Land Cruiser FJ is Toyota’s smallest ladder-frame SUV; gets a 2.7-liter petrol engine for starters.
29 Oct 2025 | 3358 Views | By Akbar Merchant
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has been showcased for the first time to the general public at the ongoing Japan Mobility Show 2025. This is the first public appearance of the brand’s new rugged compact SUV after its digital reveala few days ago. The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ ...
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The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has been showcased for the first time to the general public at the ongoing Japan Mobility Show 2025. This is the first public appearance of the brand’s new rugged compact SUV after its digital reveal a few days ago. The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ channels the rugged DNA of the legendary Land Cruiser models into a smaller, more attainable package, and will go on sale in mid-2026, starting with Japan before reaching other global markets.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ dimensions and exterior
Measuring 4,575mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,960mm tall, the Land Cruiser FJ is shorter but taller than the Fortuner (4,795mm length, 1,835mm height), while sharing the same width. Its 2,580mm wheelbase is also shorter than the Fortuner’s 2,745mm, reinforcing its compact proportions and off-road-friendly stance.
The FJ was first teased during the global debut of the Land Cruiser Prado, when Toyota flashed a brief silhouette hinting at its revival. Now, the design has come to life — a modern homage to its heritage. The SUV blends retro inspiration with contemporary detailing, featuring two distinct front-end designs: one with round headlamps reminiscent of the classic FJ40, and another with rectangular C-shaped LED units for a modern touch. Both get a minimalist grille with bold “TOYOTA” lettering and chunky bumpers, which vary slightly by trim.
Along the sides, squared-off wheel arches, thick cladding and upright proportions give the FJ a purposeful look. At the rear, you’ll find a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, C-shaped tail-lamps, and a robust bumper completing the design. Toyota has even engineered removable corner bumpers — a thoughtful, cost-saving detail that lets owners replace damaged pieces easily after off-road adventures.
Toyota will also offer a wide range of accessories such as rock rails, snorkels, roof-mounted ARB racks, and even MOLLE tailgate panels for gear storage, giving buyers plenty of ways to personalise their FJ.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ interior and features
Inside, the cabin combines rugged design with functional simplicity. A chunky steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and wide infotainment screen sit atop a sturdy, horizontally laid-out dashboard. The use of physical climate control knobs and a tall gear shifter underscores Toyota’s commitment to usability — traits shared with other Toyota SUVs. Some of this switchgear is expected to feature in the upcoming new-generation Hilux as well.
Standard equipment will include Toyota Safety Sense, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, among other driver aids.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ platform and powertrain
Under the hood, the FJ gets a 2.7-litre 2TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 161hp and 246Nm of torque. This engine, familiar from the Innova Crysta and Fortuner in several markets, is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time four-wheel-drive system.
The FJ is underpinned by a refined version of Toyota’s IMV platform, which also forms the base for the Hilux and Fortuner. Toyota says additional chassis bracing enhances body rigidity for improved handling and comfort, while ensuring the “off-road performance worthy of a Land Cruiser.” Key metrics such as approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and wheel articulation have been fine-tuned through extensive off-road testing.
Toyota is also expected to introduce more powertrain options, including a diesel and possibly a hybrid variant, as the FJ rolls out across international markets.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ India launch details
For India, the Land Cruiser FJ could be a natural rival to the Mahindra Thar Roxx if priced competitively. However, Toyota has not yet confirmed plans for an India launch. What is on the cards, though, is an all-new rugged SUV positioned against the Scorpio, based on a modern platform and likely offering petrol-hybrid powertrains.
Until then, Toyota enthusiasts in India will have to make do with the Fortuner or the full-size Land Cruiser LC300 — but the arrival of the FJ marks a promising new chapter for Toyota’s off-road legacy.