Sawadeekap. Despite it being a national holiday today, we’re reporting live from the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), and though the slew of show reports will come about in due course, we’re rolling off our coverage from the Impact Muang Thong Thani with the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. Revealed last October, the smallest Land Cruiser will go on sale in Thailand at the end of this month. Despite the assortment of differently presented examples at the show, the FJ will only be available in a single grade form, as a 4WD 2.7, priced from 1.269 million Baht (RM152,000). As previously reported, the five-seat FJ, the initials of which stand for ‘Freedom & Joy’, will be assembled in Thailand, with exports to Japan set to begin sometime in the middle of this year. Underpinned by an IMV0 body-on-frame platform (and taxed accordingly as a truck-based SUV for the Thai market), the FJ measures in at 4,610 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,890 mm tall, with a 2,580 mm-long wheelbase, which makes it longer (+150 mm), wider (+30 mm) and taller (+270 mm), but with a 60 mm shorter wheelbase, than the Corolla Cross. Of course, it looks infinitely more rugged than the CC, with elements of its blocky shape paying a homage of sorts to the FJ Cruiser. Design highlights include a front end with a Toyota script on the grille and C-shaped daytime running lights (with optional round-shaped retro lights). Meanwhile, the side features a stepped window line and a prominent C-shaped C-pillar, with an octagonal side-opening tailgate – that houses a spare tyre – rounding off things at the back. There’s plenty of black plastic, composed through the bumpers and a liberal amount of body cladding. Inside, you’ll find a dashboard that follows the design theme from the Hilux Champ, with cues from the Land Cruiser 250 to be found as well. Key bits include an angular three-spoke steering wheel, a seven-inch colour instrument panel displat and 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, two-zone automatic air-conditioning (with a PM2.5 filter system) and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Also to be found is black synthetic leather upholstery, an eight-way powered driver’s seat (four-way manual for front passenger) and three Type-C USB connection ports. At the back, the boot features US Army-style MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) panels for attaching outdoor equipment, handy for camping. As it is for Japan, the single powertrain option for the FJ in Thailand is the 2TR-FE 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Familiar from the Fortuner, outputs from the unit are identical, with 166 PS (164 hp) at 5,200 rpm and 245 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and the mill is paired with a six-speed conventional automatic transmission with sequential shift. The FJ features a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low range and a user-selectable knob lifted from the Hilux, and the mechanicals aren’t just for show, with the automaker saying that extensive off-road testing has been done with the car to ensure its performance and durability. The FJ does feature increased body rigidity and additional underfloor bracing to improve handling, which is keeping in line with buyers’ expectations – and brief – for an offering in this segment. Its IMV underpinnings and production in Thailand makes the Land Cruiser FJ a possibility for the Malaysian market, and its pricing in the Kingdom indicates it would be viable enough to be sold here, especially appealing to those who like the idea of a rugged-looking, urban lifestyle vehicle. What do you think? Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!