TOYOTA REVIVES THE FJ SPIRIT - A NEW LAND CRUISER FJ WILL BE HERE IN 2026.
Toyota’s legendary Land Cruiser bloodline is about to welcome a new member - and this one’s bringing back a nameplate that stirs serious nostalgia. Say hello to the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, unveiled in Japan with a local launch slated for mid-2026. This new model channels the original Land Cruiser’s soul - rugged, simple, and built to get you home no matter what’s in the way - but wraps it all in a modern, compact package aimed at adventure-seekers and off-road purists alike. It all started in 1951 with the Toyota BJ, the machine that conquered Mount Fuji’s sixth station and cemented the Land Cruiser’s off-road reputation. Over the decades, that spirit of reliability, durability, and unshakable capability evolved into one of the most trusted nameplates on the planet. With over 12 million Land Cruisers sold across 190 countries, Toyota’s go-anywhere icon has supported communities, explorers, and everyday drivers for more than 70 years. Today, the Land Cruiser lineup includes three main branches:
The 300 Series, the flagship, packed with the latest tech and luxury.
The 70 Series, the hardcore workhorse.
The 250 Series, a recent return to the nameplate’s rugged roots.
Now, the new Land Cruiser FJ joins the family - blending Toyota’s off-road heritage with a dose of lifestyle freedom and everyday fun.
The FJ is designed to deliver what Toyota calls “Freedom & Joy” - giving drivers the chance to enjoy Land Cruiser toughness in their own way. It’s compact, capable, and built to encourage personalisation - the kind of vehicle you make your own and then take absolutely anywhere. The FJ will make its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, running from October 30 to November 9.
The FJ has three key features:
1. Classic Shape, Modern Execution
The design takes clear inspiration from the Land Cruiser’s past. Think boxy, squared-off lines, chamfered edges, and an upright silhouette that screams utility and fun in equal measure. The FJ’s front and rear bumpers are modular and removable, allowing damaged sections to be replaced easily or swapped out for custom parts. Wide fenders and chunky bumpers give it that ready-for-anything stance, while the rectangular body - inspired by a dice motif - keeps things purposeful and playful.
2. Functional, Driver-Focused Interior
Inside, it’s all about usability and visibility. The horizontal dashboard helps the driver quickly gauge the car’s attitude on tricky terrain, while switches and screens are grouped to minimise distractions. A low beltline and low-set instrument panel improve sightlines on the trail, and Toyota’s Safety Sense suite adds peace of mind with tech like Pre-Collision Safety and driver assists designed for both the city and the wild.
3. Compact Size, Big Capability
Under the skin, the FJ uses the IMV platform, refined for strength and flexibility. Toyota has shortened the wheelbase by 270 mm compared to the 250 Series, delivering a tighter 5.5-metre turning radius - ideal for navigating tight trails or urban jungles. Despite its smaller size, it’s no soft-roader. The FJ offers wheel articulation on par with the 70 Series, and its reinforced underfloor bracing boosts rigidity and handling stability. Development involved extensive off-road testing to ensure it earned its Land Cruiser badge the hard way.
Customisation is at the core of the new Land Cruiser FJ. Toyota plans to roll out a range of accessories and lifestyle upgrades over time, with options varying by region. Expect round headlights reminiscent of classic Land Cruisers, MOLLE panels for attaching outdoor gear, and rugged add-ons for everything from overlanding to weekend getaways. And for those who want to go even further, Toyota’s working on something called the Land Hopper - a compact electric personal mobility unit that fits in the FJ’s luggage area, designed to explore trails beyond where four wheels can go. It’s a clever nod to the spirit of exploration that’s defined the Land Cruiser for generations.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off the all-new Toyota FJ Cruiser, which looks rather freaking cool. Not as much retro styling as the last one, but it still looks like it will be a popular choice for those wanting to hit the trails or Sandton payments: New Land Cruiser "FJ" World Premiere | Toyota Motor Corporation
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