by Concept Overview
Toyota’s Puzzling Decisions
The hype surrounding Toyota’s new Land Cruiser FJ is impossible to ignore, making the company’s decision to skip its release in Europe and North America seem puzzling. Toyota has not officially explained the reasons, although we suspect it is likely related to positioning and the fact that production is based in Thailand.
This positioning, with smaller dimensions and a return to basics, also brings the compact FJ Cruiser closer to a familiar name in the world of compact all-wheel-drive vehicles that has defined the segment for years: the Suzuki Jimny.
Hypothetical Downsizing
It’s interesting to see how closely they could align, so we took a creative approach. By digitally creating a two-door version of the Toyota, shortening the wheelbase while keeping the front and rear ends intact, we imagined how the FJ could look and function as an even more compact, economical competitor that still supports existing accessories.
In a way, this is the direct opposite of Suzuki’s approach with the four-door Jimny Nomade, which stretched the original design for added practicality in India and Japan.
Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops
In our view, the Land Cruiser FJ looks excellent in a compact form, evoking memories of short-wheelbase Prado models from the past that are now extinct.
Practicality and Dimensions
Smaller dimensions would naturally sacrifice some interior and trunk space. However, it would also make it more maneuverable and capable of tackling off-road terrain.
The standard production model has a length of 4575 mm and a wheelbase of 2580 mm – the same as the shortest version of the Hilux Champ pickup. Our fictional two-door version could shrink to approximately 4200 mm in length, making it 375 mm shorter than its sibling.
Despite a significant reduction in length, the smallest Land Cruiser would still be much larger than the Jimny. The Suzuki is only 3550 mm long in its two-door version and 3890 mm in the four-door version. Furthermore, the Toyota is 210 mm wider and 240 mm taller.
Powertrain
Differences in powertrains would further separate them. The actual FJ is equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 hp and 246 Nm of torque, while the Suzuki relies on a significantly smaller 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 101 hp and 130 Nm of torque. Both come standard with all-wheel drive, confirming their off-road qualities.
Market Prospects
Ultimately, even if Toyota decided to shrink the Land Cruiser FJ, it would remain in a different league compared to the Suzuki Jimny, being closer in size to the Jeep Wrangler.
This isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, as there are few two-door off-roaders in its key markets of Asia and Japan.
The real question is whether demand is sufficient to justify the effort. Shortening the IMV platform frame and adjusting its components would require significant investment, which Toyota typically reserves for projects with guaranteed returns.
Do you think a smaller two-door FJ would find enough buyers to be profitable?
Despite the lack of official statements from Toyota, the concept of a compact Land Cruiser FJ continues to generate significant interest among enthusiasts. Its potential market niche could be unique, combining the brand’s proven reliability with more accessible dimensions. However, the economic feasibility of such a project remains questionable, given the high costs of platform adaptation and limited competition in this segment.
