Teased as far back as the concept FT-4X at the New York International Auto Show eight years ago, Toyota has officially removed the wraps from the Land Cruiser FJ as the spiritual but direct successor to the FJ Cruiser.
Refined into the concept Compact Cruiser EV in 2021, the FJ takes up station below the Land Cruiser Prado, but forgoes the TNGA-F platform from the IMV that underpins the Fortuner and outgoing Hilux.
Hinted at the unveiling of the Prado four years ago, before emerging in a series of leaked patent sketches in June this year, the Land Cruiser FJ in effect becomes the SUV version of the Hilux Champ/Hilux Rangga which also uses the IMV platform.
Dimensionally, the FJ measures 4 575 mm long, 1 855 mm wide and 1 960 mm tall, with its wheelbase stretching 2 580 mm.
By comparison, the Champ has measurements of 4 970 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 750 mm, height of 1 735 mm and width of 1 785 mm.
Styled to resemble not only the Prado, but also the Land Cruiser 70-series, the Suzuki Jimny-rivalling Land Cruiser FJ features removable bumpers Toyota says improves repairability by only allowing damaged parts to be replaced.
Its aesthetic drawing similarities with the Mitsubishi D:X Concept shown at the Tokyo Mobility Show two years ago, the Land Cruiser FJ seats and shares its interior design and layout with the Prado rather than the no-frills concept adopted by the Hilux Champ/Hilux Rangga.
As such, it has the same steering wheels and centre console, physical switchgear, an infotainment display and Toyota’s latest Safety Sense array of safety and driver assistance systems. No other details were disclosed.
Up front, and similar to the FJ Cruiser, the Land Cruiser FJ utilises a big displacement petrol engine rather than the previously rumoured turbodiesel or hybrid.
Unlike its namesake though, the engine in question isn’t the carryover 4.0-litre V6, but rather the stalwart 2TR-FE normally aspirated 2.7 that powers the Champ, Hilux, HiAce and mostly Middle East versions of the Fortuner.
Developing 120kW/246Nm, drive is routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. No information about the ground clearance or off-road systems were revealed.
Considered for South Africa
Confirmed to make its public debut in Tokyo next week, the Land Cruiser FJ will go into production in mid-2026, at which point more details will be announced.
Toyota South Africa Motors has meanwhile indicated that consideration is being given to introduce the FJ locally, though this will most likely only happen towards the end of next year or even in 2027 if approved.
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