The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Is Here And It's Cuter Than We Thought

Toyota’s lean on heritage was apparent years ago, when they first brought back the 86 name. Since then, a lot of iconic designations have returned to the model’s lineup, and the Japanese model isn’t slowing down. We have heard about Toyota making a successor to the FJ Cruiser, which was previewed by the Compact Cruiser EV concept, all the way back in December 2021. 

We finally see the production model, and it doesn’t seem to be straying too far from the concept model seen four years ago. The design philosophy is similar to what we see on the Toyota Land Cruiser J250, but obviously scaled down. 

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ dimensions

• Length - 181.1 inches (4,575 mm)

• Width - 73 inches (1,855 mm)

• Height - 77.16 inches (1,960 mm)

• Wheelbase - 101.57 inches (2.580 mm)

The compact Toyota Land Cruiser SUV features a functional, boxy design with heavily emphasized wheel arches. The cladding around the lower body suggests off-road credentials. But it’s not just the looks that give it away. The Toyota Land Cruiser will be the smallest body-on-frame SUV when production begins. It will come with independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and partial four-wheel drive. 

The IMV-0 platform provides adequate ground clearance and chassis articulation, allowing heavy off-roading despite the SUV’s small size. The new FJ’s wheelbase is 10.62 inches (270 mm) shorter than the J250’s, allowing for a minimum turn radius of 18 feet (5.5 meters), on off-road terrain. 

The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is an obvious nod to the 70-series Land Cruiser, which, in turn, was an inspiration for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The same approach can be noticed in the cabin, which is functional and utilitarian. Again, it is a scaled-down J250 Land Cruiser, with plenty of hard, but sturdy materials, and enough leather and tech to make you feel at home. Whether the interior will stand the test of time remains to be seen. 

The engine emphasizes simplicity over high tech and performance.

Currently, we know of only one engine option for the new Land Cruiser FJ. The 2TR-FE is a 2.7-liter, normally aspirated, inline-four that makes 161 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It is a refreshingly simple engine that operates on the Otto cycle, features single VVTi (instead of dual), and comes with sequential port injection instead of direct injection. 

The only available transmission is a six-speed automatic, which comes with a few modes. There is an old-school  “PWR” mode (sport mode) button, which makes gear changes more immediate, while the “ECT 2nd” mode is meant for slippery conditions.

That said, this engine will not be available in the US. In fact, in its current state, the FJ Cruiser revival will not be coming to US shores. Sorry to disappoint you, but Toyota does this a lot with its models. On the plus side, the Japanese brand is said to be reviving another classic model - the Toyota Stout pickup truck - and this one is almost certain to be available on the US market, so don’t be in a rush to feel left out just yet.

With the FJ Cruiser still being an extremely popular choice in the US, we really expected Toyota to bring the compact Land Cruiser FJ to US shores. It is refreshingly utilitarian and simple, amidst a sea of hybrids, EVs, and even downsized turbocharged engines. Is this the Toyota FJ Cruiser revival you expected? Let me know in the comment section below.

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Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Toyota Global Newsroom