2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ revealed; will be made in Thailand for SE Asia
The FJ will return!
About two and a half years ago, we published an article -based on credible insiders within the region- about a plan of Toyota to develop a new sport utility vehicle. Said vehicle was to be produced in Thailand and use a ladder frame and major components such as engines with the IMV series.
Needless to say, it caused a bit of an uproar within Toyota HQ as the information was rather sensitive, and now we know why. What we thought was going to be a baby Fortuner was going to be a baby Land Cruiser and the successor to the FJ.
Toyota Motor Corporation has just held the world premiere of their latest model: the all-new Land Cruiser FJ. This naming convention is a departure from the “FJ Cruiser” where the model was somewhat kept separate from the Land Cruiser line. This time it is a full-fledged member of the LC range with LC 300 on top as the flagship, followed by the LC 250 (Prado) just below, the LC 70 as the utilitarian workhorse, and the Land Cruiser FJ as the gateway model.
The Land Cruiser FJ traces its roots back to the BJ series from postwar Japan as Toyota’s rugged off-road vehicle. In the press information, Toyota says the BJ was first vehicle to ascend and reach Mount Fuji’s sixth station; no doubt a friendly jab at Nissan which highlighted the Patrol’s feat of climbing Fuji-san first, but up to the fifth station only.
The immediate predecessor of the Land Cruiser FJ, however, is the FJ Cruiser. We can see that with the design of the vehicle that takes the lines, profile, and major styling cues from its predecessors, but updated by quite a bit. The black cladding, wheel arches, upright boxy profile, the TOYOTA proudly spelled out on the grille, and there are also two distinct headlamp designs; one uses a C-clamp DRL, while the other has the more classic round profile of the Land Cruisers of the past.
The vehicle itself is quite compact at just under 4.6 meters long with a wheelbase of 2580mm; thanks to that, they were able to get a turning radius of 5.5 meters. Perhaps the biggest departure from the predecessor is the use of a true 5-door, 5-seat SUV form factor, as opposed to the FJ which had a rear-hinged coach door in order to access the rear seats. Toyota also opted to put the spare tire on the side-hinged tailgate (with a very flat rear glass) and not underneath; that’s why when viewed from the side, the new LC FJ has a very short rear overhang for what is visibly a good departure angle.
Toyota says the new LC FJ has a cockpit layout that is familiar and easy to drive on many different conditions. They noted the horizontal instrument panel, a monitor that consolidates functions and minimizes distraction, and a conventional automatic shift knob. Toyota also says they worked on the dashboard design, cowl, and low beltline to enhance visibility. Like the Prado, Toyota will likely be using interior materials that are easy to clean especially when driven (and sullied) off-road.
Toyota developed this to be a true 4x4 vehicle, which is why it will use a frame platform derived from the already proven Fortuner/Hilux series (for ground clearance, robustness, and off-road capability), as well as a 2.7L 2TR-FE four-cylinder engine also shared with the IMV series with a part-time 4WD system and not an all-wheel drive that would be more common in crossovers. What is interesting is there is no mention yet of turbo diesels or hybrids; customers may not be as interested a hybrid, but a 1GD-FTV turbodiesel would be optimal for customers in the Philippines.
Toyota is also developing some additional features and equipment to enhance the Land Cruiser FJ experience. They went so far as to collaborate to produce an aftermarket enhancement package that includes a snorkel, roof rack, and even MOLLE-compatible panels where you can hang all kinds of gear and accessories instead of having it all roll around in the trunk. Toyota will also offer a Land Hopper; a mini scooter/cycle in the style of the Honda Motocompo, but electric.
The key factor here is that Toyota will be offering the Land Cruiser FJ sometime in 2026. Japan, Mexico, and Southeast Asia will be the first regions to get the FJ. Yes, it will be made in Thailand, and for sure TMP, dealers, and customers will be excited to get their hands on the units as they come.
We will check out the new Land Cruiser FJ next week at the Japan Mobility Show.
