Toyota has finally pulled the wraps off its long-awaited Land Cruiser FJ, a compact off-roader that brings rugged charm in a smaller, more affordable package. The reveal took place ahead of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, confirming months of speculation that Toyota would add a “baby Land Cruiser” to its lineup. Measuring nearly 11 inches shorter than the Land Cruiser 250, the FJ offers buyers a more manageable option for both city streets and off-road trails — though sadly, it won’t be sold in the U.S. or Europe.
The Land Cruiser FJ shares its underpinnings with Toyota’s Hilux Champ pickup, which also isn’t available stateside. It stretches 180.1 inches long, 77.2 inches wide, and 73.0 inches tall, riding on a 101.6-inch wheelbase. Power comes from a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. While those numbers might not blow anyone away, they’re more than enough for the FJ’s intended purpose — reliable, go-anywhere capability.
Chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama confirmed that there are no plans to bring the new model to America or Europe, saying its design and performance were tailored primarily for Asian and emerging markets. Still, the FJ’s appeal lies not in raw power but in clever design and functionality.
Like the Hilux Champ, the FJ is designed for customization. Toyota offers MOLLE panels for mounting gear, and photos show the SUV equipped with a snorkel for deeper water crossings. One of its standout features is the modular bumper design — both front and rear corners can be removed or replaced individually, allowing for quick and affordable repairs after off-road adventures.
Visually, the new FJ blends classic Land Cruiser DNA with modern practicality. It sports round headlights, chunky body cladding, and a rear-mounted spare tire, giving it a tough yet endearing look. Inside, it’s unmistakably Toyota — functional, durable, and straightforward, featuring a large gear selector, landscape touchscreen display, and a rugged dashboard layout built for real-world use.
Beyond the FJ, Toyota is also developing an all-electric Land Hopper, an adventurous EV designed to explore “beyond where the Land Cruiser can go.” Details remain scarce, but the company hinted that it will target extreme off-road environments.
Toyota plans to officially debut the Land Cruiser FJ at the Japan Mobility Show later this month and launch it in Japan by mid-2026. While enthusiasts in the U.S. may be disappointed, this pint-sized Land Cruiser still proves that Toyota hasn’t forgotten its off-road heritage — just reimagined it for a new generation.
