2025 (Mini) Land Cruiser "FJ" Speculation Thread

[TexasFunRunner]

@TexasFunRunner and others,
I understand the motives (or at least try) to understand the reasons behind Toyota's lineup changes over the year, but to call those that are in this community for more than just strict Toyota or Land Cruiser worship "complainers" for not liking what Toyota is offering, is, in my opinion, non-inclusive and small-minded.

You raise a number of valid points, I added a /s to my post, I thought the sarcasm was apparent, but I'll use /s more often.

I think what Toyota is facing is a new reality of the automotive market, with less adoption of the hard core models, making them economically viable is less and less of an option.

 

[Jetboy]

This one interesting thing about the size of the mini Land Cruiser FJ is the parallel it may achieve with the cult following of Mitsubishi Pajero and Suzuki Samurai / Jimny models.

It's funny - I wrote and then deleted a comment that said something to the effect of "if this ends up with a Jimny, I'm all for it"

I was just in Mexico last week and looked a couple Jimnys between getting robbed by the police and driving my rental Altima. If we could buy something like that for $20k (MSRP in Mexico) - they would sell like crazy I think. I've thought about just buying and importing one to register as a UTV in Montana where I could still legally street drive it as a UTV.

My expectation is that we'll see a short wheelbase LC250 of some sort that is basically the FJ Cruiser again. It'll sell poorly after a year or two because it's a less useful 4Runner. And if we see anything smaller it'll be a CUV with off-road styling on a Corolla Cross type powertrain. I'd be very shocked to see Toyota build a Jimny size SUV. I'd love it. But it seems totally out of character to do.

Edit: other thought about a mini land cruiser -

If you just take a LC250 or 4Runner and shorten the rear overhang by moving the spare tire to the rear door - it doesn't really do anything useful. it's still about the same length, you've just re-configured the rear end where the tire is on the back, but it's just as long. Just less useful. IMO that's not a great solution. A mini LC - to be different enough to be a new useful option - IMO needs to be actually smaller. Not just shorter. Also narrower and significantly lighter along with significantly less expensive. $30k. Not $50k. Don't fall into the FJ Cruiser trap of a half-way model. It was only 6 inches shorter than the 4Runner when you include the spare tire, but loses about half the cargo volume.

 

[Phillyd2]

Do you see it going the Jeep route with everything from sub-compact unibody awd cars being "Land Cruiser" models or just a premium brand for BOF wagons and off-road stuff?

Going? It's there. A mini would only bounce the rubble. The new 250 could have just as easily been released as the new 4R or FJ but the marketing department decided on LC, because of ..... marketing.

The only silver lining is the GX.

 

[Jetboy]

Going? It's there. A mini would only bounce the rubble. The new 250 could have just as easily been released as the new 4R or FJ but the marketing department decided on LC, because of ..... marketing.

The only silver lining is the GX.

If the 250 followed the 200 no one would have complained. It's the same damn thing.

 

[Phillyd2]

If the 250 followed the 200 no one would have complained. It's the same damn thing.

Exactly the same. Except all that isn't. But otherwise the same. Same name though.

 

[Jetboy]

GMC Sierra vs Chevy Silverado. Apples and apples.

 

[Phillyd2]

GMC Sierra vs Chevy Silverado. Apples and apples.

Yep. The Sierra and Silverado have the same frame, suspension, same drivetrain, features, largely the same interior just like the....oh, never mind.

Repeating the same same same delusion may be fun and scratch the OCD itch but sadly that's not how reality works. It may be fine and even preferred for the microwave camping dudes but that's exactly not the same damn thing.

Every cult needs a heretic to keep the universe in balance.

 

[Jetboy]

Every land cruiser needs a grumpy old man yelling into the void that it's not a real one.

 

[krice118]

What do we know about this vehicle? Is this like a bronco sport or truly a smaller version of the LC250? Ie rear axle, transfer case etc

 

[Jetboy]

What do we know about this vehicle? Is this like a bronco sport or truly a smaller version of the LC250? Ie rear axle, transfer case etc

I don't think we know anything. Mostly just the guess that it's a next gen fj cruiser. There's also a rumored unibody retro fj40 stylized cuv floating around - a Toyota version of the Honda element.

