The new Land Cruiser FJ, commonly known as the “Mini Land Cruiser,” will be released in 2025 as the successor to Toyota’s flagship off-road vehicle, the FJ Cruiser. This new vehicle, compact yet equipped with full-scale off-road performance, has been attracting a lot of attention even before its release. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal, design, performance, price, and other aspects of the new Mini Land Cruiser.
On October 27, 2023, the company applied for trademark registration of “LAND CRUISER FJ” with the Japan Patent Office ( Trademark Application 2023119958) . It is expected to be an entry-level model with a short wheelbase of the “Land Cruiser 250”. It is scheduled to be released as part of the new Land Cruiser series. We will thoroughly explain what kind of model it will be.
About the new Land Cruiser FJ
The Land Cruiser series will be adding a new entry-level model with a body size that is easy to handle. This model uses a sturdy ladder frame structure like the higher-end models . It is also said to share its base with the small pickup truck “Hilux Champ” announced overseas. In addition, it is likely to incorporate many elements of the “FJ Cruiser” that was previously released.
What is the new Mini Land Cruiser? A compact off-roader that inherits the DNA of the FJ Cruiser
The new Mini Land Cruiser is a compact SUV that joins Toyota’s Land Cruiser series. It inherits the concept of the once popular FJ Cruiser, while combining design and functionality to meet modern needs.
Simon Humphreys, General Manager of Design, talks about the true value of the Land Cruiser and the mission of “returning to the roots” from Chairman Akio Toyoda. The model that continues the “succession” of the Land Cruiser is the “70”, the flagship model that will be the “symbol” of the brand is the “300”. And he says that the “core model” that will be positioned in the middle of the Land Cruiser range is the “250”.
In addition to the two Land Cruiser 250s, images of two other vehicles that have yet to be released were also shown at the launch event: the rumored short model Land Cruiser FJ and the silhouette of the electric vehicle concept model Land Cruiser Se .
A fusion of the retro design inherited from the FJ Cruiser and the latest technology
The “Compact Cruiser EV” was unveiled for the first time at the “Battery EV Strategy Briefing” held in December 2021. The design of the new Mini Land Cruiser is characterized by round headlights and angular body lines reminiscent of the FJ Cruiser. While retaining a retro atmosphere, it also actively incorporates modern technology such as LED lights and the latest safety equipment.
Compact Cruiser EV
Compact yet with full off-road performance
The new Mini Land Cruiser has the performance to handle full-scale off-road driving, despite its compact body size. The high ground clearance, approach angle, and departure angle ensure the vehicle’s ability to run on rough roads. In addition, it is equipped with a full range of functions to support off-road driving, such as the latest four-wheel drive system and electronically controlled differential lock.
A powertrain that also takes environmental performance into consideration
The powertrain of the new Mini Land Cruiser is expected to be environmentally friendly. Although specific information has not been released, it is possible that it will be equipped with a clean diesel engine.
About the exterior of the new Land Cruiser FJ
The exterior is shared with the Land Cruiser 250, and the exterior design expresses a “design that pursues proportions and uniqueness rooted in functional essence and dynamic performance” that contributes to providing high driving performance as a full-fledged off-roader. The U-shaped daytime running lights are equipped with triple LED headlights. The expected body size is close to that of the Land Cruiser Prado 3-door, with a total length of 4,595 mm, total width of 1,850 mm, total height of 1,900 mm, and wheelbase of 2,650 mm.
Compact Cruiser EV
| Specifications | Land Cruiser 250 | Land Cruiser FJ Prediction |
difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,925mm | 4,595mm | -330mm |
| Width | 1,980mm | 1,850mm | -130mm |
| Height | 1,925mm 1,935mm |
1,900mm | -25mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm | 2,690mm | -160mm |
The body size is said to be close to that of the Corolla Cross, but I expect it to be a little larger. In particular, the overall height is expected to be higher than the Land Cruiser 250.
| Specifications | Corolla Cross | Land Cruiser FJ Prediction |
difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,490mm | 4,595mm | +105mm |
| Width | 1,825mm | 1,850mm | +25mm |
| Height | 1,620mm | 1,900mm | +280mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,690mm | +50mm |
It adopts the traditional ladder frame structure common to the Land Cruiser series and is based on the newly developed “GA-F platform.”
Why is Toyota including the Land Cruiser FJ in its lineup?
The Land Cruiser series lineup includes the Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser 250, and Land Cruiser 70. The Land Cruiser 250 is the successor to the Land Cruiser Prado, with body dimensions of 4,925mm in length, 1,980mm in width, 1,870mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,850mm.
