Toyota's Mini Land Cruiser FJ: The Coolest SUV We Can't Buy

A Nostalgic Take on the New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has a design that seems to be tailored for American buyers, yet it appears unlikely that this vehicle will ever make its way to the United States. While the name may bring back memories of the beloved FJ Cruiser that was sold in the U.S. from 2007 to 2014, the newly unveiled prototype is a much smaller SUV than its predecessor. It features a boxy look, a range of customizable options, and easily replaceable body parts. However, it's likely that this revival of the FJ will only be available in Japan and other Southeast Asian countries.

The first glance at the Land Cruiser FJ immediately brings back memories of the original FJ Cruiser. This five-door SUV, known for its rear suicide doors, three front wiper blades, and large blind spots, remains highly sought after by enthusiasts even over a decade after production ended. Although the new Land Cruiser FJ unveiled ahead of the Japan Mobility Show is quite different, it still serves as a clear nod to the past, fitting into Toyota's current truck design philosophy.

Off-Roading Capabilities

Beyond its fun and unique exterior design, the Land Cruiser FJ has several interesting features that cater to off-road enthusiasts. One standout feature is the ability to remove the front and rear bumper corners, which allows for custom high-clearance end caps or simpler repairs after hitting a trail boulder.

Toyota showcased both standard and modified versions of the Land Cruiser FJ, featuring different end caps and two distinct headlight designs. The standard version comes with square LED headlights, while the modified model uses round headlights with FJ Cruiser-like turn signals. These choices emphasize that this vehicle is part of the Land Cruiser family.

Despite its cute ute-like appearance, the Land Cruiser FJ is designed to be a capable off-roader. It offers ground clearance and articulation comparable to that of the 70 series Land Cruisers. Toyota didn't specify whether it refers to the all leaf-sprung version made before 1998 or the early 1999 version with extended rear leaf springs and front coil springs for better wheel travel and ride quality. Either way, it's impressive. The new FJ is built on the same platform as the Hilux Champ, making it a true body-on-frame SUV and enhancing its off-road capabilities.

A Cargo-Friendly Interior

While the cargo capacity isn't officially listed, the five-passenger cabin of the Land Cruiser FJ includes customized features that aim to make it a cargo master. One notable example is the set of MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) panels. These panels allow for easy storage of gear using a standardized system. Loose bags and gear can be strapped to the panel’s openings, while accessories made to work directly with the MOLLE system can simply be clipped or twisted on.

Comparison with the 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The new FJ has a wheelbase of 101.6 inches, an overall length of 188.0 inches, and a width of 73.0 inches. This makes it significantly smaller than the upcoming 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid, which has a longer wheelbase, greater overall length, and a wider width. The FJ's engine also produces lower power numbers, although there are some caveats. The new FJ is powered by a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE I-4 engine that outputs around 161 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid, thanks to its 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 hybrid powertrain, will output 210 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque combined. Additionally, the new FJ will use a traditional six-speed automatic with a part-time 4WD transfer case, while the Cherokee will use an eCVT with a power take off (PTO) to drive the rear wheels. The new FJ should also weigh significantly less due to the absence of two electric motors and a battery.

Will the Land Cruiser FJ Come to the U.S.?

Despite these comparisons, the question remains: will the Land Cruiser FJ ever come to the U.S.? We asked Toyota about the possibility of seeing the new FJ on American roads, but they haven’t provided a clear answer. There is a hint, however, that might not be what fans want to hear. The Toyota IMV platform that underpins the new FJ primarily sells in markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Argentina, and South Africa. Given that the prototype is right-hand drive, it's more than likely that this new FJ won’t be coming to the U.S. anytime soon, if at all.