A New Challenge for the Jimny: Toyota's Compact Land Cruiser FJ, Revealed in Official Photos Ahead of Oct 29 Debut​​

Toyota has officially released the Land Cruiser FJ, marking the return of the "FJ" nameplate after a nine-year hiatus. The new model retains the reliability, durability, and off-road capability the series is known for, while making the Land Cruiser family more accessible. It will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show opening on October 29 and is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in mid-2026.

It is worth noting that the newly released Land Cruiser FJ is not a direct successor to the FJ Cruiser introduced in 2007 but rather revives the "FJ" nameplate. It is an entirely new model under the Land Cruiser series, paying homage to the traditional "FJ" nomenclature. The Land Cruiser FJ exists alongside the currently available 70, 250, and 300 series as a parallel model. It is powered by a 2.7-liter inline-four naturally aspirated gasoline engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

The FJ Cruiser, launched in 2007, was a derivative of the eighth-generation Land Cruiser series. It was a retro-styled, rugged off-road SUV equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. It featured a ladder frame chassis with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a solid rear axle.

The Land Cruiser FJ blends traditional and modern design elements, resembling a miniaturized version of the Prado. It will be available with both round and rectangular headlight variants. The rectangular-headlight version features C-shaped daytime running lights, while the round-headlight version uses circular ones. Complemented by retro-style split turn signals and a black grille bearing the TOYOTA logo that connects the lights, the vehicle boasts a robust bumper and a sharply contoured hood, emphasizing its muscular off-road character.

The vehicle features a relatively compact profile. Unlike the previous generation’s three-door layout, the new model adopts a five-door design, though each door remains modest in size. A thick C-pillar serves as a signature design element, while flared wheel arches, black side skirts, and blacked-out wheels enhance its rugged appeal.

In terms of dimensions, the new model measures 4,575 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,960 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. It seats five and is comparable in size to the Haval Dagou, though it has a noticeably shorter wheelbase and taller body, giving it a distinct "Japanese box car" aesthetic. Toyota states that the shorter wheelbase improves agility, contributing to a turning radius of 5.5 meters and enhancing the approach and departure angles.At the rear, a side-mounted spare tire remains standard, and the tailgate opens sideways. The vertical taillights feature a three-dimensional design for a distinctive look, while the rear bumper maintains its sturdy appearance.Inside, the dashboard is layered and shares a design language with the Prado. Despite its compact size, the vehicle is fully equipped and visually consistent with the Prado. Toyota emphasizes retaining the FJ Cruiser’s fun-to-drive character. It will also come with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision warning.

Underpinning the new FJ Cruiser is the IMV platform, which includes additional underbody supports for higher rigidity and improved handling stability. The vehicle underwent extensive off-road testing during development. It is equipped with a 2.7-liter engine producing 163 horsepower (120 kW) and 246 N·m of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system.This article is generated by Jiasou TideFlow AIGC GEO