Toyota Brings Back FJ Cruiser, But Not For Canada
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is back! Well, sort of. As rumours have suggested for a while, the Japanese automaker is bringing back this classic name from the past for an all-new SUV that will serve as the little brother of the Land Cruiser—the one sold in many countries outside of North America.
As a result, you can forget about it coming here. Or to Europe, for that matter. Blame the tariffs if you want. This Thai-built Land Cruiser FJ, as it’s officially called, is aimed at markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
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In terms of styling, the vehicle is similar to the Compact Cruiser EV concept from four years ago. Its playful appearance mostly comes from a boxy silhouette with rounded corners and generous ground clearance with exaggerated body cladding on the lower body and fenders, including oversized bumpers that offer the benefit of easy replacements in the event of damage.
Running boards, roof rails and a full-size spare tire on the rear swing gate (which also features prominent, blocky taillights) complete the exterior. Incidentally, two separate configurations are available, including an even more adventurous one with a roof rack and a snorkel-style air intake on the right A-pillar.
Unlike the aforementioned concept, however, the new Land Cruiser FJ isn't electric. Instead, it runs on a naturally aspirated 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 161 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque—clearly not enough for drivers in Canada and the U.S.—via a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system.
To be clear, Toyota’s baby off-roader boasts a compact size and relatively light weight of around 1,900 kg. In fact, the tight rear bench seat is more likely to accommodate two people than three. Elsewhere, the interior features two digital screens, large and driver-friendly controls, as well as easy-to-clean seat and floor coverings.
While the Land Cruiser FJ is forbidden fruit in Canada (don't miss the photo gallery at the top of the page for a closer look from every angle), you can turn to the Land Cruiser or 4Runner, although both are beefier and more expensive. Another option is the next-generation 2026 RAV4 Woodland, which will arrive this winter.
