On October 21, Toyota officially released official images of the all-new FJ Land Cruiser (referred to as the “New FJ Cruiser”), marking its return after a 9-year hiatus. The vehicle is set to make its debut at the Tokyo Auto Show on October 30 and is scheduled for release in Japan by mid-2026.
The design of the new FJ Cruiser blends tradition and modernity, giving it the appearance of a mini version of the Prado. Like the Prado, the new FJ Cruiser will offer two exterior design styles, with the main difference being the front headlights. The new model adopts a square and rugged design, featuring a blacked-out grille with the “TOYOTA” logo in the center. The rectangular headlights, paired with a robust front bumper, enhance the visual impact of the front end. Another version of the vehicle features round headlights, along with a blackened front bumper and lower skid plate, giving it a more retro design. The front hood is also angular, giving the vehicle a muscular look.
On the side, compared to the previous generation’s three-door design, the new model adopts a five-door design. However, the doors are not very large. The wide C-pillar becomes a distinctive feature, while the flared wheel arches, black side skirts, and darkened wheels further emphasize the off-road character. In terms of size, the new vehicle measures 4575 mm in length, 1855 mm in width, and 1960 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2580 mm. The overall size is significantly smaller than the Prado, with a wheelbase that is 270 mm shorter, and is more comparable to the size of the Corolla Cross. When compared to the Tank 300, the new FJ Cruiser is smaller in all dimensions except for the vehicle height. At the rear, a spare tire mounted on the exterior is still standard, and the tailgate opens sideways. The vertical tail lights have a three-dimensional design, which looks quite unique, while the rear retains a sturdy bumper.
Inside, despite its compact size, the new FJ Cruiser is well-equipped with a design similar to the Prado. The overall design is rugged and retro, resembling the Land Cruiser 70 series, with a flat center console and angular design elements. It features round air conditioning vents, physical control buttons, and a mechanical handbrake lever. The 4WD control is a rotary knob, and the vehicle is equipped with a new multi-functional steering wheel and a floating center screen, ensuring a playful driving experience.
In terms of power, the new FJ Cruiser is built on the IMV platform, shared with the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner. It uses a body-on-frame construction and is expected to be positioned as a compact off-road SUV. The new vehicle is powered by a 2.7L engine, producing a maximum power of 163 horsepower (120 kW) and a maximum torque of 246 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system.
Currently, the Toyota Land Cruiser family offers three product lines: the J70 series, the J250 (Prado) series, and the J300 (Land Cruiser) series. As a new model variant, the new FJ Cruiser will be the smallest model in the Land Cruiser family. The name “FJ Cruiser” may be a tribute to the J40 series launched in the 1960s. Prior to this, Toyota had released models with the “FJ” name, producing and selling the FJ Cruiser from 2006 to 2022, which has now been discontinued. It is still unclear whether the new FJ Cruiser will be locally produced and sold in China, as the Prado has already been domestically produced by FAW Toyota.
