Japan’s smallest and cheapest Land Cruiser brought some big changes for the badge, and another interesting development is still on the way.Close-up of a blue Toyota vehicle front grille with illuminated headlights and bold "TOYOTA" lettering.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreWhile we still feel somewhat underwhelmed by the reveal of Toyota’s tiny FJ Cruiser last fall, that’s not to say that the SUV was lacking in its real-world potential.On the contrary. Between its rugged ladder-frame chassis and its respectable angles, the baby Land Cruiser did suggest off-road prowess. Its design was just a little, erm, cuter than expected.Toyota’s Japanese FJ Cruiser might be compact, but it does promise real off-road capability. - Credit: ToyotaNow, Toyota has officially launched the little FJ in Japan. The vehicle already brought a different twist to the traditional Land Cruiser formula, and it heralds still more wrinkles on the horizon.Toyota’s rugged last-mile solutionThat’s because Toyota seems to be looking to Honda history with a concept called the Land Hopper. As an electric personal mobility vehicle, it’s meant to provide users with something that can go “beyond where the Land Cruiser can” (think paths, trails and greenways).Toyota announced the Land Hopper alongside the reveal of the FJ last fall, and it remains committed to the concept. - Credit: ToyotaNow, it’s slated for a 2027 arrival, so we can’t dig into quoted power and charging specs just yet. However, the images show that, along with chunky tires and rear suspension, the Land Hopper can fold for storage in the trunk.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn spirit, then, it’s like Honda’s enduringly iconic Motocompo. For those who aren’t familiar, the Big Red sold the pint-sized scooter from 1981 to 1983, designing it to fit perfectly in the rear compartment of a kei car called the City.Honda designed the Motocompo specifically to fit within the rear confines of its compact City hatchback. - Credit: HondaAs a last-mile transport solution, it was meant to offer drivers a convenient means of getting into the city without having to worry about parking. Limes, Birds and various other electric scooters have since validated the premise, and Honda even introduced a modern successor in the Motocompacto (take it from this author, it’s a blast).Toyota’s design may not boast the same kind of clever packaging or sleek look, but it does appear decidedly more Land Cruiser-like in its capabilities. If nothing else, the SUV and its foldable electric trike should encourage more last-mile transport options with mixed-terrain intentions.The folding design of the Land Hopper doesn’t bring the same kind of clever packaging, but it does look to be more versatile. - Credit: ToyotaAn unlikely but fitting accessoryAs much as the Land Hopper might seem like an unexpected turn for the Land Cruiser nameplate, it is something that makes sense for this particular vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor starters, the FJ is the cheapest way to get your hands on a new Land Cruiser in Japan. Toyota launched the model with a single 2.7-liter four-cylinder VX trim, pricing it at roughly $28k.As small as Toyota’s FJ Cruiser looks, it’s actually just eight inches shorter than a four-door Jeep Wrangler. - Credit: ToyotaIn other words, it’s a Land Cruiser that’s more accessible to younger buyers. Whether traveling around downtown or to and from a parking spot, this kind of accessory makes the SUV more city-friendly for urbanites.After all, even though the Toyota might look tiny, it’s bigger than you’d expect, especially for Japan. At roughly 180 inches end to end and 73 inches wide, it stands eight inches shorter than the Jeep Wrangler and only six inches narrower than the Honda Passport.While not exceptional here in the States, that puts the FJ on the larger side of consumer vehicles in Japan. Moreover, its design improves approach and departure over the 250 Series by 15 degrees, and it matches the 70 Series in wheel articulation, so it delivers off-roader qualities right from the factory.The Land Hopper is likely to be more of a novelty than anything, but it’s nevertheless a quirky accessory that’s sure to appeal to Toyota fans. - Credit: ToyotaIn that sense, the Land Hopper really might only be a limited-use or truly last-mile solution (you’ll want the SUV for most of the trip). As a quirky Toyota accessory for a new kind of Land Cruiser, it’s a fitting pairing.Availability and pricingBeyond an anticipated 2027 launch date and some preliminary dimensions, Toyota hasn’t offered up any further details regarding the Land Hopper.AdvertisementAdvertisementSeeing as the concept originally debuted alongside Toyota’s revived Asian-market FJ Cruiser, it’s not likely to come to our shores. Still, with the Scion name appearing on a UTV, stranger things can happen.Light blue Toyota Land Cruiser SUV parked on a sandy shore with two electric scooters nearby and forested hills in the background.Toyota Land Hopper Learn More About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google
