Okay, so I’ve been hearing a lot about this new, smaller Land Cruiser from Toyota – some folks are calling it the “Mini Fortuner” or even the “Baby Land Cruiser FJ.” And seriously, it sounds pretty awesome. Forget 2025; the latest scoop says we’re looking at a global launch around early to mid-2026, with production kicking off in the second quarter of next year. This is a smart move, aiming to bring that legendary Land Cruiser toughness to more people, just under the Fortuner.
What It’ll Look Like (Based on Those Sneaky Drawings!)
From what I’ve seen in those patent filings and little teasers, this thing is going to look exactly like the concept. Think chunky front, squared-off wheel arches, and that flat roof – totally classic Land Cruiser vibes, a real nod to the Compact Cruiser EV concept. I’m talking cool inverted C-shaped LED DRLs, sleek headlights, a big, beefy bumper, and yeah, a spare tire mounted right on the tailgate. That’s pure ruggedness right there! The wheels in the drawings look a bit small, but I bet the higher trims will get some bigger, cooler ones. Can’t wait to see it in person!
What’s Under the Hood? (Proper Off-Road Stuff!)
This is where it gets good for us off-road enthusiasts. They’re supposedly building it on a tweaked version of Toyota’s IMV 0 ladder-frame chassis. That’s the same kind of tough base you find in the Hilux Champ, and it’s related to what the Fortuner and Innova Crysta use. So, we’re talking proper body-on-frame construction, meaning it’s built to take a beating off-road, no compromises.
As for engines, they’re probably going to have a few options:
* Petrol: A 2.7-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine (the 2TR-FE) seems likely, probably with about 161 bhp. I’ve also heard whispers of a smaller 2.0-liter petrol.
* Diesel: They might start with a 1.5-liter diesel for the entry-level, but the one I’m most excited about is the 2.8-liter GD mild-hybrid diesel with the 48V system. That engine’s a proven workhorse in their other tough trucks.
And here’s the best part: it’s expected to have permanent four-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip differential, plus all those cool terrain settings for different off-road conditions. This isn’t just a soft-roader; this is the real deal!
Where It Fits In (Below the Fortuner!)
The whole idea behind this “Mini Fortuner” is to sit right below the Fortuner in Toyota’s lineup, giving us a more affordable but still super capable off-road SUV. It sounds like it’ll be about 4.5 meters long, with a wheelbase around 2,750 mm – so pretty similar in size to an Innova Crysta or Fortuner, balancing easy driving with decent space inside.
For places like India, where everyone’s really into capable SUVs, this could be a massive hit. Nothing official for India yet, but I’ve got a good feeling about it. It could really challenge stuff like the Mahindra Scorpio-N, offering that trusted Toyota reliability and Land Cruiser prestige in a smaller, more accessible package.
When Can We See It?
With production starting in Q2 2026 and a launch soon after, this Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is going to be a big deal for sure. It’s got that classic Land Cruiser look, a super tough frame, and engines that can handle anything. It sounds perfect for anyone who loves adventure but doesn’t want the full Fortuner price tag. Can’t wait to see more when it gets closer to launch!
What do you think about Toyota making a smaller, tougher SUV? Are you excited for it?