A Revival With a Catch
Toyota has finally pulled the covers off the long-awaited Land Cruiser FJ, a compact SUV that revives the essence of the old FJ Cruiser without directly bringing it back. It’s a new addition to Toyota’s expanding Land Cruiser family – smaller, more approachable, and still carrying that rugged, squared-off charm the nameplate is known for. The prototype will be shown to the public at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show ahead of a planned mid-2026 launch.
But there’s one major caveat: it won’t be coming to America or Europe. Despite the FJ Cruiser’s cult following in the US, Toyota has confirmed that the new model is strictly aimed at other global regions. The Land Cruiser FJ will be built in Thailand and distributed mainly across Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
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Why the US and Europe Are Left Out
When asked about North American availability, a Toyota spokesperson told Carscoops, “There are currently no plans to bring this vehicle to the North American market.” Chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama echoed that sentiment in an interview with Automotive News during the vehicle’s unveiling.
“There are no plans for America or Europe. The start point for this is the global South,” said Uchiyama.
Toyota’s decision reportedly comes down to both cost and strategy. Importing from Thailand would mean facing a 19 percent tariff, making the compact SUV more expensive than Toyota intends for its target markets.
In short, the Land Cruiser FJ is positioned as an affordable off-roader for emerging markets, filling the gap between the utilitarian 70 Series and the newer 250 Series (known as the Prado in some regions) – the latter being the Land Cruiser we have in America.
If Toyota decides to bring the Land Cruiser FJ stateside, local production would be the best route. But for now, importing from Thailand isn’t happening.
Toyota
Compact, Capable, and Familiar
Underneath the retro-inspired bodywork lies an updated version of Toyota’s IMV platform, shared with the Hilux Champ pickup sold in Southeast Asia. It’s powered by a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and a part-time 4WD system.
By size, the Land Cruiser FJ has a shorter wheelbase than the Land Cruiser 250, and its overall width is identical to that of the RAV4. The boxy design, round headlights, and chunky fenders channel a strong FJ Cruiser vibe, but are updated with touches such as modular bumpers and MOLLE panels for easy customization and repair.
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