Anticipation is building for the highly-anticipated off-road vehicle, dubbed the “mini Toyota Land Cruiser.” Despite the launch event reportedly being pushed to early 2026, excitement continues to mount. Leaked images allegedly from Toyota’s FJ Cruiser patent drawings have only added to the buzz.
These images offer a clear glimpse into the exterior design of the new compact and rugged SUV bearing the Toyota badge. While the patent was filed last year, it was only recently made public.
As seen in the images, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a small SUV with a 5-door design and a boxy, utilitarian style. The vehicle’s silhouette and overall lines closely resemble the official “teaser” images released by Toyota during the launch event of the new Land Cruiser Prado in August 2023, particularly the LED headlights.
Other notable design features include prominent wheel arches, thick C-pillars, and an almost vertical rear end, complete with a large spare tire mounted on the tailgate. The lower half of the body is clad in black unpainted plastic, encompassing the front and rear bumpers, wheel arches, and side skirts. These classic off-road design elements hint at the SUV’s potential for robust off-road performance.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser also appears to have a generous ground clearance. While the wheels in the drawings may be for illustrative purposes, it’s likely that this SUV will be equipped with specialized off-road tires.
The overall design seems to be a natural evolution from the Compact Cruiser EV concept introduced in 2021, but with larger dimensions. According to reports from the Japanese media, the Toyota FJ Cruiser will have a length of approximately 4,500 mm, placing it in the small SUV segment.
Toyota Compact Cruiser EV Concept
In contrast to its larger and more expensive siblings, the Land Cruiser 250 Series and 300 Series, which utilize Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, the FJ Cruiser is expected to be based on the IMV-0 platform. This is the same platform that is anticipated to underpin the upcoming Hilux and Fortuner generations.
The body-on-frame construction promises to make the Toyota FJ Cruiser a dream come true for off-road enthusiasts. This structure offers distinct advantages over competitors with unibody constructions, such as the Ford Bronco Sport. As a result, Toyota’s newcomer will likely appeal to those who prioritize off-road capability over urban comfort.
In terms of powertrain, it is speculated that Toyota will offer a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine for this SUV in certain markets. This engine is capable of producing a maximum output of 166 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and a peak torque of 245 Nm at 4,200 rpm.
Regardless of the engine choice, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is expected to retain its off-road essence, featuring a standard 4-wheel drive system as a nod to the Land Cruiser lineage.
While we cannot confirm that these patent drawings represent the final design of the commercial version of the Toyota FJ Cruiser, they certainly provide an intriguing glimpse into the future. Let’s hope that Toyota continues to offer more sneak peeks before the official launch of this highly-anticipated SUV in early 2026.
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