Toyota's Baby LC: 2026 FJ Cruiser – Worthy Heir After 22 Years of FJ Cruiser Hiatus?
Based on the IMV-0 Platform Shared with the 2025 Tamaraw
Tokyo, Oct 21, 2025 - Toyota surprised us yesterday with the 2026 Land Cruiser FJ world premiere in Toyota City – a compact-sized powerhouse echoing the 2003 FJ Cruiser's boxy charm, but sleeker and more modern tech. This "Mini LC" sits well between the 250 Series and 70 Series.
✅ No electric / hybrid versions
✅ 2.7L 2TR-FE inline 4 gas engine; 163 PS (120 kW), 246 Nm torque (vs OG FJ's V6 guzzler 260 hp, 3.5kmpl that doomed its US run.)
✅ 6-speed auto, part-time 4WD
✅ Nostalgic "BJ" origins in 1951 – first vehicle to hit Mt. Fuji's 6th station; 12.15M Land Cruisers sold worldwide.
✅ Based on the revised IMV-0 Platform shared with the Toyota Hilux Champ 2025 Tamaraw in Southeast Asia
✅ 5-seats
✅ Removable bumper bolt-on segments, with MOLLE panels with bolt on tents for tactical gear; optional retro round "BJ-era" headlights; post-launch FJ40 look
✅ Toyota Safety Sense with pre-collision system
✅ Unveiled Oct 20; hits Japan roads mid-2026, with sequential custom add-ons rolling out.
✅ Electric Battle Hopper Bundle – the overland e-scooter folds into the FJ's bay for electric off-road hops on singletracks; Launch TBD.
✅ See it at Japan Mobility Show 2025 on October 30 at the Tokyo Big Sight
✅ No pricing yet.
✅ Expect local politicians to add this car in their 2026 confidential budget
📷 Toyota Global Newsroom
