During the 2024 Land Cruiser debut closing in August, Toyota, in brief, confirmed the silhouette of some other boxy off-roader. That will be the brand new FJ Cruiser—or as a minimum, a smaller off-road SUV with the Cruiser call. Since then, Toyota hasn’t made a peep approximately one of this version. However, evidence keeps mounting surrounding what can be a smaller LC for off-avenue lovers—or so we hope.
An errant trademark filing and a few studies among the lines allude to Toyota expanding its Land Cruiser nameplate into an extra distinguished emblem, just like what the organization has finished with the Crown. However, the information is scarce, and there are some conflicting reviews about said car.
However, there’s a good chance a brand-new FJ Cruiser—or a comparable little off-road vehicle—may wish to make an appearance soon. Here’s what we understand.
What Is The Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The FJ Cruiser changed into an off-road SUV that Toyota constructed in the US between 2007 and 2014. It had unfashionable styling and a signature white roof in most programs. Powered by means of a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, the FJ had 239 horsepower between 2007 and 2009 and settled at 260 horsepower through the end of its lifecycle.
You should get the FJ with a 5-velocity automated or a six-pace guide, and it had popular all-wheel drive with Toyota’s superior A-Trac traction manage device—which basically mimicked a locking differential for higher traction off-avenue. And on paper, at least, the FJ could move toe-to-toe with the Jeep Wrangler.
These days, the FJ is a cult classic—attempting to find a well-saved used instance for a first-rate fee is a difficult project. However, for a few years now, there have been rumours about its resuscitation. The automaker might eventually be prepared to resurrect the rugged nameplate for a new edition or use it as a starting point for a completely fresh version.
What Will It Be Called?
It’s uncertain if this new off-roader will sincerely use the “FJ Cruiser” name. Given that the nameplate left the US in 2014, it’s virtually viable. However, Toyota ought to use the call “Cruiser” in a unique way.
Toyota Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries said final 12 months, they could need to make the Cruiser “lower priced” and “within attain of even greater humans around the arena,” while nevertheless keeping it relevant. A small Land Cruiser FJ may want to assist with that.
What’s Under The Hood?
The Compact Cruiser EV concept that debuted in December 2021 had a fully electric-powered powertrain. But that appears not likely after reviews surfaced in 2022 announcing the automaker had ended the improvement of the stated idea.
But in 2023, every other document counseled that the FJ revival could debut with gasoline and hybrid powertrains. A battery-electric model could come later as Toyota is pulling a return on launching new EVs in the nascent market.
The new Land Cruiser and the Tacoma pickup use the identical turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes up to 326 hp in the LC. Toyota offers several little engines that may be installed in a new FJ, but the Swift 2.4 looks like a strong candidate.
What Will It Look Like?
The lone teaser photo supposed to preview the new SUV seems small and boxy. However, it would not seem to have the same ground clearance as the FJ Cruiser. Instead, it borrows extra styling cues from the Compact Cruiser EV.
The Compact Cruiser EV might be a very good leaping-off factor for a new FJ’s design; it has aggressive squared-off proportions and retro factors, such as a complete Toyota wordmark in the grille and back bumper. Our rendering (pictured above) predicts a brand new FJ based totally on the Compact Cruiser.
What Platform Will It Ride On?
While a small, boxy, less expensive off-roader actually sounds thrilling, it is nonetheless unclear how Toyota plans to construct this type of version. Its portfolio no longer has a compact off-avenue platform to underpin the supply. Yet.
Previous reviews advised the brand-new FJ should experience the TNGA-F architecture that the new LC, Tacoma, and Tundra all use. But a recent rumor stated Toyota should, as a substitute, undertake the equal platform that underpins the $thirteen 000 pickup truck it released for the first 12 months in Thailand.
The bare-bones body may make for an amusing SUV. However, US customers are not likely to flock to something that small and reasonably priced. It would make me greater friendly on American roads.
How Much Will It Cost?
If Toyota is critical approximately making the Land Cruiser nameplate extra accessible, a smaller version might truly price much less. The 2024 Land Cruiser now starts offevolved at $ fifty-seven 000, leaving lots of room for something extra low priced beneath it in the lineup.
When Will We See It?
The equal file stated that the new model could share a platform with the Hilux Champ pickup and additionally said the SUV could cross into production in November. That’s simply six months away and pretty doable. But Toyota hasn’t stated something legit, so we should await greater concrete info to emerge to know if the shadowy teaser closing August will ever come to be a fact.
