The Toyota FJ Cruiser is Back, But Not for Canadians

Toyota has announced the return of the FJ Cruiser, now renamed the Land Cruiser FJ, which will be launched in Japan around mid-2026. 

Compared to the current Land Cruiser, or even the previous FJ, the new Land Cruiser FJ is much smaller. It will initially be sold as an entry-level Land Cruiser for the Japanese market and is likely to extend to other markets across Oceania and Asia.

The wheelbase of the Land Cruiser FJ is 2,580 mm long, with an overall length of 4,575 mm. These dimensions firmly place the Land Cruiser FJ in the compact segment. 

A 2.7L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 161 hp and 181 lb-ft will power the new SUV, with a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. This is the base engine that was offered on previous-generation 4Runners sold outside North America. 

Just like its bigger sibling, the SUV has been designed for off-roading, with removable bumpers and panels that allow for externally mounted equipment. The overall design closely follows the current Land Cruiser in North America, featuring the option of rounded or square headlights. Its boxy proportions and tailgate-mounted spare tire make it look like a baby Land Cruiser. 

The interior is reminiscent of contemporary Toyota models and will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in any other models in the brand’s lineup. 

A Very Different FJ

The FJ name has a lot of history with the Toyota brand. The FJ40 was the code designation for the second-generation Land Cruiser sold between 1960 and 1985. In the 2000s, Toyota launched the FJ Cruiser, a spin-off model from the main Land Cruiser line, which was based on the 4Runner. The FJ Cruiser’s name and styling directly referenced the FJ40, with 1960s-inspired round headlights and a boxy shape. It was intended to be a lifestyle off-roader to rival the Jeep Wrangler. The FJ Cruiser was a capable off-roader, featuring body-on-frame construction and the same dependable powertrain as the 4Runner and Lexus GX. 

Reviving the FJ Cruiser in its original form wouldn’t make sense for Toyota, as the current Land Cruiser and 4Runner are both off-road vehicles that have retro-inspired designs just like the FJ Cruiser, thus making a new one redundant. The upcoming Land Cruiser FJ makes sense with its positioning as an affordable, more compact Land Cruiser that has similar stocky proportions to the FJ Cruiser from the 2000s. 

Canada Probably Won’t Get It

It's likely that Canadians will never receive this new Land Cruiser FJ, however, it's an SUV that would likely have many fans here. The Canadian market lacks choices for small, affordable adventure vehicles, with the only options being the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Ford Bronco Sport. The Cruiser FJ’s length, four-cylinder powertrain, and cutesy retro styling make it an ideal rival for the aforementioned models. Not to mention, the optional off-roading gear is bound to be popular among campers and off-roaders. 

On the off chance that the Land Cruiser FJ makes it to Canada one day, it will definitely need a powertrain boost. In its current state, a 161-hp engine is simply too far behind its competition and would likely be criticized for being underpowered. 

For the Land Cruiser FJ to be competitive, its power would need to be in the range of 200 to 250 hp. Pricing should match accordingly, and range between $35,000 and $50,000. This would also give the Canadian Toyota lineup an entry-level off-roader, a model the brand currently lacks.