Toyota’s off-road lineup might be about to gain a new member. After years of speculation and a quiet tease back in 2022, reports out of Japan suggest that Toyota is finally ready to pull the wraps off its long-awaited compact off-roader likely to be called the Land Cruiser FJ. If the latest leaks are accurate, the reveal could happen as soon as October 21 at 5:00 a.m. in Japan (3:00 p.m. ET, October 20).
For months, Toyota fans have been piecing together clues about this smaller Land Cruiser. The company itself has kept silent, only hinting at a return to its rugged roots for a new generation of drivers who want the capability of a full-size SUV in a smaller, more affordable package. The FJ could be exactly that: a practical, adventure-ready SUV designed to bridge the gap between the legendary Land Cruiser and the brand’s more urban-friendly crossovers.
Compact but Capable
According to Japanese outlet Mag-X, the new Land Cruiser FJ will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine the same unit that serves as the base engine in the Toyota Hilux pickup overseas. In the Hilux, it produces 163 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. That may not sound earth-shattering, but for a compact off-roader, reliability and low-end torque matter more than raw numbers.
Dimensionally, the FJ is expected to be 171.3 inches long, making it roughly five inches shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross and just a hair shorter than the Ford Bronco Sport. That puts it firmly in the small SUV category, but the “stubbier” proportions and squared-off stance should give it the kind of rugged presence Toyota’s larger off-roaders are known for.
Platform Mystery
One of the biggest remaining questions is what platform Toyota will use. Reports are split between two possibilities. Some insiders suggest the FJ will be built on Toyota’s IMV-0 ladder-frame platform, shared with the Hilux Champ a setup that would give it true off-road credibility, but one that doesn’t meet U.S. safety regulations. That has led others to speculate the FJ could ride on a modified version of the TNGA-F architecture, which underpins the latest Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and Tundra.
If Toyota wants to sell this SUV globally, especially in North America, the TNGA-F route seems far more plausible.
U.S. Powertrain Possibilities
Even if the Japanese version gets the 2.7-liter four-cylinder, the U.S. market will almost certainly see different options. Toyota’s newer 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes up to 326 hp in hybrid form, seems like a natural fit. It’s already in use across the brand’s trucks and SUVs, offering both efficiency and grunt. Expect at least one hybrid variant, aligning with Toyota’s growing focus on electrified performance.
A Return to Roots
If all of this pans out, the Land Cruiser FJ could signal Toyota’s return to the spirit of the original FJ40, simple, durable, and built for real-world adventure. With competitors like the Bronco Sport, Jeep Renegade, and Suzuki Jimny proving there’s still demand for small, rugged SUVs, Toyota’s timing couldn’t be better.
We’ll know soon enough if the rumors hold true. For now, all eyes are on October 21, the day Toyota might officially bring the FJ name back to life.
