Toyota's Mini Land Cruiser FJ Might Be the Coolest SUV We (Probably) Can’t Buy

While its name may have you thinking of Toyota’s fondly remembered FJ Cruiser, the recently revealed Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, a prototype version which was just unveiled in Japan, is a much smaller SUV than that vehicle. It’s also one with boxy looks, an array of customizable features, and easily replaceable body parts. Sadly, we’re pretty sure this FJ revival is one that will be made only for Japan and other southeast Asian nations.

Just one glance at the Land Cruiser FJ immediately evokes memories of the Toyota FJ Cruiser that was sold here from 2007 to 2014. The funky five-door SUV with rear suicide doors, three front wiper blades, huge blind spots, and an FJ40 inspired front end remains a highly sought-after vehicle by enthusiasts over a decade after production ended. While the Land Cruiser FJ that Toyota unveiled in the runup to the Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as the Tokyo auto show) is a very different vehicle, it’s an unmistakable callback designed to fit into the current Toyota truck design ethos.

See All 37 Photos37

Can It Off-Road?

The interesting bits about the new Land Cruiser FJ, which is expected to debut in production from as a 2027 model year vehicle, don’t end with its funky and fun exterior design. This little FJ has off-roading, repairability, and customization in mind. A key feature that anyone who regularly ventures beyond the pavement will appreciate is the ability to remove the FJ’s front and rear bumper corners. This opens the doors to anything from custom, high-clearance end caps to simpler repairs after you bashed that trail boulder.

Toyota showed off standard and modified examples of the Land Cruiser FJ that not only featured different end caps but also two different headlight designs that will made be available. The standard version wore the square LED headlight while the modified model used round headlights with FJ Cruiser like turn signals at each end. The headlight choices further highlight how Toyota is showing that this is a part of the Land Cruiser family.

While it looks somewhat cute ute in its appearance, Toyota has made it clear that Land Cruiser FJ will be a capable off roader, with ground clearance and articulation equal to that of 70 series Land Cruisers. Toyota didn’t specify if it’s referring to the all leaf-sprung version made before 1998 or the early 1999 version with the extended rear leaf springs and front coil springs for better wheel travel and ride quality. Either way, it’s impressive. It’s also built off of the same platform as the Hilux Champ, which means the new FJ is a real body-on-frame SUV, too, enhancing its off-road abilities.

See All 37 Photos37

A Potentially Cargo Friendly Interior

While its cargo capacity isn’t listed, there are interesting, customized features within the five-passenger cabin designed to make the Land Cruiser FJ a cargo master. One example Toyota mentions is a set of MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) panels to store gear by using this standardized storage system. Loose bags and gear can easily be strapped to a panel’s standard sized and spaced openings while gear accessories made to work directly with the MOLLE system can simply be clipped or twisted on.

How Does It Compare to the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

The wheelbase of the new FJ is 101.6 inches long with an overall length of 188.0 inches and 73.0-inch width. That makes it 11.4 inches shorter in wheelbase, 8.0 inches shorter in overall length, and 1.7 inches narrower than the upcoming 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid. So, quite a bit smaller. Its engine also makes smaller power numbers, although there are some caveats. The new FJ is motivated by a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE I-4 that outputs around 161 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The new Cherokee, thanks to its 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 hybrid powertrain, will output 210 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque combined. But the Land Cruiser 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 as it doesn’t have two electric motors and a battery to lug around.

It's Not Coming Here, Is It?

But that comparison might be for naught, at least here in the U.S. We’ve asked Toyota about the possibility that we’ll see the Land Cruiser FJ make it to our shores. It hasn’t offered a solid answer prior to publication. There is a hint in that regard, and it’s one you won’t like if you really want this modern FJ. The Toyota IMV platform that underpins the new FJ primarily sells in markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Argentina, and South Africa (the prototype is right-hand drive). That more than likely means, much like our favorite little Hilux Champ, we won’t be getting this new FJ here anytime soon, if at all.