The compact Land Cruiser FJ is expected to debut in fall 2025, followed by a global launch, including North America.
New reports suggest Toyota’s highly anticipated Land Cruiser FJ—possibly called the FJ Cruiser—will debut later than expected, now targeting the end of 2025. We’ve updated this story with the latest details.
A Legacy of Off-Road Excellence
The Land Cruiser name has long been synonymous with rugged off-road capability, and Toyota aims to uphold this tradition with its upcoming models. Among them is a compact SUV, rumored to feature a ladder-frame chassis. This “baby” Land Cruiser is now expected to arrive later this year, potentially carrying the FJ name.
First teased in 2023, the model was shown as the smallest member of the Land Cruiser lineup, positioned alongside the classic 70 Series, the modern 250 Series (offered in North America), and the 300 Series (not available in the U.S.). A subsequent trademark filing further fueled speculation about the Land Cruiser FJ moniker for this new off-roader.
Compact, Yet Rugged
A teaser image—serving as the basis for our speculative rendering—suggests a boxy SUV inspired by the 2021 Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept. While it retains an upright stance and modern LED accents, the production model appears slightly larger, boasting high ground clearance, rugged tires, and a flat tailgate with a spare wheel mount.
Expected Size
The Land Cruiser FJ is estimated to be slightly larger than the Corolla Cross but smaller than the RAV4, with projected dimensions of:
- Length: ~4,500 mm (177.2 inches)
- Width: ~1,830 mm (72 inches)
- Height: ~1,850 mm (72.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: ~2,750 mm (108.3 inches)
For comparison, it will be notably smaller than North America’s Land Cruiser (4,925 mm / 193.9 inches) but larger than the Ford Bronco Sport (4,387 mm / 172.7 inches).
Built for Adventure: Ladder-Frame Construction
Unlike most compact SUVs that have shifted to unibody designs, the Land Cruiser FJ is expected to retain a ladder-frame chassis. It will likely share the IMV 0 platform used in the Toyota Hilux Champ / Rangga pickup, rather than the more premium TNGA-F platform found in the larger Land Cruiser 250 and 300 Series.
This approach helps keep costs down while maintaining off-road capability. The model is also expected to offer:
- A four-wheel-drive system with a Torsen limited-slip differential
- Generous ground clearance for tackling rough terrain
- Enhanced ride refinement over its pickup-based counterpart
Powertrain Possibilities
There’s still uncertainty regarding the Land Cruiser FJ’s engine lineup. Early reports hinted at a mix of gasoline and hybrid options, with a fully electric variant possibly arriving later. However, newer reports suggest Toyota may have dropped hybrid plans in favor of a conventional gasoline engine—though this could vary by region.
One strong contender is the 2.7-liter four-cylinder 2TR-FE gasoline engine, already found in the Thai-spec Hilux Champ and select Land Cruiser Prado models. In these markets, it delivers:
- 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS)
- 246 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque
- 6-speed automatic transmission with 4WD
However, this power output may not meet North American expectations, where rivals like the Ford Bronco Sport offer up to 245 hp. Toyota has other engine options, including:
- A 2.0L inline-four (169 hp) from the Corolla Cross
- A 2.5L four-cylinder (203 hp) from the RAV4
- A hybrid 2.0L engine (194 hp) from the Prius
Given market trends, a hybrid powertrain remains likely for North America and Europe.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
Initially expected in late 2024, the Land Cruiser FJ’s debut has been pushed back. Reports now suggest a fall 2025 launch in Japan, followed by a global rollout.
In Japan, pricing is estimated between ¥4-4.5 million ($26,600-$30,000 USD). For comparison:
- Land Cruiser 70 Series: ¥4.8 million ($32,000)
- Land Cruiser 250 Series: ¥5.2 million ($34,700)
- Land Cruiser 300 Series: ¥5.1 million ($34,000)
North American pricing is expected to start around $35,000, with higher trims potentially exceeding $45,000—positioning it well below the $56,450 starting price of the 2025 Land Cruiser.
With its rugged design, body-on-frame construction, and potential for hybrid power, the Land Cruiser FJ is shaping up to be a compelling addition to Toyota’s off-road lineup. Stay tuned for more updates as its debut approaches.
