- Toyota’s Land Cruiser FJ launches in Japan from ¥4,500,100.
- The compact SUV uses Toyota’s IMV ladder-frame Hilux platform.
- Its 2.7-litre petrol engine produces 120kW and 246Nm.
Toyota has launched the Land Cruiser FJ in Japan, giving the famous off-road nameplate a smaller, cheaper entry point with proper ladder-frame bones.
The compact 4WD is offered there in a single VX trim, priced from ¥4,500,100. That is about NZ$48,400, putting it roughly in the same starting price as the RAV4, while undercutting the classic Land Cruiser 70 Series and larger 250 Series.
Small Cruiser, proper frame
Despite its city-friendly footprint, the FJ is not just a rugged-looking crossover. It sits on Toyota’s IMV ladder frame, the same basic architecture used by the Hilux ute.
The Japanese-market Land Cruiser FJ measures 4575mm long and rides on a 2580mm wheelbase. That makes it shorter overall than the latest RAV4, which stretches up to 4645mm, while also giving it a noticeably tighter wheelbase. Handy for tight tracks, narrow streets and anyone who likes their off-roaders with a bit less bulk.
One engine, one trim
Toyota has kept the launch range simple. The only engine is a naturally aspirated 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol unit producing 120kW and 246Nm.
It is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard part-time 4WD, complete with a rear differential lock.
Toyota has not disclosed any other official powertrain options yet, although the source there are reports of a possible mild-hybrid 2.8-litre turbodiesel arriving no earlier than 2029.
Standard kit includes Bi-Beam LED headlights, matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Toyota Safety Sense.
Accessories are part of the plan
Toyota is also offering plenty of add-ons through its own catalogue, ARB and Modellista.
Options include roof racks, side steps, tougher body kits, custom wheels and extra storage solutions, so buyers can lean into either trail work or weekend-warrior cosplay.
The FJ has already appeared in Thailand, where it is produced, and is also set for South Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America and India. Europe and North America are reportedly not on the cards, due to emissions rules and import tariffs respectively.
DRIVEN understands Toyota has not disclosed New Zealand availability yet. Still, a smaller, cheaper Land Cruiser with Hilux hardware is exactly the sort of thing that could make plenty of sense here.
