The Compact Off-Road SUV: Will the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Make a Comeback by Year-End?

This vehicle is renowned for its durability and exceptional off-road capabilities. However, its high price tag makes it inaccessible to many mainstream consumers. As a result, Toyota has developed the Land Cruiser FJ, a more compact yet equally rugged and off-road-capable vehicle at a more affordable price point.

The SUV – Land Cruiser FJ is expected to be launched by the end of this year and will be available in various markets worldwide.

The Land Cruiser FJ is anticipated to be slightly larger than the Corolla Cross but may be smaller than the RAV4. Its dimensions are estimated to be 4,500 x 1,830 x 1,850 mm (length x width x height), with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

The design of the vehicle will draw inspiration from the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept unveiled in 2021, featuring a boxy, angular shape accentuated by modern LED lighting elements. It is likely to have a high ground clearance, robust tires, and a flat rear door with a mounted spare wheel.

To maintain its off-road capabilities while keeping costs down, the Land Cruiser FJ is expected to utilize Toyota’s ladder frame platform, shared with the recently launched Hilux Champ pickup truck.

There are speculations that Toyota has abandoned plans for a hybrid powertrain for the Land Cruiser FJ, opting instead for a traditional gasoline engine. It is highly probable that this compact SUV will be equipped with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine (producing 166 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque), similar to the one found in the Hilux Champ sold in Australia. This will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4-wheel drive system, incorporating a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ may also offer other engine options currently used in various Toyota models, such as the Corolla Cross, RAV4, or Prius. Notable mentions include the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower in the Corolla Cross, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower in the RAV4, or the more efficient hybrid and PHEV options with 194 and 220 horsepower, respectively, found in the Prius.

In markets like North America and Europe, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ could offer a hybrid variant to cater to fuel efficiency and environmental concerns.

As planned, the Land Cruiser FJ will debut in the Japanese market by the end of 2025, followed by a global rollout in other countries.

In terms of pricing, the vehicle is expected to be priced between $26,600 and $30,000 (approximately ₫678 million to ₫765 million) in Japan. This pricing strategy makes it more affordable than the Land Cruiser Prado, which starts at ₫885 million in the Japanese market.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)