Compared to the conventional Prado, the overall length has increased by +100mm, the overall width by +95mm, the overall height by +20mm, and the wheelbase by +60mm. In other words, both are about the same size. As a result, some Land Cruiser Prado fans may not be able to adapt to the wider width of the Land Cruiser 250.
| Specifications |  Land Cruiser Prado |
 Land Cruiser 250 |
 Land Cruiser 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,825mm | 4,925mm | 4,990mm |
| Width | 1,885mm | 1,980mm | 1,980mm |
| Height | 1,835mm 1,850mm |
1,925mm 1,935mm |
1,880mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790mm | 2,850mm | 2,850mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 to 7 people | 5 to 7 people | 5 to 7 people |
With the Prado name gone and the size increased, it is expected that the demand for a slightly smaller cross-country SUV model will increase. To meet this demand, other companies’ models include the Ford Bronco, which has a close exterior rival. The Suzuki Jimny Sierra is also a good candidate. These models have designs that have a certain fan base, and Toyota may be considering expanding its lineup to meet this demand.
Toyota’s “Land Cruiser FJ” is a short-wheelbase model of the new “Land Cruiser 250”
There are several reasons why the Land Cruiser 250 may be a short wheelbase model. It may not be well known in Japan, but the previous Land Cruiser Prado (150) was sold in Europe as a 5-door model and a short wheelbase 3-door model, just like in Japan. These models have a similar design, but are shorter in overall length and wheelbase.
toyota land cruiser prado 150series 5door
toyota land cruiser prado 150series 3door
| Specifications | Land Cruiser Prado 5-door |
Land Cruiser Prado 3-door |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,825mm | 4,395mm |
| Width | 1,885mm | 1,855mm |
| Height | 1,850mm | 1,845mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790mm | 2,450mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250
COMPACT CRUISER EV
The FJ Cruiser, which has a shorter overall length and wheelbase than the previously released Land Cruiser, was also available as a three-door model.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
About the interior of the new Land Cruiser FJ
The interior is also shared with the Land Cruiser 250, and LCD panels are used for the meters. The interior features LED interior lights and an electric parking brake (with hold function). It is equipped with a variety of easy-to-use functions while taking into consideration functionality such as all-round visibility when driving off-road, providing a modern and comfortable interior space that gives customers peace of mind in any environment. It also has a newly designed interior layout and seats up to seven people. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and central HVAC vent have been moved much lower on the dashboard to accommodate a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. There are still physical controls for the air conditioning and audio, but a dedicated button for the vehicle’s off-road functions is located near the gear selector.
About the new Land Cruiser FJ engine
The diesel engine is expected to be a 2.8L inline 4-cylinder clean diesel engine, and the transmission is expected to be a next-generation 8-speed AT (Direct Shift-8AT).
| Specifications | Land Cruiser FJ |
|---|---|
| engine | 2.8L inline 4 DOHC clean diesel engine (1GD-FTV) |
| Maximum power | 150kW (204hp) / 3,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 500Nm (51.0kgm) / 1,600-2,800rpm |
transmission |
8-speed AT (Direct Shift-8AT) |
| Drive system | 4WD |
Main Features of the Next-Generation Toyota Safety Sense
The second-generation Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all vehicles. It uses laser radar and cameras to ensure excellent recognition performance and reliability, and also packages collision avoidance support PCS, LDA, and AHB. It ensures collision avoidance support/damage mitigation performance that is compatible even at high speeds.
Supports the latest “Pre-crash Safety with Collision Avoidance Support,” “Detection at intersections,” “Low-speed acceleration suppression function,” and “Emergency steering avoidance support function.” Pre-crash Safety with Collision Avoidance Support (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection Function: Uses millimeter-wave radar and a camera to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, and provides warnings, brake assist, and automatic braking to help avoid collisions and reduce damage. The automatic brake works for pedestrians at speeds between 10 and 80 km/h. For example, if the speed difference between the vehicle and the pedestrian is 30 km/h, the vehicle will slow down by about 30 km/h to help avoid collisions. For vehicles, it works at a wide speed range from 10 km/h to the maximum speed. For example, if the vehicle’s speed is 40 km/h when it is facing a stopped vehicle, it can slow down by about 40 km/h. In addition, it has added the “Low-speed acceleration suppression function,” “Detection of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when turning right at an intersection,” and “Emergency steering avoidance support function.”
- The low-speed acceleration suppression function detects pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles directly in front of the vehicle when traveling at low speeds and suppresses acceleration.
- It can also detect oncoming vehicles going straight when turning right at an intersection, as well as pedestrians crossing from the opposite direction when turning right or left.
- An emergency steering avoidance assistance function that assists steering when the driver makes an evasive maneuver in an emergency.
Price forecast for Toyota’s new Land Cruiser FJ
The base prices of the Land Cruiser series are as follows, but they are expected to be in the range of around 4.5 million yen, exactly between the Land Cruiser 250 and Land Cruiser 70.
The reason for this is that the Land Cruiser 70 does not come with many advanced features, and since it is a smaller model than the Land Cruiser 250, it is expected to be in the mid-range price range.
