The Land Cruiser family just got a new member. Toyota Motor Corporation confirmed on 14 May 2026 that the all-new Land Cruiser FJ is now on sale in Japan, joining the existing 300, 70, and 250 Series in the lineup. The FJ is the smallest and most agile of the four, designed to welcome a wider range of drivers into the Land Cruiser fold without sacrificing the core traits the nameplate has built its global reputation on: reliability, durability, and genuine off-road capability. With cumulative Land Cruiser sales of around 12.4 million units across more than 190 countries and regions as of the end of March 2026 (a figure that includes the Lexus LX and GX), Toyota is clearly confident there is room to grow the family further.
The FJ has not been announced for Australia. Toyota Australia has made no statement regarding local availability, timing, or pricing, and we will not speculate on any of those points here. What is clear is that the vehicle represents a meaningful shift in direction for the Land Cruiser range globally, so it is worth understanding exactly what Toyota has built and why.
At a Glance
- On sale in Japan from 14 May 2026; no Australian availability has been announced.
- Ladder-frame platform derived from the IMV series, with a wheelbase 270 mm shorter than the 250 Series and a minimum turning radius of 5.5 m.
- Powered by a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder (2TR-FE) paired with a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission.
- Ground clearance and approach and departure angles equivalent to the 250 Series, with wheel articulation equivalent to the 70 Series.
- Japanese manufacturer's suggested retail price for the sole VX grade is 4,500,100 yen including consumption tax.
Why Toyota built a smaller Land Cruiser
Toyota describes the FJ's development brief in straightforward terms: create a Land Cruiser that more people can actually drive with confidence. The 300 Series flagship is a large, technology-laden station wagon. The 250 Series, launched in 2024, is the "return to origins" core model. The 70 Series remains the stripped-back workhorse. The FJ is none of those things. It is compact enough to feel natural in urban environments, yet engineered to perform on unpaved terrain. Toyota calls this balance "Freedom and Joy," which also provides the model's name: FJ.
That smaller footprint is not a compromise on off-road credentials. Toyota has been deliberate about the engineering targets. Ground clearance and approach and departure angles match those of the 250 Series, while wheel articulation, which describes a tyre's ability to maintain contact with uneven ground, is calibrated to match the 70 Series. That is a pointed pair of benchmarks, and it signals that Toyota is not positioning the FJ as a lifestyle crossover dressed up in off-road clothing.
Platform and structure
The FJ rides on a ladder-frame chassis, which is a deliberate and significant choice. Monocoque construction is lighter and cheaper to engineer, but ladder frames have long been preferred for serious off-road work because of their strength and repairability in remote conditions. Toyota refined the FJ's platform from the IMV series, which underpins the HiLux and Fortuner among others and has demonstrated high durability across difficult terrain worldwide.
The shortened wheelbase brings practical benefits beyond manoeuvrability. Lateral frame rigidity has been increased through the addition of braces to compensate for the reduced length, and the body structure uses high-tensile steel with additional spot welding applied to the underfloor. Toyota says this improves vibration damping, which means better ride comfort without trading away handling stability. A minimum turning radius of 5.5 m is the headline figure from the shortened wheelbase, giving the FJ noticeably better manoeuvrability than its larger siblings in tight trails and urban environments alike.
Powertrain
The FJ launches in Japan with a single powertrain: a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine, identified as the 2TR-FE, paired with a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission. This is a naturally aspirated unit, which Toyota notes contributes to reliability and ease of use across everyday on-road driving as well as off-road situations. The transmission is a six-speed conventional automatic rather than a CVT, which aligns with the durability focus of the broader Land Cruiser philosophy.
Part-time four-wheel drive is standard on the sole VX grade available at launch in Japan.
Design and customisation
Visually, the FJ retains the square cabin proportions that Land Cruiser owners will immediately recognise, prioritising interior space and cargo practicality relative to the vehicle's footprint. Toyota has incorporated what it describes as a dice motif into the design as a nod to the "Freedom and Joy" concept, adding a degree of playfulness to what is otherwise a very purposeful looking vehicle. An accessories catalogue is available from launch to allow owners to personalise their FJ, and Toyota says the vehicle has been designed from the outset with customisation in mind.
Land Hopper: what comes next
Alongside the FJ announcement, Toyota previewed the Land Hopper, an electric personal mobility vehicle intended to extend adventure beyond where a four-wheeled vehicle can travel. The Land Hopper is sized to be stored in the FJ's luggage area and is aimed at trails, primarily unpaved mountain and forest paths. Toyota has indicated it will be made available from spring 2027 onward. The Land Hopper shown is currently a prototype, and full specifications have not been confirmed.
What this means for the Land Cruiser lineup
The FJ's arrival means the Land Cruiser family now covers four distinct use cases: flagship luxury and technology in the 300 Series, origins-focused versatility in the 250 Series, pure-function durability in the 70 Series, and now compact agility in the FJ. Toyota framed this expansion under its "TO YOU" concept, suggesting the brand intends to keep broadening the range to meet diverse owner needs rather than consolidating it. Whether or not the FJ reaches Australian showrooms remains to be seen, and Toyota Australia has not indicated any plans at this stage.
For owners of existing Land Cruiser models already on Australian roads, PVS Automotive supplies a range of interior and accessories fitment for the 70 Series and related platforms.
