internally, will join the existing Land Cruiser range as the most compact model, positioned below the flagship 300 Series, rugged 70 Series and 250 Series introduced in 2024. Think of it as the spiritual successor to the FJ Cruiser, but smaller, simpler and more globally focused.
The FJ rides on Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform. It is a proven ladder frame setup, designed for emerging markets and known for its strength and ease of repair. It is also used by the legendary Hilux pick-up. At 70 inches long, 70 inches wide and 70 inches tall, this new FJ shaves almost a foot off the Land Cruiser 250’s length while retaining its signature upright stance.
Under the hood is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161 hp and 181 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission to a part-time all-wheel drive system with high and low range (H2, H4 and L4 modes) and a limited-slip rear differential. Since the FJ is about 440 pounds lighter than the 250, about 4,490 pounds total, you can expect slightly better efficiency and off-road agility.
The FJ uses a double wishbone front suspension and a trailing-link rear axle, a simple and reliable formula for rough roads. Thanks to its short wheelbase and generous wheel articulation, it should carve its way around trails with ease. The approach and departure angles hover around 30 and 20 degrees, respectively. Toyota claims its capabilities are comparable to the Landcruiser 70 series, which in itself is a proven formula since 1984, which still remains in production and available in selected markets.
Visually, the old-school design cues are immediately noticeable, from the round headlights to the rear-mounted spare tire and the boxy square proportions reminiscent of vintage Land Cruisers. Everything about this SUV screams utility. The bumpers are modular and removable, so when you scrape a rock you only replace the damaged part. Optional accessories include a snorkel, steel skid plates and heavy-duty roof rails. Inside you get a simple, functional cabin. Big gear lever, thick dashboard, durable surfaces that you can hose down when necessary.
In addition to the FJ Cruiser, Toyota also previewed the Land Hopper, a small electric exploration vehicle. The Land Cruiser FJ will make its public debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show before launching in mid-2026. Toyota says there are no plans for U.S. sales because it doesn’t have to meet Western safety and emissions standards. It is precisely the reason why the popular Suzuki Jimny is also not available in the United States. However, history shows otherwise.
The original FJ Cruiser which was launched twenty years ago in 2006 was driven by North American demand, and the market for rugged compact off-roaders, although a niche market exists. In a market otherwise dominated by the Jeep Wrangler, Ford demonstrated this with its modern Bronco, while Land Rover offers a two-door 90 Series Defender.
Images: Toyota
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