The All-New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: Unveiled. A Rugged, Affordable, Thai-made SUV.

These images are believed to be from the official vehicle catalog, offering a glimpse into Toyota’s design language and product strategy for the compact off-road SUV segment.

Global Debut in October, Production in Thailand

The Land Cruiser FJ is expected to make its official debut at the Japan Mobility Show in late October 2025. According to Best Car magazine, the vehicle, with the internal code name 500D, will enter production this year at the Ban Pho plant in Thailand. Global exports are anticipated to commence in early 2026, and Thai consumers may get an early glimpse at the Motor Expo 2025.

A Rugged SUV Targeting Young Adventure Enthusiasts

The Land Cruiser FJ is not just a modified SUV based on the Hilux; it’s an entirely new model that shares the same rugged body-on-frame platform as its pickup sibling. Toyota aims to captivate customers aged 20 to 50 who are passionate about travel, camping, and nature exploration but may not have the financial means to afford the more expensive Land Cruiser variants like the Prado (250 Series) or Land Cruiser 300.

Retro Design Inspired by the Legendary FJ40, Larger than Suzuki Jimny

The Land Cruiser FJ boasts a retro aesthetic that pays homage to the iconic FJ40 from the 1950s. It also blends modern influences from the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept and contemporary off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender and Suzuki Jimny.

With dimensions of 4,410 x 1,855 x 1,870 mm and a wheelbase of 2,580 mm, the FJ is slightly larger than the Suzuki Jimny yet remains compact enough for easy maneuverability in urban environments. The exterior color palette offers seven options, similar to the Land Cruiser Prado and Hilux Revo available in the Thai market.

Impressive Off-Road Capabilities and Modern Features

Despite its compact size, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is designed to tackle rugged terrain with a water-wading depth of 700 mm, approach angle of 33 degrees, departure angle of 23 degrees, and ramp breakover angle of 26 degrees—impressive specifications for off-road enthusiasts.

The interior features a two-row, five-seat configuration, avoiding direct competition with the seven-seat Toyota Fortuner. The dashboard echoes the design of the Hilux and Land Cruiser, complemented by a drive mode selector knob for Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. A notable feature is the underbody camera, typically found in premium SUVs like the Land Rover.

Two Engine Options, 4WD with Torsen Limited-Slip Differential

Although Toyota has not disclosed the official specifications, the Land Cruiser FJ is expected to be equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, featuring a center differential lock and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Under the hood, the FJ may offer two familiar engine options from the Hilux:

A 2.7-liter 2TR-FE four-cylinder DOHC gasoline engine producing 166 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque.

Or a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbocharged diesel engine delivering 224 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque.

Both engines are likely to be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering manual shift capability. The performance figures may vary depending on the market to comply with emission and fuel economy standards.

Anticipating its Arrival in Vietnam

While Toyota has not confirmed the distribution plans for the Land Cruiser FJ in Vietnam, the vehicle’s body-on-frame construction, distinctive styling, and impressive off-road capabilities make it a promising addition to the 5-seat off-road SUV segment, offering a much-needed diversity in the Vietnamese market.

PV (Tuoitrethudo)