It feels like forever since Toyota first teased us with the idea of a baby FJ Cruiser. That quick glimpse two years ago was enough to spark endless rumors, but now the pieces are finally starting to come together—and the wait might be shorter than we thought.
A fresh report from Japan suggests that Toyota is preparing to launch the all-new Land Cruiser FJ in 2026, with its home market getting it as early as the second quarter. At least in Japan, the SUV is expected to start off with a familiar engine: the naturally aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder from the entry-level Hilux, good for 163 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Not wild numbers, but enough to get the job done.
Size-wise, the new FJ is shaping up to be compact and chunky, the kind of proportions that scream adventure. At 171.3 inches long, it’s actually shorter than a Corolla Cross and almost the same size as the Ford Bronco Sport. In other words, this is a small SUV with big off-road intentions.
But here’s where it gets interesting: we still don’t know for sure what platform it will use. Some reports point to the IMV-0 ladder frame—the same bones as the Hilux Champ—while others say it could ride on Toyota’s newer TNGA-F architecture, shared with the bigger Land Cruiser and Tundra. If Toyota really wants this SUV in the U.S., chances are it’ll need something more advanced than the Hilux base.
Speaking of the U.S., Toyota fans here can probably expect a little extra muscle. While Japan may stick with the 2.7-liter, there’s talk that American models could get the brand’s 2.4-liter turbo-four, which makes up to 326 horsepower. A hybrid version also seems very likely, especially with Toyota’s recent push for electrified options.
Bottom line? The wait is almost over. If the rumors are right, we could see Toyota pull the covers off the new FJ Land Cruiser at the Japan Mobility Show later this month. And if that happens, one of Toyota’s most beloved names is officially back on the trail.
