New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Could Debut October 20

Update: The timeline for the compact Land Cruiser’s big reveal has been shifting for a while, but it finally sounds like things are coming together.

According to Japanese outlet Mag-X, inside sources say that while the SUV will not debut at this month’s Japan Mobility Show, it’s reportedly getting a private preview for select media on Monday, October 20, followed by a global reveal at 5 a.m. the next morning, October 21. That’s a pretty precise schedule for something that might otherwise be brushed off as speculation.

If that timeline holds, and taking the time difference into account, those of us on the U.S. east coast should see the first official photos surface around 3 p.m. on October 20.

The report also notes that the vehicle, expected to wear the Land Cruiser FJ name, will be built in Thailand and exported from there. Its domestic Japanese launch is reportedly set for mid-2026. That Thai connection lends weight to earlier talk that it’ll share its underpinnings with the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup, which rolls off the same production lines.

The original story continues below. (Update by John Halas).

Off-road fans have been waiting a long time for Toyota’s “smaller “baby” Land Cruiser, and although its launch has been pushed back several times, it feels like the countdown has began. Now, a newly revealed patent drawing from Toyota provides what could be our best and most accurate look yet at the upcoming SUV.

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Toyota has been pretty tight-lipped since releasing a single teaser of the model in August 2023. Since then, the rumor mill has been working overtime, especially around the ladder-frame off-roader. Many believe it’s set to revive the FJ Cruiser nameplate, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed anything just yet.

Luckily, this drawing gives us something more concrete to chew on. While the patent was filed last year, it’s only just made its way into the public domain. We spruced up the image to improve the quality, but other than that, it’s what Toyota has decided to let us see.

What Does It Look Like?

The new image shows a compact SUV with a five-door configuration and a boxy, utilitarian stance. The profile and overall silhouette closely resemble the official teaser Toyota released, right down to the shape of the LED headlights.

Other design elements worth noting are the pronounced front fenders, thick C-pillars, and a rear end that’s almost comically vertical, complete with a full-size spare mounted on the tailgate.

The lower part of the body features unpainted plastic cladding that wraps around the bumpers, fenders, and side skirts, all classic off-road styling cues meant to hint at the SUV’s rugged capabilities.

Ground clearance looks to be quite generous as well. While patents often include placeholder wheels, it’s easy to imagine this model outfitted with some serious off-road tires.

How Big Will It Be?

Looking at the overall design, it’s clear that this model is a natural evolution of the 2021 Compact Cruiser EV concept, though it’s noticeably larger. Japanese reports suggest the production FJ Cruiser will stretch to around 4,500 mm (177.2 inches) in length, which places it firmly in the compact SUV segment.

Unlike the larger, pricier Land Cruiser 250 and 300 Series that ride on Toyota’s more refined TNGA-F platform, the FJ Cruiser will reportedly ride on the IMV-0 platform. This architecture is expected to be shared with the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner, and will likely feature some significant upgrades compared to the current Hilux Champ.

Built for the Rough Stuff

The FJ Cruiser’s ladder-frame chassis should make it ideal for off-road enthusiasts. This setup gives it a tangible advantage over unibody rivals like the Ford Bronco Sport, appealing to drivers who value trail performance more than urban comfort.

As for what will be powering this future off-roader, there’s a good chance the 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine will feature in at least some markets. Another likely option is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, already used in the Land Cruiser Prado, Hilux, and Fortuner, paired with a mild-hybrid system.

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In terms of transmission, the gas-powered version will likely get an six-speed automatic, while the diesel is expected to be mated to an eight-speed automatic. Regardless of the powertrain options, Toyota should keep things authentic with a standard 4WD system.

While there’s no confirming that the patent drawing reflects the final production design, it gives us an idea of what’s taking shape. Hopefully, Toyota shares a few more hints before the official debut.

As for timing, the new model is expected to be launched in Japan, and possibly other Asian markets, by mid 2026. Details on availability elsewhere, including North America and Europe, remain unclear, but we’d be shocked if Toyota chose not to bring it to those regions.