Compact and playful, yet still rugged
This is the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, a brand new member of the Land Cruiser family that we’ve been waiting for years!
The Land Cruiser model name is iconic, but something like ‘the Toyota Land Cruiser’ doesn’t exist. Certainly not now. There are actually several models that fall under the Land Cruiser banner. The model sold in Europe and also in the Netherlands as the Land Cruiser is actually the SUV that’s internationally called the Land Cruiser Prado (J250). Additionally, the Toyota Land Cruiser from the ‘Heavy Duty’ line, first introduced in 1984, is still being produced: the J70. The absolute top model of the Land Cruiser family is the fullsize SUV that focuses not only on off-roading but also on luxury and pampering, which is simply called Land Cruiser. That model is designated with model code J300. The Toyota Land Cruiser family is now being expanded with a model that people have been waiting for years. This is the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ!
From left to right: the J300, the J70, the J250 (Prado) and the new Land Cruiser FJ.
In 2021, Toyota pulled an arsenal of study models out of its hat. Among them was a precursor to the current Toyota C-HR, but also a concept car that went by the name Compact Cruiser EV. The Toyota Concept Cruiser EV was a compact and chunky SUV that with its appearance like a Tonka toy car somewhat reminiscent of the Toyota FJ Cruiser that disappeared from the market in 2017. That FJ Cruiser was in turn a model that winked at the Land Cruiser JF40 that appeared in 1960. Anyway: five years later, the production version of the Compact Cruiser EV is finally here. Major differences: it’s not called Compact Cruiser EV but Land Cruiser FJ and it’s not an EV.
Compact and with gasoline engine
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is on the compact side by Land Cruiser standards. The five-seater SUV is 4.58 meters long, making it a full 35 centimeters shorter than the Land Cruiser (Prado) you can buy in the Netherlands. The somewhat playful and semi-retro newcomer is 1.86 meters wide, 1.96 meters high and has a wheelbase of 2.58 meters. For comparison: ‘our’ Land Cruiser (Prado) has 2.85 meters between the front and rear axles.
The Land Cruiser FJ is the production version of this Compact Cruiser EV from 2021.
The Land Cruiser FJ doesn’t have an electric powertrain and also doesn’t have a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel like the Land Cruiser Prado. Under the hood lies a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a machine that Toyota has been using outside Europe since 2004 in cars like the Tacoma, HiAce and – yes indeed – the Land Cruiser Prado. The 2.7 produces 163 hp and 243 Nm and these forces are distributed to all four wheels via an ‘electric’ CVT.
Underneath the newest member of the Land Cruiser family isn’t the platform of another Land Cruiser, but a variant of Toyota’s IMV platform. This comes in various sizes and versions. You’ll find it under cars like the Hilux, but also under smaller pickups like the Hilux Champ/Rangga.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ should also be able to handle mud well.
Two flavors
Just like the Land Cruiser you can buy in the Netherlands, the Land Cruiser FJ comes with round and with angular headlights. The variant with round eyes is – at least during the introduction – loaded with extras like a snorkel and a roof tent.
As mentioned, the Land Cruiser FJ is characterized by its angular, playful appearance. Notable features are the somewhat Jeep Renegade-like proportions when viewed from the side due to the small-looking wheels, the upward kink in the shoulder line, the thick C-pillar and the stubborn rear door with chunky taillights on either side. Smart move: the corners of the front and rear bumpers are easy to remove and thus replace. That saves hassle and therefore costs when replacing a damaged one. Moreover, you don’t have to replace the entire bumper immediately for minor damage. Simply Clever in Japanese style.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: inside just as chunky as outside.
The interior of the Land Cruiser FJ is just as angular as the exterior. It looks relatively simple, but seems equipped with all conveniences. We see a large infotainment screen, partially digital instrumentation and an extensive button island below it for among other things climate control.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will come to market in Japan in the middle of next year. About coming to Europe, Toyota – unfortunately – hasn’t said a word yet.