The long-awaited Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, often dubbed the “Mini Fortuner,” appears to be shifting from rumor to reality. According to a report from Japanese outlet MagX, the vehicle is scheduled for a private media preview on October 20, 2025, offering a first glimpse before its expected public debut shortly after.
This strategic reveal is believed to be a precursor to Toyota’s full showcase at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, where a production-ready model is anticipated to be a headline attraction. While Toyota has yet to officially confirm the model’s existence, this development signals that the project is moving forward.
Positioned as a spiritual heir to the beloved but discontinued FJ Cruiser, the new Land Cruiser FJ is designed for a new era. It promises to be a more compact, accessible, and environmentally compliant vehicle, aiming to bring back-the-basics off-roading to a wider audience without compromising on rugged capability.
Built for Adventure on a Proven Platform
Underpinning the Land Cruiser FJ will reportedly be Toyota’s robust IMV-0 ladder-frame chassis. This is the same foundation that supports the workhorse Hilux Champ, a strong indicator that Toyota is prioritizing genuine, hard-wearing off-road performance over unibody comfort. This choice suggests the FJ will be a true go-anywhere vehicle, not just a soft-roader with aggressive styling.
The design is expected to stay true to its utilitarian inspiration. Early reports and fan renders point to a boxy, upright silhouette with practical short overhangs—a key feature for tackling steep inclines. The look will likely be rounded out with squared-off wheel arches, thick C-pillars, and exposed body cladding, emphasizing its tough and functional character.
Powertrain and Production
Under the hood, the initial engine offering is speculated to be a familiar workhorse: the 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine found in the Fortuner and Hilux. This powerplant typically produces around 163 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque and would likely be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Looking ahead, Toyota is expected to broaden the FJ’s appeal with additional powertrains. A 2.4-litre turbo-diesel from the GD series is a strong possibility for markets like India, where it’s already well-established. Furthermore, the industry-wide shift towards electrification makes a hybrid variant almost a certainty in the model’s future.
Production for global markets is reportedly slated for Thailand, which will act as an export hub. A Japanese market launch is tentatively scheduled for mid-2026, with other regions following suit. This global strategy underscores Toyota’s ambition to make the Land Cruiser FJ a high-volume seller.
After a prolonged period of speculation, the Land Cruiser FJ represents a potential return to Toyota’s core strengths: building simple, durable, and capable vehicles. By slotting in below the Fortuner as a more affordable and compact option, it could become the definitive no-frills, adventure-ready SUV for a new generation of drivers.
