Toyota has made some brilliant enthusiast cars in recent years, including the GR Yaris and the Supra. However, another new Toyota that might be even more exciting is the Land Cruiser FJ, essentially a baby Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser FJ is smaller, cheaper, and more manageable than the full-sized model, but still built to do proper 4×4 things. It has just gone on sale in Japan, joining the Land Cruiser 300, 250, and 70 Series.
At 4,575mm long, the FJ is pretty compact by Land Cruiser standards, with a wheelbase 270mm shorter than the 250’s. This helps it achieve a tight 5.5-metre turning circle, making it easier to use around town and on narrow trails.
The FJ uses a ladder-frame platform, has part-time four-wheel drive, and has been developed with serious off-road ability in mind. Its wheel articulation is comparable with the Land Cruiser 70 Series, while its ground clearance and approach angle match the bigger 250.
The Japanese-market car uses a naturally aspirated 2.7-litre petrol engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox. While it’s hardly a high-tech powertrain, the Land Cruiser FJ doesn’t appear to be trying to do everything – it’s a compact, rugged, and characterful 4×4 with genuine ability away from the road.
Toyota has not confirmed UK plans for the FJ, but with Britain’s appetite for boxy lifestyle 4x4s, it feels like exactly the sort of car buyers would love.
They are likely to appreciate the FJ’s simplicity and focus on off-road capability. The car’s dimensions and specifications make it well-suited for use on narrow trails and in tight spaces. Toyota’s decision to develop the FJ with serious off-road ability in mind is a key factor in its appeal.
The Land Cruiser FJ’s arrival in Japan marks the latest addition to the Land Cruiser lineup. It joins a range of models that have been popular with buyers who need a capable and reliable 4×4. The FJ’s compact size and manageable price point make it an attractive option for those who want a rugged and characterful vehicle without the size and cost of the full-sized Land Cruiser.
