Toyota has officially unveiled its new Land Cruiser FJ SUV, a more compact and affordable alternative to the Land Cruiser 250 model. The premiere took place on the eve of the Japan Mobility Show, where the car aroused great interest among journalists and fans of the brand.
The Land Cruiser FJ is built on the Toyota Hilux Champ platform, which makes it almost 28 centimeters shorter than the "two hundred and fiftieth." Its length is 4570 mm, width is 1960 mm, height is 1850 mm, and wheelbase is 2580 mm. The new product turned out to be more maneuverable and lighter, but at the same time retained the off-road potential inherent in older models of the family. This format is primarily aimed at those who are looking for a real "workhorse" with the character of a classic SUV.
Under the hood is a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 161 hp and a torque of 245 N·m. It works in tandem with a six-speed "mechanics" and plug-in all-wheel drive. A modification with an "automatic" is provided for the Japanese market, but Toyota has not yet disclosed its characteristics. Despite the moderate performance, the manufacturer promises confident traction on off-road and excellent maintainability of units.
According to the chief engineer of the project, Masai Uchiyama, the FJ is not planned for sale in the USA and Europe, but the company expects high demand in Asia and developing markets. The car should occupy a niche between the utilitarian Hilux and the more expensive Land Cruiser 250. Presumably, the price in Japan will be about 3.5–4 million yen, which is equivalent to approximately 22–25 thousand dollars — this makes the FJ one of the most affordable "real" Toyota SUVs.
The appearance of the novelty refers to the classics of the brand — it shows the motifs of the legendary FJ40: round headlights, wide wheel arches, short overhangs and a spare wheel on the rear door. The interior focuses on practicality: large buttons, a massive gear lever, a horizontal multimedia screen and a durable finish that can withstand dust and moisture.
Maintainability deserves special attention. The front and rear corner bumpers are easily removed, allowing you to replace only damaged elements. The body is equipped with MOLLE mounts for installing expedition equipment, and the demonstration photos show the car with a snorkel and an additional trunk. Toyota emphasizes that the FJ is designed for active use and long trips away from civilization.
The company also confirmed that the new Land Cruiser FJ will become the basis for a wide range of accessories — from protective body kits to branded off-road kits. This will allow owners to create their own versions for any task.
Production of the model will start in Japan in mid-2026, and the public debut will take place at the Japan Mobility Show in late October. At the same time, Toyota is developing the Land Hopper electric SUV, which, according to the idea, should become an even more passable and completely emission-free successor to the Land Cruiser.
The official date of its release has not yet been announced, but the FJ will become a kind of bridge between the traditional and electric future of the brand.
