2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: A Compact Revival of the Off-Road Legend
Toyota has finally lifted the curtain on the long-awaited Land Cruiser FJ, bringing back the legendary off-road spirit in a more compact and youthful form. After years of speculation, leaks, and fan theories, the brand officially confirmed the new model ahead of its global launch in mid-2026 — though, sadly, it won’t reach U.S. shores.
The Land Cruiser FJ blends rugged capability with a retro-modern design that pays tribute to the classic FJ40, one of Toyota’s most iconic vehicles. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and innovation — combining off-road toughness with a smaller, urban-friendly footprint.
A Retro Face for a New Era
At first glance, the Land Cruiser FJ offers two distinct personalities. Buyers can choose between:
- A heritage-inspired front fascia featuring round LED headlights reminiscent of the original FJ40.
- Or a modern design with rectangular headlamps and C-shaped daytime running lights.
Both versions carry a bold “TOYOTA” grille, framed by muscular fenders and robust bumpers. True to its adventurous DNA, Toyota even designed removable front and rear corner bumpers — a clever feature that allows owners to easily swap or replace parts after tough off-road use.
Along the sides, sharp angular fender flares, heavy-duty cladding, and squared proportions signal that the FJ means business. The tailgate-mounted spare tire is another nod to its Land Cruiser heritage, though it slightly limits rear visibility. The model’s C-shaped taillights and chunky rear bumper complete the rugged look.
Toyota also hinted at a vast customization catalog, including rock rails, ARB roof platforms, raised air intakes, and MOLLE panels inside the tailgate — offering endless personalization for adventure seekers.
Dimensions and Platform
The 2026 Land Cruiser FJ measures 180.1 inches (4,575 mm) long, 73 inches (1,855 mm) wide, and 77.2 inches (1,960 mm) tall, with a 101.6-inch (2,580 mm) wheelbase. That makes it shorter and more agile than the full-size Land Cruiser, but longer than the Corolla Cross — positioning it between compact SUV practicality and true off-road grit.
It rides on a refined IMV platform, shared with the Hilux and Fortuner, ensuring durability and off-road confidence. Toyota emphasized “higher body rigidity” for improved handling and safety on all terrains.
Cabin and Technology
Inside, the Land Cruiser FJ combines functionality with retro simplicity. The chunky steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and wide infotainment screen provide a modern touch, while dedicated climate controls and a traditional gear shifter keep things tactile and intuitive.
The cabin prioritizes practicality, using durable plastics and easy-to-clean materials for outdoor use. Rear passengers benefit from adjustable seats, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite comes standard — including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and pre-collision braking.
Engine and Off-Road Capability
Under the hood, the Land Cruiser FJ features a 2.7-liter four-cylinder 2TR-FE engine, producing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 181 lb-ft (246 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic and a part-time 4WD system, ensuring true go-anywhere capability.
Toyota claims “outstanding off-road performance worthy of a Land Cruiser,” fine-tuning approach and departure angles, wheel articulation, and ground clearance. Engineers conducted extensive global testing to guarantee the FJ maintains the brand’s famous “Land Cruiser-ness.”
Not Coming to the U.S. (Yet)
Unfortunately for American fans, Toyota confirmed to Carscoops that the FJ won’t be offered in North America. “There are currently no plans to bring this vehicle to the U.S. market,” a spokesperson said.
Still, hope remains that Toyota might reconsider if demand grows — especially given the cult following of the discontinued FJ Cruiser.
Pricing and Global Availability
While official pricing hasn’t been announced, experts expect the Land Cruiser FJ to start around $35,000–$40,000, depending on regional markets. It will launch first in Asia, Australia, and select European countries in mid-2026.
For those who miss the FJ Cruiser’s charm but crave modern capability, this might just be the perfect comeback story.
