One of Toyota’s most venerated nameplates is having a baby!Not exactly, but Toyota has officially confirmed plans for the “baby Land Cruiser,” aka Land Cruiser FJ, a smaller SUV designed to deliver the Land Cruiser’s renowned off-roadability in a more compact package.The automaker first unveiled the concept at the Japan Mobility Show late last year, with sales expected to begin in Japan later this year. Toyota is positioning the FJ below the Land Cruiser 250 and 300 series, with prices expected to start around $26,000, significantly below the larger model.The Land Cruiser FJ relies on the same boxy, upright design language as its larger namesake, with classic SUV proportions and prominent fender flares. Styling leans heavily into retro-inspired cues, with squared-off proportions, upright glass, and rugged cladding reminiscent of classic FJ models. Toyota says its intention with the FJ is to combine maneuverability with genuine off-road performance, but looking the part is clearly an important piece of any Land Cruiser’s bona fides.Toyota Land Cruiser FJWhile Toyota has not yet released full technical specifications, the automaker confirmed the Land Cruiser FJ will use a body-on-frame construction like the full-size model, with early reports pointing to a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine underhood producing about 163 horsepower, paired with part-time four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.The addition of the FJ model adds to Toyota’s growing Land Cruiser portfolio, which now spans multiple market segments and sizes, including the luxurious 300 Series performance flagship; the heavy-duty 70 Series workhorse; and the 250 Series mid-sizer. Several automakers of late have jumped on the smaller adventure-oriented SUV bandwagon, with models like the Ford Bronco Sport and upcoming compact Land Rover Defender variants courting a similar crowd. But though Toyota has not denied US availability, the likelihood is that this little Land Cruiser may not show up in American showrooms anytime soon. Bummer.
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