The Toyota Land Cruiser series, recognized worldwide for its unparalleled off-road capability and reliable engines, has added a new and exciting chapter! Toyota has officially introduced its new compact SUV, the Land Cruiser FJ, to the global market. This SUV retains the classic Land Cruiser’s identity and strengths, but brings it down to a smaller, user-friendly size.
Built on the IMV platform, this powerful SUV will go on sale in Japan in mid-2026, followed by a rollout in other countries. Designed for mountainous terrain and rugged off-road enthusiasts, this SUV is not only rugged but also fully equipped with modern features.
Design
The Land Cruiser FJ’s design is inspired by its larger siblings (LC 300, 70, and 250 series), giving it a heritage and strong identity. Its boxy shape, prominent wheel arches, and tailgate-mounted spare wheel give it a true off-roader look. Its road presence is impressive. To give buyers the freedom to choose their preference, the SUV comes with two distinct front design options: one with round headlights and the other with rectangular units.
Robust Features and Dimensions
Toyota has clarified that the FJ has been designed with true off-road performance in mind. The SUV is based on the company’s IMV-series platform, renowned for its strength and durability. Its wheelbase is 2,580mm, which is 270mm shorter than the Land Cruiser 250. Due to the shorter wheelbase, the SUV has a turning radius of just 5.5 meters, allowing it to maneuver easily even in tight spaces.
In terms of dimensions, the FJ measures 4,575mm in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,960mm in height. Despite its compact size, its rugged stance makes it impressive on the road. As part of its convenient design, the FJ features removable front and rear bumpers, allowing for easy and inexpensive replacement of parts damaged during off-roading.
Customization and Interior
Toyota is also offering several accessory options to fully prepare this SUV for adventure, including rock rails, a roof-mounted ARB rack, raised air intakes, and MOLLE panels on the tailgate for easy storage of adventure gear. These features will appeal to hardcore off-roaders.
The Land Cruiser FJ retains its rugged DNA on the interior as well. It features a thick steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a wide infotainment display. Physical knobs for climate control and a sturdy gear shifter reflect its user-friendly and durable design.
Safety and Engine
The FJ is second to none when it comes to safety. It comes standard with the complete Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes advanced features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Pre-Collision Braking System.
Powering the FJ is a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 161 hp and 246 Nm of torque. This is the same engine that has previously powered popular Toyota vehicles like the Innova Crysta and Fortuner. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time 4WD system. Toyota is also expected to introduce other powertrain options in the future.
