News/ Cars/ Toyota Land Cruiser FJ breaks cover: the baby Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ breaks cover: the baby Land Cruiser

Toyota has just added a brand-new model to the Land Cruiser lineup — and this one’s smaller. Named the Land Cruiser FJ, its a compact SUV which borrows styling cues from the FJ40 and the FJ Cruiser, while adding modern features. Unveiled just ahead of the Japan Mobility Show, the Land Cruiser FJ keeps the boxy look that Land Cruiser fans love. It’s bold, upright, and has that strong, ready-for-anything appearance. There are also some neat extras that make it stand out — both in style and function. While full specs and details aren't out yet, here's what we know so far about the vehicle.

Under the bonnet, the FJ gets a 2.7-litre petrol engine that makes 159 horsepower and 246 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV also includes a four-wheel drive setup that can be turned on when needed — perfect for tackling rough roads or weekend getaways. While it’s not the biggest or most powerful SUV, it’s built to be economical. It is about 11 inches shorter than the Land Cruiser 250, and that should make it easier to drive on tight spaces. That makes it ideal not only for off-road exploring but also for city driving and narrow roads. Despite being smaller, it still has a strong and sturdy design. Toyota built it using the same platform as the Hilux pickup, known for being tough and reliable in all kinds of conditions, but the platform has received a stronger floor to take a beating off the road.

Toyota has added clever features to make the FJ more practical for real adventures. The corner sections of the front and rear bumpers can be removed and replaced easily. So if you damage one while off-roading, you won’t have to replace the whole bumper. Inside the cabin, the design is clean and functional. There are straps and panels where you can attach gear like flashlights or storage pouches — great for people who like to camp or travel light. You’ll also find a large screen, solid buttons, and a layout that feels familiar yet fresh. 

Toyota plans to launch the Land Cruiser FJ in Japan in mid-2026. It will also be offered in other markets like Thailand and Australia. Unfortunately, there are no official plans to bring it to India, U.S. or Europe yet, but with the growing demand for small, capable SUVs, especially in India, this one could be a huge hit if Toyota decides to bring it here.

TopGear Magazine October 2025