Miss the FJ Cruiser? You're in luck as it may just be resurrected, this time under the Land Cruiser name. Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled the Land Cruiser FJ and plans a Japan launch around mid‑2026. The model was presented on October 20, 2025, as an addition to the Land Cruiser family that Toyota frames as delivering “Freedom & Joy” while keeping the line’s core attributes of reliability, durability, and off‑road performance.
Toyota revives the FJ name as a more compact Land Cruiser
A growing Land Cruiser family
Published Oct 21, 2025 12:41 pm
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Updated Oct 21, 2025 05:48 pm
At A Glance
- Toyota brings back the FJ name as a smaller, more maneuverable Land Cruiser for 2026.
- Prototype features a 2.7-liter gasoline engine, six-speed automatic, and part-time 4WD.
- Includes the Land Hopper, a foldable electric mobility vehicle designed to extend travel beyond the road.
The Land Cruiser FJ follows a functional, upright silhouette that prioritizes cabin space and cargo capacity. The exterior uses simple surfacing with prominent fenders, while both front and rear corner bumpers are modular and removable to aid repairability and customization. Inside, Toyota adopts a horizontal instrument panel and a low cowl to improve forward visibility. Controls and the monitor are grouped to minimize eye movement in rough conditions. Toyota Safety Sense is equipped and includes a Pre‑collision Safety System, aligning the new model with current active safety expectations. Toyota describes the development target as delivering “true Land Cruiser‑ness” through extensive off‑road testing.
Prototype specifications list a body length of 4,575 mm, width of 1,855 mm, height of 1,960 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. Seating is for five across two rows. Power comes from the 2TR‑FE 2.7‑liter gasoline engine paired with a six‑speed Super ECT automatic and a part‑time four‑wheel drive system. Output is rated at 120-kW or 163-PS with 246-N·m of torque. Toyota says a shorter wheelbase than the 250 Series enables a minimum turning radius of 5.5 m and that added under‑floor bracing and higher body rigidity improve handling stability.
Compared with the previous FJ Cruiser, which ended global production in 2022 after a run that began in 2006, the new Land Cruiser FJ is smaller in footprint and oriented more toward maneuverability and everyday packaging. Typical FJ Cruiser dimensions were 4,670 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, with a 2,690 mm wheelbase. The new model is about 95 mm shorter and around 50 mm narrower, yet notably taller, and it rides on a wheelbase that is about 110 mm shorter. The minimum turning radius of 5.5-m equates to an 11.0-m turning circle, which is tighter than the FJ Cruiser’s commonly quoted 12.4 m figure. The change suggests easier placement on trails and in tight urban streets.
The powertrain strategy also differs. The outgoing FJ Cruiser used a 4.0‑liter 1GR‑FE V6, while the new Land Cruiser FJ prototype uses a four‑cylinder 2.7‑liter 2TR-FE gasoline engine with 163-PS and Toyota's six‑speed Super ECT automatic. The change reflects a focus on serviceability, predictable behavior, and packaging rather than outright power output, consistent with Toyota’s positioning of the FJ as a practical tool within the Land Cruiser range.
Design intent has also evolved. The FJ Cruiser leaned into retro cues and a lifestyle orientation, which resulted in limited rear visibility and rear access compromises due to its small, rear‑hinged back doors. The new Land Cruiser FJ references heritage with available round headlights but prioritizes utility, visibility, and repairability. The cabin is laid out for clear operation, and Toyota highlights the option to expand functionality through accessories such as MOLLE panels for securing outdoor equipment.
Toyota is also introducing a companion mobility concept alongside the new FJ, called the Land Hopper. The Land Hopper is an electric personal mobility vehicle that can be folded and stored in the FJ’s luggage area. It is designed to let users continue their journey beyond where the SUV can drive, extending the reach of exploration to areas inaccessible by car. Toyota envisions the Land Hopper as an extension of the Land Cruiser that integrates vehicles and personal transport into one continuous experience.
With cumulative Land Cruiser sales of about 12.15 million units across more than 190 countries and regions, Toyota is positioning the Land Cruiser FJ as a gateway to the nameplate for customers who want a smaller, more agile model without giving up core strengths. The use of phrases such as “Freedom & Joy” and “true Land Cruiser‑ness” is a nod to the brand’s past while at the same time setting new expectations for safety, packaging, and customization. Within the modern lineup that includes the 300, 250, and 70 Series, the FJ is intended to broaden access to the Land Cruiser experience for daily use and weekend trails alike. Toyota says the FJ will be shown at Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo before sales begin, along with more details such as possible variants and full specifications.
