Jump LinksWhat Is The Toyota FJ Cruiser?For How Long Was The FJ Cruiser On Sale In The US?Powertrain & Off-Road CapabilitiesToyota FJ Price In 2026What Is The New FJ Cruiser?Powertrain & Off-Road CredentialsHow Much Of The Old FJ Does It Echo?Overview Of The Land Cruiser 250Why The FJ Is Not Coming To AmericaWhen the Toyota FJ Cruiser first arrived in the mid-2000s, the white roof and distinct 'Toyota' inscription across the grille didn’t scream future classic. But more than a decade since its discontinuation within the US market, the retro off-roader has since cemented itself as an icon among off-road warriors and adventurers alike. The SUV arrived ahead of its time when it launched for the 2007 model year, with market trends, influenced by the economic conditions of the time, relegating the SUV to an almost afterthought before it could even make a true impression on the market. This is probably why it was discontinued after just a few years of being on sale.But, as of late, there’s been an explosion of sorts for built-tough adventure vehicles. So, now, the Toyota FJ, a name that was once a memory, is about to make its return. Rumors of a Toyota mini Land Cruiser have swirled for years, all pointing toward a potential revival of the nameplate. It was officially confirmed in 2025 that a new FJ Cruiser is coming, but there is a little caveat. With the Land Cruiser 250 series ruling the roost in the US, the path for a smaller, dedicated FJ SUV in the North American market is fraught with internal competition and strategic complexity.This article is not a direct comparison between the old and new Toyota FJ. The information was sourced from Toyota and was correct at the time of publishing. The First, And Only, FJ Cruiser What Is The Toyota FJ Cruiser? Toyota The original Toyota FJ Cruiser went from a design exercise to the production line. It was an SUV heavily inspired by the FJ40 Land Cruiser of the 1960s. Unveiled as a concept vehicle in 2003 and hitting production for the 2007 model year, it was a major departure from the luxury and comfort-oriented Land Cruiser models. Still, it shared a platform with the J120 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado - albeit a shortened one - which made it perfect for challenging terrain thanks to its structural rigidity and suspension geometry. Interestingly, this same platform was also used on the Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX at the time.Visually, the FJ Cruiser was a masterclass in retro-futurism. The suicide rear doors, the near-vertical windshield, and the three windshield wipers gave it a unique appearance that prioritized character over aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the cabin was strictly utilitarian with rubberized floor mats and water-resistant fabric seats - a clear indicator that this vehicle was designed to get dirty. It was so far from being a family hauler because, at its core, it was a dedicated tool for the trail that sat atop Toyota’s off-road portfolio, occupying a unique space as a halo vehicle for Toyota’s off-road heritage. There were no leather or wood inlays; this was an SUV that focused on approach angles and break-over capabilities. For How Long Was The FJ Cruiser On Sale In The US? Toyota The sales of the FJ Cruiser in the United States make for interesting reading over its eight-year tenure. It launched with a lot of hype in 2006 as a 2007 model and moved more than 56,000 units in its first year. The reason for it was simple: people wanted something that was not a Jeep Wrangler, but with the reliability and reputation of something carrying the Toyota badge. Toyota answered, but the initial surge was difficult to sustain. The onset of the 2008 financial crisis and rising fuel prices hit the truck-based SUV segment hard, and the polarizing FJ Cruiser was among the vehicles that struggled to convince the ailing market of its benefits.The FJ Cruiser remained on sale in the US until the 2014 model year. Over its run, Toyota moved just over 200,000 units. And while those numbers were respectable, they weren't blockbuster figures compared to Toyota’s other SUVs, like the RAV4 or Highlander. Interestingly, the FJ Cruiser’s production continued in other global markets long after its American departure, and it was still being sold as a new vehicle in markets like Saudi Arabia and South Africa as recently as early 2023. For the SUV’s run in the US, its “early” discontinuation highlights how fraught the economy and consumer demands can be - even if a vehicle is mechanically good. Powertrain & Off-Road Capabilities Toyota The mechanical heart of the FJ Cruiser was Toyota’s 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 engine. In early models (2007-2009), this naturally aspirated powerhouse utilized single VVT-i to produce 239 horsepower and 278 lb-feet of torque. For the 2010 update, Toyota introduced dual VVT-i and roller rockers, bumping the output to 260 hp, but torque dipped slightly to 271 lb-ft. At least fuel efficiency improved. While nowhere close to being a speed demon, the engine provided ample low-end grunt necessary for crawling, and buyers could choose between a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The latter was exclusive to the full-time 4WD models.When it came to the rough stuff, the FJ Cruiser was formidable. It featured a high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and a four-link rear suspension with a solid axle. The approach and departure angles (34 and 30 degrees, respectively) were competitive. The SUV’s off-road aids included an available rear locking differential and A-TRAC (Active Traction Control). Later models gained Crawl Control, which is a low-speed cruise control for difficult terrain. The FJ Cruiser’s short wheelbase (105.9 inches) made it nimble on tight trails where larger trucks like the Toyota Tundra would struggle, cementing its legacy as one of the most capable stock off-roaders Toyota ever sold in the US.