During the 2024 Land Cruiser debut last August, Toyota briefly showcased the silhouette of another boxy off-roader. This has sparked speculation about a new FJ Cruiser—or at least a smaller off-road SUV under the Cruiser name. Although Toyota has remained silent about this potential model, evidence suggests a smaller Land Cruiser could be on the horizon for off-road enthusiasts.
The original FJ Cruiser, produced in the US from 2007 to 2014, featured retro styling and a signature white roof. It was powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, delivering between 239 and 260 horsepower over its lifecycle. The FJ offered a choice between a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, and it came with standard all-wheel drive and Toyota's advanced A-Trac traction control system. This made the FJ Cruiser a formidable off-road competitor, capable of going toe-to-toe with the Jeep Wrangler.
Today, the FJ Cruiser is a cult classic, and finding a well-maintained used model is challenging. Rumors of its revival have circulated for years, and Toyota might finally be ready to resurrect the rugged nameplate or introduce a new model inspired by it. It remains unclear whether this new off-roader will retain the "FJ Cruiser" name. Toyota might use the name "Cruiser" differently, especially since the "Compact Cruiser EV" concept debuted in 2021.
A trademark filing from November 2023 for the Land Cruiser FJ name indicates that Toyota wants to keep the FJ in its portfolio. Toyota's Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries has expressed a desire to make the Cruiser more affordable and accessible worldwide. A smaller Land Cruiser FJ could achieve this goal.
The Compact Cruiser EV concept featured a fully electric powertrain, but reports suggest that a gasoline and hybrid version might debut first, with a battery-electric version to follow. The new Land Cruiser and the Tacoma pickup share a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which could also power a new FJ Cruiser.
If Toyota aims to make the Land Cruiser lineup more accessible, a smaller version would likely cost less than the 2024 Land Cruiser, which starts at $57,000. Production could begin as soon as November, but without official confirmation, we'll have to wait for more concrete details.
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