Land Cruiser 250
| grade | engine | Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VX | 2.7L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (2TR-FE) |
4WD | 5,450,000 yen |
| First Edition VX | 5,900,000 yen |
| grade | engine | Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GX | 2.8L inline 4 DOHC clean diesel engine (1GD-FTV) |
4WD | 5,200,000 yen |
| VX | 6,300,000 yen | ||
| ZX | 7,350,000 yen | ||
| First Edition VX | 7,000,000 yen | ||
| First Edition ZX | 7,850,000 yen |
Toyota’s new “Land Cruiser 70” 2014 resale model
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (8%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van | 4.0L V6 DOHC engine |
5MT | 4WD | 3,600,000 yen |
When will Toyota release the Land Cruiser FJ?
There has been no official announcement of the release date yet, but many years have passed since the Land Cruiser series was announced, and sales have steadily begun with the Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser 70, and Land Cruiser 250. Next up will be the Land Cruiser FJ, which is expected to be released after October 2024.
About the FJ Cruiser
This big-sized SUV is a modern version of the legendary FJ40 Land Cruiser. It was originally developed as a model exclusively for the North American market and was released in North America at the end of March 2006. Its unique appearance has earned it a loyal fan base in Japan, and as a certain level of demand is expected, it was officially released for sale in Japan on December 4, 2010.
FJ Cruiser
The chassis uses a ladder frame with the same structure as the Land Cruiser Prado. The engine is the 1GR-FE type 4.0 L V6 engine, which is also used in the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Prado. The boarding doors on both sides are pillarless (built into the doors) and open like double doors. The front seat belts are also built into the rear doors, so the rear doors cannot be opened separately. The price is reasonable at around 3 million yen.
On November 5, 2013, Toyota North America announced the end of production of the North American model. Sales in North America ended with the delivery of special edition vehicles in February 2014. At the end of August 2016, it was announced that production of all models for the Japanese market (including models for other countries) except for the North American model would end. After that, only the remaining stock would be sold, including models for other countries, but as a result, inquiries increased sharply, and production was extended by over a year to August 2017.
FJ Cruiser
| Specifications | FJ Cruiser |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,635mm |
| Width | 1,905mm |
| Height | 1,840mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm |
| engine | 4.0LV type 6-cylinder DOHC 1GR-FE |
| Maximum power | 203kW (276PS) / 5,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 380N·m (38.8kgf·m)/4,400rpm |
| transmission | 5-speed AT/6-speed MT |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 8.0km/L |
Land Cruiser FJ Q&A
When will the new Land Cruiser FJ be released?
-
It is expected to be released around October 2024, but there has been no official announcement yet. For detailed dates, we will have to wait for an official announcement from Toyota.
How much does a Mini Rankle cost?
-
It is expected to be around 4 million yen. However, the price may vary depending on the grade and options.
What size is the Land Cruiser FJ?
-
The exact dimensions have not yet been released, but it is expected to be close to the size of the Corolla Cross. We will have to wait for the official announcement for the exact figures.
Will there be a hybrid model?
-
It’s possible, but there’s been no official announcement yet. It’s highly likely that a clean diesel model will be released as an environmentally friendly powertrain.
What kind of design does the Mini Rankle have?
-
It features a retro design reminiscent of the FJ Cruiser. While inheriting the DNA of the FJ Cruiser, such as round headlights and angular body lines, it also incorporates modern elements.
What are its features as a successor to the FJ Cruiser?
-
Its features include a design that inherits the retro design of the FJ Cruiser while incorporating modern elements, full-fledged off-road performance despite its compact body size, and the inclusion of the latest safety equipment and driver assistance systems.
Has the Land Cruiser FJ reservation started?
-
The start date for reservations has not yet been decided. Please wait for Toyota’s official announcement for information regarding the start of reservations. We will report the information on this site as soon as possible.
What makes it different from previous FJ Cruisers?
-
The main differences are that the body size will be more compact and that it will be equipped with the latest technology and safety features. It is also expected to adopt an environmentally friendly powertrain.
How is the handling of the new Land Cruiser FJ?
-
Although details are unknown, we can expect excellent operability as it inherits the tradition of the Land Cruiser series. For specific operability, please refer to the test drive report.
What are Toyota’s competitors?
-
Competitors include the Ford Bronco and Suzuki Jimny Sierra.
A word from the editorial department
The new Land Cruiser 250 is positioned as the successor to the existing Land Cruiser Prado, and has an increased overall length, width, and wheelbase. This may cause some users to feel that they cannot adapt to the increased size. On the other hand, in order to respond to changes in demand, Toyota is also comparing it with competing models such as Ford’s Bronco and Suzuki’s Jimny Sierra and is likely considering expanding its lineup. Although the Land Cruiser 250 has only just been released, it is already extremely popular, and the Land Cruiser FJ is expected to be a very popular model when it is released. We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
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