New year, new ride: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Showing that it understands its customer base, Toyota Motor Corporation revived the “FJ” platform and injected some Land Cruiser DNA into it, making what appears to be an instant best-seller.

On that note, many of its fans in the Philippines — the Zigwheels Philippines editorial team included — are excited for its arrival in the country. We even added it to the list of our most-anticipated vehicles for 2026 since it has been revealed that it will be built in Toyota’s Thailand plant, further strengthening the possibility of Toyota Motor Philippines adding it to its roster.

With that said, here’s a quick look at what we know so far about the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

Sticks to retro looks

Based on what Zigwheels Philippines saw at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ decided to keep things retro-cool with a boxy exterior, with just the right amount of curves here and there.

For comparison’s sake, it looks close enough to the locally available next-generation Toyota Tamaraw with its strong horizontal fascia, C-shaped headlamps, and robust front bumper.

Onto its sides are typical sport utility vehicle (SUV) design elements, such as claddings on the wheel arches that are connected to the front and rear bumper, plastic coverings on the lower portion of the doors and side sills, as well as black pillars and a pair of black roof rails.

At the back is a traditional swing-out door where the spare tire is mounted and boxy taillamps.

Per Toyota Motor Corporation, the silhouette of the Land Cruiser FJ “emphasizes a square cabin, taking into consideration the habitability and cargo capacity that successive generations of Land Cruisers have prioritized.”

In addition, the carmaker noted that “both front and rear corner bumpers are removable, segmented types, allowing only damaged parts to be replaced to improve repairability, while also taking customizability into account to allow users to enjoy their Land Cruiser in their own unique ways.”

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Driver-focused interior

The cabin of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has been tailored to appease drivers who prefer to be one with the machine instead of feeling like they are sitting on an expensive gadget with wheels.

Toyota Motor Corporation stated that the interior is made with monitors and switches “that consolidate functions to minimize eye movement,” and a shift knob that “allows natural operation,” “aimed at creating an interior where users can experience the joy of mobility.”

So, no floating or rotating screens, as well as rotary shift knobs. It appears to be a vehicle intended for enthusiasts who will put it through its paces, and maybe not for those who only frequent hipster coffee shops.

Uses same platform as PH-spec Tamaraw

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will use the IMV platform, the same one used by the Tamaraw here in the Philippines.

As a result, it will be a short and stout SUV that offers good ground clearance and approach angle, outstanding off-road performance worthy of a Land Cruiser through wheel articulation, and excellent maneuverability with a minimum turning radius of 5.5 meters for good mobility on off-road terrain.

And since the IMV platform is known for being a modular platform, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will be a customizable vehicle through various upgrade components like rounded headlights, molle panels for gear organization, and robust exterior accessories.

Gasoline-powered

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will use a 2.7-liter gasoline engine mated to a six-speed transmission.

It will have an output of 161 horsepower and 246 Newton-meters of torque.

A part-time four-wheel drive system bolsters its capabilities and will allow it to go almost anywhere.

Final thoughts

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ looks like a promising SUV, especially for the Philippine market.

Keep it here in Zigwheels Philippines to get the latest updates about the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

Also read:

Next-gen Toyota Tamaraw gets 2 more trims under GL option

Do you want to see the Toyota Tamaraw Super SWB in PH?

Coco in CDO: Toyota Tamaraw ambassador meets MSME owners

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