by Key Facts About the New Compact Land Cruiser FJ
Debut Update
The timeline for the compact Land Cruiser’s presentation has changed several times, but now it seems to be settling. As reported by the Japanese magazine Mag-X, unnamed sources claim that while the SUV will not debut at this month’s Japan Mobility Show, a private viewing for selected media will be held on Monday, October 20, with a global presentation scheduled for 5 a.m. the next day, October 21. This is a fairly precise schedule for something that might otherwise be perceived as a rumor.
If this timeline is confirmed, and considering the time difference, residents of the US East Coast will see the first official photos around 15:00 on October 20.
The report also states that the car, expected to be named the Land Cruiser FJ, will be built in Thailand and exported from there. Its launch in the domestic Japanese market is reportedly scheduled for mid-2026. This Thai connection confirms previous talks that it will share its base with the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup, which rolls off the same production lines.
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Expectations and First Details
SUV enthusiasts have long awaited a “smaller” compact Land Cruiser from Toyota, and although its launch has been postponed several times, it seems the countdown has begun. A recently published patent drawing from Toyota offers perhaps the best and most accurate look at the future SUV.
Toyota has been quite reserved since releasing the model’s only teaser in August 2023. Since then, rumors have been working overtime, especially regarding the body-on-frame SUV. Many believe it will revive the FJ Cruiser name, although Toyota has not confirmed anything yet.
Fortunately, this drawing gives us something more concrete to consider. Although the patent was filed last year, it only recently became publicly available. We have improved the image quality, but otherwise – this is what Toyota decided to show us.
What Does the New SUV Look Like?
The new image shows a compact SUV with a five-door configuration and a boxy, utilitarian stance. The profile and overall silhouette strongly resemble the official teaser from Toyota, down to the shape of the LED headlights.
Other design elements to note are the pronounced front fenders, thick C-pillars, and an almost comically vertical rear end with a full-size spare wheel on the tailgate.
The lower part of the body features unpainted plastic cladding covering the bumpers, fenders, and side sills – classic traits of off-road style meant to hint at the SUV’s robust capabilities.
The ground clearance also looks quite generous. Although patents often include temporary wheels, it’s easy to imagine this model equipped with serious off-road tires.
What Size Will It Be?
Looking at the overall design, it’s clear that this model is a natural evolution of the 2021 Compact Cruiser EV concept car, but noticeably larger. Japanese reports suggest the production FJ Cruiser will be approximately 4500 mm long, firmly placing it in the compact SUV segment.
Unlike the larger and more expensive Land Cruiser 250 and 300 series, which use Toyota’s more refined TNGA-F platform, the FJ Cruiser is reportedly based on the IMV-0 platform. This architecture is expected to be shared with the next generation of the Hilux and Fortuner and will likely have some significant updates compared to the current Hilux Champ.
Built for Off-Road
The FJ Cruiser’s body-on-frame chassis should make it ideal for off-road enthusiasts. This construction gives it a tangible advantage over unibody competitors like the Ford Bronco Sport, appealing to drivers who value off-road capability more than urban comfort.
As for what will power this future SUV, there is a high probability that a 2.7-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine will be offered in at least some markets. Another likely option is the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel already used in the Land Cruiser Prado, Hilux, and Fortuner, paired with a mild-hybrid system.
Regarding the transmission, the gasoline version will likely get a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel is expected to be paired with an eight-speed automatic. Regardless of the powertrain options, Toyota should keep things authentic with a standard 4WD system.
While there is no confirmation that the patent drawing reflects the final production design, it gives us an idea of what is taking shape. Hopefully, Toyota will share a few more hints before the official debut.
Regarding timing, the new model is expected to launch in Japan and possibly other Asian markets by mid-2026. Details regarding availability in other regions, including North America and Europe, remain unclear, but we would be shocked if Toyota decided not to bring it to these regions.
The return of an iconic name like FJ Cruiser in a compact format could significantly revitalize the segment of affordable SUVs, especially in markets where the popularity of models like the Bronco or Wrangler continues to grow. Production in Thailand may indicate a focus on global markets with competitive pricing, making a true body-on-frame SUV more accessible to a wider range of buyers. The success of this model could also influence the strategies of other manufacturers regarding similar offerings.
