Toyota Land Cruiser FJ barred from Australia! New $60K Mini LandCruiser off the cards as RAV4-sized off-roader

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Toyota Motor Corporation has finally shown the new Land Cruiser FJ, a shrunken version of its iconic nameplate. 

The much-anticipated Land Cruiser FJ — often referred to as the Mini LandCruiser — has been hot property online. Yet Toyota Australia said the new model isn’t in its plans. 

“Toyota Australia continuously explores opportunities to evolve our vehicle line up, however we have no current plans to introduce the Mini LandCruiser to our market,” a spokesperson told Chasing Cars. 

Measuring 4575mm long (including spare tyre), 1875mm wide, 1960mm tall, the Land Cruiser FJ is about the same size as a RAV4 medium SUV, making it larger than a Suzuki Jimny or Renault Duster. 

As predicted, the Land Cruiser FJ uses Toyota’s IMV ladder frame chassis from the Hilux Champ sold in developing markets. Toyota says additional bracing and greater body rigidity will lend the five-door, five-seat Land Cruiser FJ excellent capability. 

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser FJ matches the 70 Series in terms of wheel articulation — so it should be a capable mountain goat. 

With a 2580mm wheelbase (270mm shorter than Prado), the Land Cruiser FJ will become the new entry level into the iconic nameplate, below 250 Series, full-size 300 Series and rough-and-tumble 70 Series. 

Bad news is that the new vehicle uses the ‘2TR-FE’ 2.7-litre inline-four petrol engine, producing a measly 120kW and 246Nm — a far cry from even Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that makes 150kW and 500Nm. 

This petrol-only offering (at least on-reveal) is one of the key aspects that would stop the Land Cruiser FJ selling in Australia. With a combination of stricter emissions standards and a love of towing, either a diesel or petrol-electric would be needed to resonate with Australians. 

One line in Toyota’s press release indicates a more efficient Land Cruiser FJ, like the 300 Series hybrid, may be a future addition: “the Land Cruiser will continue to evolve to meet societal demands”.

Still, off-road ability looks good with part-time, selectable 4WD (like a Hilux ute) in the Land Cruiser FJ hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

There is no mention of a low-range transfer case in Toyota’s press materials, however images show an ‘L4’ mode, plus buttons to lock the rear differential and engage hill descent control. 

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser FJ has undergone “extensive off-road testing”, during which the company found “points for improvement to ensure true Land Cruiser-ness ― reliability, durability, and off-road performance.”

Of all aspects, the Land Cruiser FJ’s styling has caught the most attention. The compact, rugged and boxy 4WD comes with either crisp, horizontal LED headlights or retro round items — just like Prado. 

Not everyone is convinced by the looks, however, with a tall yet narrow body looking a little awkward from some angles.

The front and rear bumpers are segmented for easy removal of individual parts — helpful if they’re damaged in the line of duty.

As the Land Cruiser FJ is smaller than your typical Toyota 4WD, attention has been paid to exterior storage, including ‘MOLLE’ panels to which owners can attach tools, such as shovels, lights, or extra cargo. 

Inside, the cabin layout is similar to the Prado with a near-identical steering wheel and digital instruments. A large touchscreen sits in the centre as the main command centre, and there’s a low beltline to aid visibility. 

No word on pricing yet, but given the Land Cruiser Prado starts at $72,500, a petrol-engined Land Cruiser FJ would need to be pitched below $60K in Australia, if it comes here. 

Though the Land Cruiser FJ  is not confirmed for our market, Toyota Australia previously took the niche Prado-based FJ Cruiser and has trademarked the Land Cruiser FJ nameplate locally, so the tune may change in the future. 

Another clue is the ARB — an Australian off-road equipment manufacturer — bashplate shown in one of Toyota’s images

Full details, including fuel efficiency, luggage capacity and pricing, will be confirmed at this month’s Tokyo Mobility Show, which Chasing Cars will be attending.