Toyota Unveils the “Baby-Cruiser”: New Land Cruiser FJ Mixes Nostalgia with Purposeful Simplicity

The Land Cruiser FJ sits at the smaller end of Toyota’s off-road line-up. It measures 4575 mm long, 1855 mm wide, and 1960 mm tall, with a 2580 mm wheelbase. For comparison, the larger Land Cruiser Prado (J250) stretches 350 mm longer and 95 mm wider, though it stands 35 mm lower and rides on a longer 2700 mm wheelbase.

Despite its smaller footprint, the FJ is no soft-roader. It’s built on a sturdy ladder frame using Toyota’s IMV0 platform, already proven in the Hilux, Fortuner, and Innova. A solid rear axle with a live beam keeps things simple and dependable, signalling that Toyota prioritised mechanical honesty over digital complexity.

Designed with Intention

Toyota’s designers shaped the FJ to look tough, square, and unapologetically old-school. The styling draws inspiration from several Land Cruiser generations, including the still-in-production J70. The result is a retro-tinged workhorse with more brawn than polish, aimed squarely at enthusiasts who prefer grit to glamour. Some observers, however, have noted a resemblance to the Chery iCar V27, though Toyota insists the FJ’s design language comes from within its own lineage.

Powertrain and Capability

Under the bonnet sits Toyota’s 2.7-litre 2TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 163 horsepower and 246 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox featuring a torque converter and part-time four-wheel drive. The front axle engages manually, while a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential confirm that the FJ is built for genuine off-road work, not just the school run.

There’s even a mechanical handbrake with a proper lever — a small but telling reminder of the FJ’s no-nonsense character. While Toyota hasn’t yet confirmed the official kerb weight, Japanese media estimate around 2040 kilograms, roughly 200 kilograms lighter than the Prado.

Official approach and departure angles remain undisclosed, but insiders suggest figures of about 20 degrees and 30 degrees respectively.

Built Where It Belongs

True to Toyota’s pragmatic approach, the new Land Cruiser FJ will be assembled in Thailand, at the same facility that produces the Hilux. The setup ensures both cost efficiency and manufacturing consistency — exactly the sort of sensible thinking that underpins the FJ’s entire philosophy.

A compact Land Cruiser may sound like a paradox, yet the FJ captures something Toyota’s modern SUVs often miss: a sense of authenticity. It’s not chasing luxury or lap times, just the open road and the rough track beyond it.