- Toyota is working on a new smaller Land Cruiser model, expected to debut later this year.
- An earlier teaser revealed a compact off-roader with rugged styling and a boxy shape.
- The Land Cruiser FJ may share its ladder-frame underpinnings with the Hilux Champ.
Update 2/22: We’ve received new information about Toyota’s highly anticipated Land Cruiser FJ—or FJ Cruiser, as some rumors suggest it might be called—including reports that its introduction date has been pushed to the end of the year. We’ve updated this story to reflect the latest details.
The Land Cruiser nameplate has long been synonymous with exceptional off-road capability, so it’s no surprise that Toyota intends to carry on this tradition with upcoming models. Among them is the eagerly awaited compact SUV rumored to be built on ladder-frame underpinnings. This “baby” Land Cruiser is now expected to debut later this year, possibly carrying the FJ moniker in some form in its name.
The new model made its first appearance in an official teaser in 2023, as the smallest member of the Land Cruiser family next to the classic 70 Series, the modern 250 Series (the one we get in North America), and the 300 Series (unavailable in the States). This was followed by a trademark filing, sparking rumors about the possible use of the Land Cruiser FJ nameplate for the compact off-roader.
Compact Footprint, Rugged Styling
The single teaser image, which inspired our speculative rendering, hints at a boxy SUV drawing design cues from the 2021 Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept. While it keeps the upright stance and modern LED accents, the production model appears slightly larger, featuring ample ground clearance, robust tires, and a flat tailgate with a mounted spare wheel.
More: Everything We Know About The 2026 Toyota RAV4
The Land Cruiser FJ is expected to have a footprint slightly larger than the Corolla Cross but possibly smaller than the RAV4. Initial estimates indicate dimensions of around 4,500 mm (177.2 inches) in length, 1,830 mm (72 inches) in width, and 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.3 inches).
If these numbers are correct, the Land Cruiser FJ will be notably smaller than North America’s Land Cruiser that measures 4,925 mm (193.9 inches) long, but larger than the 4,387 mm (172.7 inches) long Ford Bronco Sport.
Ladder-Frame Underpinnings
Besides the notable exception of the Suzuki Jimny, the majority of small and compact SUVs have transitioned to unibody architectures. Luckily for adventure-seekers, this doesn’t appear to be the case with the Land Cruiser FJ, which is believed to ride on a ladder frame chassis.
Rather than using the TNGA-F platform found in the larger and more expensive Land Cruiser 250 and 300 Series, the compact off-roader is expected to ride on the IMV 0 architecture shared with the Toyota Hilux Champ / Ranga pickup.
More: 2026 Toyota Hilux Spied Looking Like An Extensive Facelift
This choice preserves the rugged Land Cruiser heritage while allowing Toyota to offer the model at a more accessible price point. Naturally, the SUV will feature improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics and more refined driving dynamics compared to the Hilux Champ, which prioritizes affordability in emerging markets.
Furthermore, a 4WD system with a Torsen limited-slip differential will most likely be included as standard, allowing it to tackle harsh terrains in combination with the generous ground clearance and the grippy tires.
Powertrain Options
There’s plenty of speculation surrounding the powertrain options for the upcoming Land Cruiser FJ (or whatever Toyota ends up calling it). Early reports suggested it could come with both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains, with the possibility of a fully electric version to be added to the range later on.
However, more recent reports claim that Toyota has scrapped plans for hybrid powertrains in favor of a traditional gasoline engine. Still, this information should be taken with a grain of salt, as powertrain options may vary by region. Given market trends, Toyota will likely offer a hybrid version outside of Japan, especially in North America and Europe where demand for fuel efficiency and lower emissions remains strong.
One of the most likely options to power the Land Cruiser FJ is the naturally aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder 2TR-FE gasoline engine. This engine is already used in the mechanically related Thai-spec Hilux Champ, as well as in the EU-spec and JDM-spec versions of the Land Cruiser Prado (250 Series). However, it may only be available in markets like Japan and other Asian regions where the Hilux Champ is sold.
In these regions, the engine produces 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 246 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a capable 4WD system. While this power output should be sufficient for a compact off-roader in many markets, it may not satisfy the more power-hungry demands of North American buyers. For comparison, the Ford Bronco Sport offers a base 181-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder and an optional 245-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
More: Toyota Hilux Champ Turns Into A Seven-Seater SUV
That said, Toyota has a variety of engines at its disposal, including options found in the Corolla Cross, RAV4, and even the Prius for enhanced hybrid power, if it opts to go that route. For example, in North America, the Corolla Cross offers a 169 hp 2.0-liter inline four, the RAV4 can be had with a 203 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and the new Prius is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid gasoline engine producing 194 hp, along with a plug-in hybrid variant with 220 hp.
When Will It Arrive?
It was initially expected that the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ would debut in late 2024, but that obviously didn’t happen. Over the past year, the automotive landscape has shifted dramatically, with manufacturers delaying projects and refocusing on gasoline and hybrid powertrains. This change in strategy is largely a response to evolving market demands and growing uncertainty due to potential trade conflicts and regulatory changes.
While there’s no official confirmation about the Land Cruiser FJ’s debut, the latest reports from Japan’s Best Car now suggest that it could make its local debut in fall 2025, followed by a global rollout.
As for pricing, the latest reports suggest that the Land Cruiser FJ could be priced between ¥4-4.5 million in its home market, which translates to approximately $26,600-$30,000 at current exchange rates. For comparison, the Land Cruiser 70 Series starts at ¥4.8 million ($32,000), the 250 Series at ¥5.2 million ($34,700), and the 300 Series at ¥5.1 million ($34,000) in Japan.
Prices will naturally vary by market, but depending on where it’s manufactured, the North American model is expected to start at around $35,000 and could go over the $45,000 mark for the top-end versions. This would position it well below the $56,450 starting price of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser in the United States.
