The legendary Land Cruiser family is welcoming a new, more accessible member. Toyota has officially pulled back the curtain on the all-new Land Cruiser FJ, a vehicle designed to bring the brand’s renowned off-road capability to a broader audience. Positioned as the entry-point to the LC range, the FJ is slated to hit the Japanese market around mid-2026, with a global rollout to follow.
This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a strategic expansion of the Land Cruiser badge, aiming to deliver what Toyota calls “Freedom & Joy” without compromising the rugged reliability the name is famous for.
A Design That Pays Homage to Utility
The new FJ makes its intentions clear from the first glance. It sports a quintessentially boxy, upright silhouette that echoes the no-nonsense aesthetic of modern Land Cruisers. At the front, a compact rectangular grille is flanked by LED headlamps accented by distinctive C-shaped daytime running lights. For purists, Toyota is offering a customization option that includes classic round headlamps in certain markets, a nod to the design of heritage models.
Built with practicality in mind, the FJ features robust, segmented front and rear bumpers. This clever design means that in the event of off-road scrapes or damage, only the affected section needs replacement, saving time and money. The profile is characterized by a strong shoulder line, substantial body cladding, and blacked-out roof rails. Out back, the adventure-ready spirit is confirmed by a full-size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate and vertically oriented taillights.
An Interior Built for Adventure, Not Frills
Inside, the focus is squarely on functionality and durability. The cabin layout will feel familiar to anyone who has seen the Land Cruiser 250, centered around a large central infotainment screen and a digital driver’s display. In a welcome move for off-road enthusiasts, Toyota has prioritized physical buttons and knobs for critical functions, especially the off-road hardware controls mounted on the centre console. This ensures drivers can make adjustments by feel alone, without being distracted by touchscreen menus when navigating tricky terrain.
While Toyota has yet to release the full spec sheet, the disclosed dimensions tell a story of a more compact, nimble vehicle. The Land Cruiser FJ measures 4,575 mm in length with a 2,580 mm wheelbase—making its wheelbase a significant 270 mm shorter than the LC 250. This shorter footprint is a clear advantage for technical off-road maneuvers and city driving.
Proven Powertrain and Purposeful Performance
Under the hood, Toyota is equipping the Land Cruiser FJ with a known and trusted workhorse: the 2.7-litre 2TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine. This powerplant generates 161 bhp and 246 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission.
Crucially, the FJ employs a part-time four-wheel-drive system. This is a more traditional and robust setup favored by serious off-roaders for its mechanical simplicity and ability to handle extreme conditions, further cementing the FJ’s credentials as a true go-anywhere vehicle.
The global public will get its first in-person look at the Land Cruiser FJ at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, starting October 30th. With its combination of an attainable price, rugged design, and Toyota’s bulletproof reputation for reliability, the new FJ is poised to become a key player in the adventure SUV segment.