Best guess - a 105-108"wheelbase 4runner, nonhybrid 2.4T, 4 doors and a tire hung on the back. Retro styling. Looks like 8.2 and 9.5 are the two rear axles for the GAF. Probably 8.2 given the nonhybrid and lighter weight.

 

[TWILLY]

Every land cruiser needs a grumpy old man yelling into the void that it's not a real one.

It’s the hallmark sound christening each new series, like bugling horns announcing the king.

 

[malden]

Looks like it will be called the Landcruiser Mini

ランクルミニ注文殺到必至!?　電気版エスクードも!?　発売間近のコンパクトSUV5選 - 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」

価格もサイズもリーズナブルでありながら、楽しさや趣味性も備えるコンパクトSUV。人気があるのも納得のカテゴリーだが、これからも続々と新車が登場する。お待ちかねのあのクルマから、意表を突いたあんなクルマまで、注目の最新情報をお届け!!

bestcarweb.jp

 

[malden]

Now it wants too be called Landcruiser FJ according to the latest update from bestcarweb

コンパクトSUV「ランドクルーザーFJ」は24年12月に登場か!?　本気印のラダーフレーム採用も価格は350万円と予想!! - 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」

2023年の秋に速報でお伝えした「ランクルミニ」の情報。その時はエクステリアデザインのみ判明という形で、ほかの情報は不明なままだった。しかしこのほど、エンジンやプラットフォームなどの詳細を入手。どうなる!?　いつ出る!?

bestcarweb.jp

Though this is not a Toyota rendering, there is a simplicity characteristic of Japanese styling. Take away all the plastic and it could look like a 70 series with square headlights.

No indication yet if this LC FJ will be sold in Europe or N America. Seems like it is coming out in Japan first with the 2.7l gas engine.
This LC FJ could be great. $23,000 approximate purchase price in Japan. Stay tuned.

 

[malden]

The latest from bestcarweb who is predicting the Japanese release of the Landcruiser FJ for December 2024

 

[LCQ]

It's here.

New Land Cruiser "FJ" Makes World Premiere | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has unveiled the new Land Cruiser FJ, with the Japan launch planned for around mid-2026.

global.toyota

 

[Jetboy]

I can hear the gnashing of teeth already. Oh my.

I have to say though - I really didn't expect to go this far down market. It has really odd proportions to me. Tires are too small. Like comically so.

No info on the drivetrain other than 2.7 NA engine that I've seen. And no removable top. Not sure it's destined for North America. My guess is no - not with current trade policy. I also can't see it being very popular unless it's $25k. Even then I'm not sure. 165hp against 4000(?)lbs isn't a recipe for success.

 

[airon23]

I'm torn, it looks ok, but all it really did was make me want to go check out the new 4Runners instead. Because of the pricing possibility, speculated US market, timeline, etc. it makes me say well for not that much more, I could get something right now, much more capable, and quality as the 4Runner. Interior already looks similar too.

But I'll tell you what, I do want the Land Hopper. We need to start a new forum for the Land Hopper.

 

[Jetboy]

I'm torn, it looks ok, but all it really did was make me want to go check out the new 4Runners instead. Because of the pricing possibility, speculated US market, timeline, etc. it makes me say well for not that much more, I could get something right now, much more capable, and quality as the 4Runner. Interior already looks similar too.

But I'll tell you what, I do want the Land Hopper. We need to start a new forum for the Land Hopper.

I know it's not a direct comp, but it's a SUV version of the Hilux Champ that iirc starts at about $13k USD. If it's more than mid $20s in Japan I'll be really surprised. But the lc300 starts at 34k USD in Japan, so it's gotta be pretty cheap in that market.

The jimny is about $20k in Mexico. I think that's the closest guess for me in markets they compete. $25-35 maybe.

But I know nothing. I didn't think the lc250 could possibly get only 20mpg and price up to $70k. So this fj will probably be $55k. Lol.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

We won't see it in the US for a few reasons, one of which is that most Americans don't want small vehicles. I'm a 6'5" outlier who prefers them. Never mind that I own an 80..

 

[rexington14]

I really hope there's an "FJ" badge somewhere on the exterior because all I see is "Land Cruiser". Lord help us if it comes to the US without one.