Tactical & Survival

Mini Land Cruiser Brings Back Iconic Toyota “FJ” Nameplate

You heard that right, the iconic “FJ” nameplate is back next year. Toyota plans to launch the Land Cruiser FJ in the Japanese market in mid-2026.

What is unknown at this time, is where else on the globe we might see this new little off-road capable SUV. Only time will tell if we get it here in North America, but like the Suzuki Jimny that we so desperately want, we likely can’t have this either.

2026 Land Cruiser FJ Revealed

The full public reveal of the latest Land Cruiser FJ will be at next week’s Japan Mobility Show 2025. But, Toyota Global did give us a little info and some images to go off of for now.

We know the new FJ is going to be gas powered, with a 2TR-FE 2.7L gas engine. The engine is good for about 160 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The little motor is backed by a 6-speed “Super ECT” automatic transmission. It’s a Land Cruiser, so it also has a part-time 4-wheel drive system.

We also know that this little 4×4 will have the magic 101-inch wheelbase that iconic off-road vehicles like the original FJ Cruiser and Land Rover Defender have. This should provide an impressive breakover angle and manuvarability — with an impressive 18-foot turning radius.

It’s also going to be about as tall (77-inches) as it is wide (73-inches). And, at just 15-feet long this is a truly compact machine that should be at home in urban environments and tight off-road terrain alike.

More to Like

Said to have the same wheel articulation as the 70 Series, the new FJ should be pretty capable over uneven terrain. Toyota says they added braces under the floor and engineered higher body rigidty into the vehicle, which should help with handling and performance on- and off-road.

The corner of the bumpers at each end of the vehicle are also removable. This allows for easier custom parts install, but more importnatly if damaged on the trail only small parts need to be replaced.

It looks to have a big greenhouse and upright seating position. Combined with a low hood and instrument panel the new FJ should offer up a ton of visibility.

The interior of the 2026 Toyota Land Crusier FJ is a cross between a Land Cruiser 250 and a RAV4. The horizontal dash and console gear selector are all Toyota DNA.

Of course, this little SUV comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of advanced systems, including the Pre-collision Safety System.

FJ Options

It will also be available with some cool options, like round headlamps, MOLLE panels, A/T tires, roof-rack, and a snorkel.

It can even be optioned with a Toyota Land Hopper electric folding trike. It can fit in the luggage area of the new FJ and is said to be good for the trail, but looks better suited to urban environments to me.

Coming to North America?

Like the iconic Land Cruiser 70 Series, I doubt we’ll get this new little FJ on U.S. shores. But, only time will tell. Toyota could use this little machine to compete against the Bronco Sport, Cherokee, etc…



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