Toyota has officially brought back the historic ‘FJ’ nameplate with a compact new 4x4 that will launch in Japan in 2026. Positioned as a smaller sibling to the Land Cruiser 250 Series, the new FJ Cruiser is designed to appeal to a younger audience and broaden the Land Cruiser’s reach, according to Toyota’s chief branding officer, Simon Humphries.
Roughly the same size as the Land Rover Defender 90, the FJ sits on a shorter version of the Land Cruiser 250’s platform, with a wheelbase reduced by 270mm. It measures 4575mm long, 1855mm wide and 1960mm tall, making it compact but still tough and capable.
Toyota says the FJ maintains similar off-road ability to the 250, with comparable ground clearance (around 215mm) and a 31-degree approach angle. It also boasts a tight turning circle of just 5.5 metres, which reinforces its focus on agility in tight terrain.
Power comes from a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 161bhp and 181lb ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
The design emphasises strength with chunky wheel arches and bumpers. Customisation plays a big role, with both front and rear bumpers designed to be easily swapped or repaired. Optional features include round headlights, cargo panels and an engine snorkel.
Inside, the cabin is functional and closely mirrors the Land Cruiser 250. It features a 12.5-inch infotainment screen alongside physical buttons and switches for key controls.
Humphries said: “Two years ago, we relaunched the Land Cruiser 250 by returning to the original concept. We said that was just the beginning – and now the FJ joins the family.”
Production will begin in Thailand, with the first sales starting in Japan mid-2026. According to chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama, it will then roll out to markets across Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. He added that there are currently “no plans for America or Europe”, saying the FJ was developed with the “global South” in mind.
However, Toyota has not completely ruled out launching it elsewhere. To be sold in the UK, the FJ would almost certainly need a hybrid powertrain. The current Land Cruiser 250 is already offered with a mild-hybrid 2.8-litre turbodiesel in the UK.
The FJ will make its public debut at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo next week. Toyota has also hinted that more Land Cruiser variants could follow, saying the range will continue to evolve to meet changing customer needs around the world.
