Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will return on October 20, produced in Thailand, and sold globally

[PCauto]Amid the anticipation of off-road enthusiasts, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is about to make its official return.

According to Japanese media Mag-X, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will hold a private media preview on October 20, 2025, followed by its global debut on October 21 at 5:00 AM (Japan Time). The announcement was strategically aligned with the approach of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

As electrification and smart technology dominate the conversation, traditional rugged off-roaders seem to be fading into the background.  Toyota, however, is bucking the trend. Toyota has chosen 2025 as the moment to revive the Land Cruiser FJ name, giving it a brand-new life.

Rather than appealing to passing fads, this vehicle aims to awaken that deep-seated yearning for the mechanical feel, the ability to be repaired, and the unwavering reliability that true off-roading demands.

The Development History of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

In 1951, Toyota developed the first-generation four-wheel drive vehicle modeled after the Willis MB, naming it the Toyota BJ. The vehicle, equipped with a 3.4-liter Type B engine, made a name for itself with its outstanding hill-climbing performance—proving its mettle by conquering the 2,450-meter-high Fuji Subaru Line on Mount Fuji during trials.

In 1960, the truly legendary model FJ40 was born. Defined by its iconic boxy silhouette, rugged ladder frame, and unmatched dependability, this 4x4 forged a path to global success.

During its 24-year production run, the FJ40 was manufactured in Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, and other locations. It came in various body styles, including hardtop, soft-top, and pickup. This versatility allowed it to cater to a wide range of user requirements, cementing its status as the definitive model in the Land Cruiser lineage.

In 2006, Toyota once again revived this piece of history by launching the FJ Cruiser. Drawing inspiration from the FJ40, this model seamlessly blends modern design language. Its round headlights, two-tone roof, and clamshell doors all pay homage to the classic.

Despite its discontinuation in North America in 2014 and globally by 2022, the FJ Cruiser has remained a persistent presence in the public consciousness. It continues to be active in deserts and mountains across regions like the Middle East, Australia, and Japan. In the global second-hand car market, its prices have consistently stayed strong.

Toyota Finally Unveils the New Generation FJ

The new generation FJ has been named the Land Cruiser FJ. It adopts a body-on-frame structure, shares the same platform as the Land Cruiser Prado, with both models deriving from the IMV-0 architecture.Its exterior design is still inspired by the classic FJ Cruiser, featuring a boxy five-door shape and a rugged retro style, continuing Toyota's off-road lineage.

The patent images show that the exterior of the new car is highly consistent with the official preview images from 2023, including round LED headlights, prominent front fenders, sturdy C-pillars, and an almost vertical rear design. The rear cargo door is also equipped with a full-size spare tire, underscoring its purpose-built nature for serious off-roading.

The lower part of the body uses unpainted plastic guards covering the bumpers, wheel arches, and side skirts, which are classic elements of off-road vehicles.

Land Cruiser FJ will share its technical platform with the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner

The Land Cruiser FJ adopts a ladder-frame body structure, sharing the same platform as the Land Cruiser Prado but specifically developed based on the IMV-0 architecture.

The platform is expected to underpin the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner and is likely to evolve from the architecture of the current Hilux Champ.

Boasting the rugged IMV-0 platform, the Land Cruiser FJ holds a clear mechanical advantage over car-based competitors like the Ford Bronco Sport. This, combined with substantial ground clearance and ready compatibility with specialized off-road tires, positions it as the prime choice for tackling extreme terrain.

Japanese media reported that the Land Cruiser FJ has an approximate length of 4,500mm, positioning it as a compact SUV and making it smaller than traditional Land Cruiser models. This design strikes a balance between city driving and weekend trail adventures, capturing the attention of a new generation of off-road fans and those drawn to its retro aesthetic.

Land Cruiser FJ may offer various powertrain options

The gasoline version is expected to be equipped with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine, while the diesel version may feature a 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine paired with a mild hybrid system.

Regarding transmissions, the gasoline version may come with a six-speed automatic transmission, whereas the diesel version might use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Regardless of the chosen configuration, all versions will come standard with a four-wheel-drive system to ensure off-road capability. These powertrain options have already proven their high reliability in models like the Land Cruiser Prado, Hilux, and Fortuner.

Land Cruiser FJ will be manufactured in Thailand

According to reports, the Land Cruiser FJ will be manufactured in Thailand and exported globally. The Japanese market is scheduled for the initial launch in Spring 2026, with a subsequent rollout to other regions.

The choice of the Thai production plant reinforces the connection between the Land Cruiser FJ and the IMV-0 platform; the Hilux Champ is also manufactured at the same facility.