3 reasons to be excited about the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

For those who have kept up with the news, you’re already probably aware that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) could be showcasing the all-new Land Cruiser FJ at the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) 2026. 

But for those who missed it, TMP recently posted a teaser on its social media channels for its PIMS 2026 lineup. And yes, one of these could be the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. No, it hasn’t been confirmed by the company yet, but the silhouette's shape comes quite close. 

This, of course, has added steam to the said car show’s hype train. Sure, new cars arriving in the Philippines are always exciting, but there are several things about the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ that are so titillating to many would-be car buyers and enthusiasts. 

As a disclaimer, the teaser isn’t definitive, and many publications, including Zigwheels Philippines, merely made an educated guess based on the shape of the car’s silhouette on the teaser. Regardless, let’s explore three different reasons why the local entry of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is an exciting prospect. 

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Legitimate off-road cred

While Toyota’s local arm already has a number of burly off-roaders, the addition of one more, specifically a compact-sized sport utility vehicle, is a riveting idea. 

Off-road SUVs, after all, are all the rage here in the Philippines, where glamping and outdoorsy-type activities, car-related or not, are easily accessible. 

There’s also the fact that the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is a legitimate boondock conqueror, as it is based on the tried-and-true Toyota Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform. This means that it shares the same body-on-frame underpinnings as the Hilux, Fortuner, Innova, and, more recently, the next-generation Tamaraw. 

Body-on-frame platforms, after all, are the gold standard for off-road rigs. It has enough rigidity and structural durability to resist punishment. But at the same time, it has sufficient flex to maintain traction on very uneven terrain. 

The Toyota IMV, in particular, uses a front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension package, which has already proven itself a million times over. This is especially apparent on the Toyota Hilux - a pickup truck nameplate that has gained a reputation for being indestructible. 

And of course, the Japan and Thailand market versions of the Land Cruiser FJ have 4x4 (part-time) variants with a locking rear differential - a crucial feature for dealing with difficult terrain. 

In all regions where it is sold, the Land Cruiser FJ uses the 2.7-liter naturally aspirated inline-four 2TR-FE gasoline mill, which, depending on the market, can produce up to 161 horsepower and 246 Newton-meters of torque. 

Sure, the said gasoline engine cannot match the torque of Toyota diesels like the GD series (Fortuner, Hilux, Innova), but do remember that other relatively small gasoline-powered SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny have seen success off the beaten path with a four-banger gasoline engine. 

Toyota’s 2TR-FE itself is also well regarded for its longevity. It has been around since 2004 and has been in use in other IMV platform models since it initially came out. 

For reference, here is a table summarizing the mechanical specs of the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Toyota Land Cruiser FJ:

Engine	2.7-liter 2TR-FE inline-four, naturally-aspirated gasoline
Drivetrain	Part-time 4x4
Transmission	Six-speed electronically controlled transmission
Horsepower	161
Torque	246 Nm
Other off-road features	Locking differential (rear) 4x4 mode selector (4x4 high, 4x4 low, 4x2) 245 millimeters of ground clearance
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Multi-link

Continuing a decades-old legacy

The name itself of the Toyota Land Cruiser continues the legacy of the age-old yet still famous original “FJ” (J40), which was based on the much older 1950s-era BJ manufactured by the Japanese marque to fight in the Korean War. 

Sure, the current 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ practically doesn’t share any DNA with any Land Cruiser as it is based on the IMV Platform, but its very look is a nod to its tough and very Spartan ancestors. Of course, its inspiration also includes the more recent, but already discontinued Toyota FJ Cruiser - a highly capable off-roader that spun off from the original Land Cruiser FJ J40 line.

The callback to the older FJs is apparent in the shape of the new one, specifically its boxy outline, decorated with chunky front and rear fenders, a very similar bar-shaped grille, very prominent wheel arches, and plenty of black plastic cladding on its lower sections. Its rear end also has a tailgate-mounted spare tire holder.

Up top, it also wears a pair of exaggerated-looking but functional roof rails. These classic details extend to its cockpit, which comes with a retro-industrial dashboard design with a blocky overall shape.

Fit for the modern age

Notably, the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ’s exterior does get some modern touches, such as its C-shaped LED daytime running lamps that wrap around its main automatic LED headlamp clusters. These go together with power-folding/adjustable side mirrors and a set of 18-inch wheels. 

Its interior, meanwhile, does come with plenty of modern amenities and high-tech safety gear. Specifically, its five-seater layout is wrapped in leather upholstery. Everyone inside is also kept cool by an automatic climate control system. 

Additionally, the model gets digital displays - an eight-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These go together with the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). 

Sounds high-tech so far, but the car retains a utilitarian feel, as it still uses a hand-operated parking brake and physical buttons for climate controls and driving functions. In between these are pieces of solid black plastic for durability. 

While waiting for more details on the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ from TMP, as well as its expected appearance at PIMS 2026, let's watch Zigwheels Philippines' preview of the said model at the Japan Mobility Show 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj8utDu32e8&t=1s

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