“The FJ Cruiser is a brilliant, quirky, powerful, and retro-styled Toyota off-roader. And it could off-road with the best of them, thanks to those short overhangs, a low-range transfer case, and a locking differential at the rear. So, what went wrong? Basically, it was the right car at the wrong time. The FJ hit dealerships during the Great Recession, and suddenly, there was no need for a thirsty lifestyle accessory, which is what it was. Customers had to think with their heads and, as a result, rather purchased a RAV4 or 4Runner.”- Gerhard Horn, Senior Editor, CarBuzz Toyota FJ Price In 2026 Bring A Trailer The sought-after off-roader has had an interesting couple of years when it comes to prices on the used car market. In early 2022, these had starting prices of as much as $60k in the USA, with some low-mileage models topping that. In the time from the end of 2020 to the start of 2022, the FJ Cruiser's used price shot up by over $12,000 on average, with truly pristine examples nearing the $80,000 mark.In 2026, you can find used FJ Cruiser models priced from as low as $15,000, but some well-looked-after models still ask for upward of $50k. There’s A New Kid On The Block What Is The New FJ Cruiser? Toyota The speculation has officially ended. Unveiled to the world in October 2025, the new FJ Cruiser is officially badged as the Land Cruiser FJ. Positioned as the fourth member of the Land Cruiser hierarchy - joining the 300, 250, and 70 Series - this SUV represents a pivot toward accessibility and taking aim at a segment currently dominated by vehicles like the Ford Bronco Sport. Toyota defines the 'FJ' moniker not just as a nod to the past, but as an acronym for "Freedom & Joy.”From a size perspective, the Land Cruiser FJ is significantly more compact than its stablemates. Measuring 180.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 77.2 inches in height, it is a true compact utility vehicle. Its wheelbase sits at 101.6 inches, which is 10.6 inches shorter than the Land Cruiser 250 series. This makes the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2026 roughly the size of a Corolla Cross. The new Land Cruiser FJ is earmarked to launch first in Japan in mid-2026, with other markets following after.Unique selling points on the new Land Cruiser FJ: Compact footprint 70 Series articulation DIY-ready repairability 'Freedom & Joy' customization Visibility-focused cockpit Powertrain & Off-Road Credentials ToyotaCritically, the powertrain strategy for the Land Cruiser FJ favors reliability over raw performance. Early details confirm the use of Toyota’s 2TR-FE 2.7L naturally aspirated gasoline engine that’s paired with a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission. This unit delivers 161 hp and 181 lb-ft and positions the new SUV as a low-speed crawler rather than a highway cruiser. However, Toyota says the newcomer’s off-road engineering remains uncompromised. The Land Cruiser FJ employs a part-time 4WD system and boasts wheel articulation figures equivalent to the legendary 70 Series. It is also said to be better on technical trails compared to the larger Toyota Land Cruiser 250. How Much Of The Old FJ Does It Echo? toyota-land-cruiser-fj The Land Cruiser FJ is a direct evolution of the 'dice motif' that defined the original Toyota FJ Cruiser. The design language leans heavily on its forebear, and the square cabin maximizes its space within the small footprint. The new FJ retains the signature round headlights - a heritage cue - and introduces removable corner bumpers. Functionally, it carries the spirit of the old model but adapts it for a modern demographic. The interior features a horizontal instrument panel and incorporates MOLLE panels for attaching outdoor equipment. However, it diverges by offering five-passenger seating with conventional doors, abandoning the quirky suicide doors of its predecessor. The Toyota Land Cruiser In The US Overview Of The Land Cruiser 250 Toyota The return of the Land Cruiser to the US market came in the form of the Land Cruiser 250, a vehicle known in other parts of the world as the Land Cruiser Prado. The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 repositions the nameplate as an attainable, rugged enthusiast vehicle rather than a luxury barge. It rides on the TNGA-F platform and in the US is powered exclusively by the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This powertrain combines a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor to generate 326 hp and an impressive 465 lb-ft. This platform is shared with the Lexus GX 550. While the Land Cruiser 250 opts for the hybrid four-cylinder engine, the GX 550 utilizes a 3.4L twin-turbo V6, offering a more traditional luxury power delivery. Both vehicles feature full-time four-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and an electronic locking rear differential. Why The FJ Is Not Coming To America Toyota Despite the hot enthusiasm, early reports suggest that the all-new Land Cruiser FJ model will not reach US shores, and the primary reason is cannibalization. Toyota’s US lineup is already densely packed with off-road-capable vehicles: the 4Runner has moved upmarket to sit alongside the Land Cruiser 250, and the RAV4 TRD Off-Road handles the soft-road duty. Now, if Toyota were to insert a smaller, body-on-frame SUV below the 4Runner, it would surely create a conflict with the Corolla Cross and the RAV4.Then, there’s the other part of it. The Land Cruiser FJ is built on Toyota’s IMV platform, which is a more affordable body-on-frame platform that Toyota has. For its North American vehicles, Toyota uses variants of its TNGA architecture, which is more advanced than the IMV. The Land Cruiser FJ will also be built in Thailand for emerging markets, which is why the cheaper IMV platform is used. So, while a return of the FJ nameplate would have been great for the American market, the immediate odds are against the Land Cruiser FJ.