According to Carscoops, the upcoming “mini” version of the Land Cruiser is closely related to the discontinued FJ Cruiser.
Toyota has confirmed that they are developing a smaller version of the Land Cruiser, but there is very little information available about the vehicle at this time. Carscoops reports that the Japanese automaker has trademarked the name “Land Cruiser FJ,” which could be the official name for this “mini” Land Cruiser.
During the launch of the 2024 Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota teased a smaller Land Cruiser with a teaser image. Although no official details were provided, leaked sources suggest that it will be a genuine off-road vehicle, setting it apart from typical crossovers.
The lack of specific information makes it uncertain whether the “Land Cruiser FJ” is the official name for the upcoming Land Cruiser. If it is, it would be a tribute to the legendary FJ Cruiser, which Toyota recently discontinued. This explains why the two vehicles have a similar design, even though the “mini” Land Cruiser is expected to be much smaller than the FJ Cruiser.
Reports from Japan suggest that the new vehicle will have a similar size to the Toyota Corolla Cross but with a design and features that focus on off-road capabilities. It is likely to be based on a separate frame platform such as the LC300 or Prado. However, there is also a possibility that it will have a unibody construction to optimize cost.
In terms of performance, the Toyota Land Cruiser “mini” could be equipped with existing engines found in the Corolla Cross, RAV4, and Prius. However, considering the evolving nature of the automotive industry, there is also a possibility that it will have an electric drivetrain.
In addition to being smaller in size, the “mini” Land Cruiser is expected to have a significantly more attractive price compared to the Land Cruiser Prado (starting from $55,000 – equivalent to 1.33 billion VND). Carscoops reports that the starting price for this SUV will be around $30,000 – $35,000 (730 – 850 million VND).
Thái Son (Tuoitrethudo)
Reference: Carscoops