Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Marks the Return of a Rugged Legacy

Toyota just revealed the Land Cruiser FJ, a fresh take on an icon that has languished in garages and trails for decades. This small SUV is the little sibling that no one knew they needed. At 180 inches long and scarcely wider than a city sidewalk, it reduces the big-brother attitude of full-size models to something you can park next to your everyday driver without hesitation. The Japanese launch date is mid-2026, with the globe getting a closer look at the Japan Mobility Show, which begins October 30.

Two faces welcome you in the front, each paying homage to the Land Cruiser’s history while forging its own path. The round headlamps pay homage to the legendary cruisers that climbed mountains in the 1950s, and there’s even a snorkel for those who chase floods and fords. Switch to the opposite side, and rectangular lights with C-shaped daytime runners provide a leaner edge, still framed by the boxy grille spelling out “Toyota” in plain letters. The body is solid and robust throughout—flared fenders embrace the wheels, hefty cladding defends the sides, and a spare tire swings off the tailgate like an old buddy.

The first thing you notice are the removable bumpers, which are divided into portions so that a scrape on the trail only requires replacing out the damaged corner rather than the entire kit. Repairs are inexpensive and quick, and the doors open wide for modifications such as rock rails or higher intakes that transform standard into expedition-ready. MOLLE panels line the tailgate inside, providing straps for holding coolers, tools, or tents. Toyota teases more accessories to come, including round lights as an option and roof racks for gear hauling, with each one drawing you deeper into the build-your-own journey. Built in Thailand on the same chassis as the Hilux truck and Fortuner SUV, this FJ is 73 inches wide and 77 inches tall, with a 102-inch wheelbase that allows it to maneuver in tight spaces like a side-by-side on steroids.



When you get in, the cabin wraps around you. A horizontal dash stretches low, allowing you to view the horizon or the route without straining your neck. Digital gauges in front of a large wheel, a large screen for navigation and music, and knobs large enough to accommodate gloved hands. The shifter rises from the middle, off-road switches cluster nearby, and the temperature dials are easily accessible. Up front, seats hug without fuss; in the back, a bench sits five but slides for legroom or cargo space. Visibility is important here—a slim beltline reveals the ground beneath, and the cowl drops low enough to observe every dip. Toyota Safety Sense adds the smarts—collision alerts, lane keeping, and smooth sailing on uneven roads.


The power comes from a 2.7L four-cylinder engine, the same one that has dragged Hiluxes across deserts for years. Its 161 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque can handle both the highway as well as rock crawling. A six-speed automatic shifts smoothly into part-time 4WD, which locks in when the pavement stops. There are no turbos or hybrids here; just plain old pull that idles steadily in water or sand. The platform is from the IMV range, with supports under the floor for a tight fit and wheel articulation similar to the 70 Series trucks.


Off-road testing molded every bolt, from chassis adjustments to suspension calibration, all in pursuit of the Land Cruiser’s unmatched resilience. This FJ is 11 inches shorter overall and 10 between the axles than the 250 Series, yet it can handle five people or a weekend’s worth of gear without complaint. The segmented bumpers, replaceable engine, and modular pieces allow for repairs to be completed in your driveway rather than a dealer bay. Toyota calls it “Freedom & Joy,” referring to users who bolt on panels for overlanding kits or simply stack kayaks for a river run.