The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is a compact off-road SUV emphasizing agility while maintaining the rugged identity of the Land Cruiser lineage. It shares the IMV 0 platform (Hilux Champ) as its foundation.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, set to debut at the end of 2025 at the Tokyo Motor Show, reinterprets the spirit of the legendary off-road vehicle in a more compact and accessible size. Its design features a boxy style that has regained popularity, with sharp, block-like shapes reminiscent of LEGO bricks to enhance durability and interior space. Some parts are designed for easy removal and replacement, including modular front and rear bumpers and wheel arches, reducing maintenance costs from off-road use and allowing for owner customization. Headlights come in classic round (Heritage) or modern C-clamp styles.
The Land Cruiser FJ’s DNA draws inspiration from the FJ40 Series, especially its grille that features the "TOYOTA" lettering instead of the triple-oval logo and round headlights. The name "FJ" now stands for Freedom & Joy, symbolizing fun and freedom in real use while retaining the toughness characteristic of the Land Cruiser family.
Platform and suspension
The FJ chassis uses the IMV ladder-frame platform (shared with the Toyota Hilux Champ and Hilux Revo), known for its strength. Off-road performance benefits from a wheelbase 270 mm shorter than the Prado 250, enhancing agility, plus additional underbody braces to improve stability when tackling rough terrain.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2026 measures 4,575 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,960 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm and a tight turning radius of 5.5 meters. It uses a body-on-frame chassis (IMV 0) similar to the Hilux Champ. Compared to the Land Cruiser 250 (Prado), the FJ is 270 mm shorter for better maneuverability in urban and off-road settings.
Why assemble in Thailand?
Toyota Motor has chosen Thailand’s Ban Pho plant in Chachoengsao Province as the main production base to export worldwide. Thailand offers cost advantages, and the IMV 0 platform benefits from strong local production lines and supply chains, lowering manufacturing costs and retail prices. Despite declining pickup truck sales due to growing popularity of electric vehicles (especially in China), the versatile SUV style of the FJ appeals to both older and younger generations. Its accessible price and easy-to-source parts, especially aftermarket accessories, make the Land Cruiser FJ highly anticipated.
Global standards: This model is developed as a global vehicle targeting customers seeking an affordable yet durable off-road vehicle meeting Land Cruiser standards.
Interior options
The Land Cruiser FJ emphasizes "durability and simplicity."
Its design features vertical and horizontal lines to aid spatial awareness while off-roading.
Interior materials are chosen for easy cleaning.
The touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Buttons are large to enable easy use even while wearing off-road gloves.
Engine, transmission, and suspension
Confirmed specs for the Thai launch and many global markets focus on durability and easy maintenance. The engine is a 2.7-liter gasoline 2TR-FE inline-four producing 163 horsepower and 246 Nm torque. It features a 6-speed automatic transmission (Super ECT) and part-time 4WD. The suspension is reinforced to handle rough terrain, with strengthened mounting points and underbody braces. Its approach angle is close to that of the 70 Series.
The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ’s transmission and drivetrain are engineered for durability and rugged off-road use, with the following details:
Transmission system
Type: 6-speed automatic transmission (6-speed Super ECT).
Operation: A torque converter automatic designed for smoothness and reliability, with gear ratios tuned for off-road crawling to provide sufficient torque for climbing steep slopes.
Driving modes include Sport, Normal, and Eco, adjusting throttle response and shift timing to suit road conditions.
Four-wheel drive system (4WD)
The Land Cruiser FJ features a part-time 4WD system, allowing drivers to switch drive modes via a switch or separate gear lever. The modes are:
H2 (High-range 2WD): Power directed 100% to the rear wheels, ideal for regular paved road driving to maximize fuel efficiency.
H4 (High-range 4WD): Power distributed evenly (50:50) to all four wheels at higher speeds, suitable for slippery roads or dirt tracks.
L4 (Low-range 4WD): Low-speed four-wheel drive using a transfer case gear reduction to deliver massive torque, perfect for mud, sand, or rock crawling where very low speed is required.
The two-speed transfer case adjusts torque delivery to suit terrain.
Rear differential lock: Locks the rear wheels together to prevent wheel spin when stuck.
Some variants may feature a Torsen limited-slip differential to balance torque between left and right wheels.
Off-road driving aids include Hill Descent Control (HDC) to regulate speed on steep declines and traction mode assist features.
Agility: With a wheelbase 270 mm shorter than the Land Cruiser 250 and a tight 5.5-meter turning radius, the FJ is easy to maneuver in city traffic and narrow roads. Visibility is good all around, aided by a flat dashboard and low hood design to improve driver sight lines both on and off-road. Seats are positioned for balance and comfort. A key feature is the ease of replacing parts; modular front and rear bumpers can be quickly swapped if damaged during off-road use.
Price and value
Expected price is approximately 1.2 to 1.3 million baht (not exceeding 1.5 million). The FJ offers a retro design downsized from the FJ40-70 legend with easy maintenance thanks to shared basic parts with the Hilux. The launch in Thailand is expected at the Motor Show in late March 2026. Initially, no diesel engine variants will be available to control costs and meet global emissions standards (Euro 6). The 2.7-liter gasoline engine is reliable, low-maintenance, and compatible with gas fuel systems.
Comparison between the new compact Toyota Land Cruiser FJ off-road SUV and the popular Thai PPV, Toyota Fortuner, highlights clear differences:
Size and dimensions: The Land Cruiser FJ is smaller, focusing on agility with a length of about 4,575 mm and a wheelbase of 2,580 mm (similar to the Hilux Champ).
Fortuner: Larger overall, about 4,795 mm long with a 2,745 mm wheelbase to accommodate three rows of seats.
Engine and performance
Land Cruiser FJ: Powered by a 2.7-liter gasoline engine (2TR-FE) producing approximately 161-163 horsepower, emphasizing durability and ease of maintenance.
Fortuner: Offers more engine choices, notably 2.4 and 2.8-liter turbo diesel engines with torque up to 500 Nm, ideal for overtaking and heavy loads.
Usage and driving feel
Land Cruiser FJ is designed for "retro off-road enthusiasts," featuring a better approach angle and open visibility, suitable for narrow off-road trails and urban driving.
Fortuner: A family-oriented SUV focusing on interior comfort and long-distance travel with more comprehensive safety systems.
Safety systems
The Land Cruiser FJ is equipped with the standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features, including Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. However, it may lack some advanced features present in higher-end models to keep the price accessible.
The Land Cruiser FJ offers good value for those wanting a "legendary image" at a more affordable price (expected below the mid-range Fortuner). Meanwhile, the Fortuner suits those needing more passenger space and the power of a 2.8-liter diesel engine, especially in the GR Sport variant.