After much anticipation, Japan’s best-selling automotive magazine, Best Car, has finally revealed sketch images believed to be from the official catalog of the all-new compact SUV, globally named the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, in their June 10th issue. The internal code name for this model is 500D.
Best Car magazine unveils the design of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.
It is known that Best Car magazine released a video introducing the Land Cruiser FJ on May 11, 2025, to promote their new issue that would be released in Japan. Following the tradition of the Japanese automotive media industry, the magazine is always released one month earlier than the date printed on the cover.
In a diverse market of off-road vehicles, Toyota recognized a significant demand for SUVs with off-road capabilities, a compact boxy design, and a separate chassis frame akin to the Land Cruiser and Hilux models, but at a more accessible price point. Thus, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ was conceived.
This model targets customers aged 20 to 50 who enjoy traveling, camping, and light adventuring but may not have the budget for the more expensive Toyota Land Cruiser variants such as the 70 Series, 250 Series (Prado), or 300 Series.
According to sources, Toyota engineers decided to develop this all-new SUV based on the platform of the Hilux pickup truck. Meanwhile, the design draws inspiration from the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, which debuted in 1951, as well as the new Land Rover Defender and the Suzuki Jimny.
From the images published by Best Car, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ showcases a rugged exterior reminiscent of the new Land Cruiser Prado, combined with design elements from the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept, albeit simplified for commercial production. The SUV offers seven exterior color options, similar to the Land Cruiser Prado and Hilux Revo currently sold in Thailand.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ boasts a boxy design, echoing the style of the new Land Cruiser Prado.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will be available in seven different colors.
According to Best Car magazine, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is not merely a SUV version of the Hilux pickup truck. While they share the same platform, the Land Cruiser FJ is an entirely new model.
The dimensions of this new Toyota model are expected to be 4,410 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. Thus, the vehicle will be larger than the Suzuki Jimny. Additionally, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ boasts a water-wading capability of 700 mm, an approach angle of 33 degrees, a departure angle of 23 degrees, and a breakover angle of 26 degrees.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has a compact size.
Inside, the new off-road SUV from Toyota features a two-row, five-seat interior layout. There is no seven-seat option to avoid overlapping with the larger Toyota Fortuner. The dashboard of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ borrows design cues from the Hilux and Land Cruiser models. Notably, it features a convenient drive mode knob for Eco, Normal, and Sport modes.
Interior sketch of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.
Another highlight of the vehicle is its “transparent bonnet” camera system, which aids the driver in navigating challenging terrain when climbing slopes or reversing. This feature was previously only found in luxury SUVs such as the Land Rover.
Details about the Land Cruiser FJ’s engine remain under wraps. Rumors suggest it will feature a 4WD system with a front/rear torque distribution of 40/60, a center differential, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Under the hood, the compact SUV is likely to feature two familiar engine options from the Toyota Hilux. However, the performance figures may vary depending on the market to comply with emissions and fuel economy standards.
The first is a 2.7L 4-cylinder DOHC 2TR-FE gasoline engine that delivers a maximum output of 166 hp at 5,200 rpm and peak torque of 245 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The second option is a 2.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged 1GD-FTV diesel engine that produces 224 hp at 3,400 rpm and 550 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. Both engines are expected to be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ shares its platform and engines with the Hilux.
Toyota is expected to officially unveil the Land Cruiser FJ at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, taking place from October 29-30. Subsequently, the vehicle will be manufactured at the Ban Pho plant in Thailand later this year and exported globally from early 2026.
Thai consumers may get a glimpse of this model at the Motor Expo 2025, held towards the end of this year. Toyota could start taking orders for the Land Cruiser FJ in Thailand from early 2026.
It remains unclear whether there are plans to import the Land Cruiser FJ to Vietnam.
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