Get your tissues ready, SUV lovers, because Toyota has finally revealed its new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ – the cute little “baby” off-roader we’ve all been waiting for. And then… of course, we won’t get it. At least not in America or Europe, where our off-road appetites are clearly too big or too “premium” for this cute SUV.
But let's go in order. New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ2026, which Toyota will premiere at this year's Japan Mobility Show, is almost 28 centimeters shorter than his bigger brother, Land Cruiser 250. So if you ever wanted Land Cruiser, which you can also park in the city garage, this is IT – well, if you happen to be Japanese.
Technical desserts for enthusiasts (and those who like to measure the length of SUVs)
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2026 shares its platform with the Toyota Hilux Champ – another model that we don’t know in the US (and here). At 4.58 meters long, 1.85 meters high and 1.96 meters wide, it’s actually ideal for urban and rural adventures. The wheelbase is 2.58 meters – meaning there’s just enough room for all your adventurous plans (or at least a few Ikea boxes).
Under the hood is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 161 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque. Drivetrain? Classic part-time four-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox. Admittedly, it's not exactly a beast, but it's enough for those who like to boast that they have a "real SUV", even though they prefer to drive it on dirt roads to the nearby organic market.
Why won't we Americans (and Europeans) get it?
Masaya Uchiyama, chief engineer, told Automotive News coolly, “There are no plans for America or Europe.” So if you were hoping to impress your neighbors with it, you’ll have to expand your mini SUV collection only in your dreams (or in Japan).
Flexibility and design: retro chic with a modern twist
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2026 is, like the Hilux Champ, fully customizable. MOLLE panels for attaching gear, removable corner bumpers (because we know that accidents happen right where the wallet hurts), even a snorkel for serious water adventures – it’s all available. And while it’s not the most powerful, it’s certainly one of the most “repairable” SUVs on the market. Who would have thought that “replaceable bumpers” would become a selling point?
Design? The classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ boxy shape that we recognize from larger Land Cruisers, with round headlights, chunky fenders, and a spare tire in the back. The interior is, well, typical Toyota: a large gear knob, an upright screen, and a dashboard that could easily be mistaken for one from any other Toyota SUV. But hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
What about the future? Land Hopper – an electric cousin from the future
Toyota is also developing the Land Hopper, an electric SUV that is expected to go “further than the Land Cruiser.” When? No one knows, but it sounds futuristic enough to keep us dreaming about it for a few more years.
When, where and how?
Toyota is only revealing basic technical details about the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ for now. The first examples will not be available for Japanese customers until mid-2026, and the public will first admire it at the end of this month at the Japan Mobility Show.
Conclusion: Mini Land Cruiser, a maxi disappointment for Europe and the USA
Although the new Land Cruiser FJ may be the cutest SUV of recent years, it remains just another one of those automotive stories that Europeans will follow from a safe distance – and with a hint of envy. But hey, maybe Toyota will surprise us and send us a “baby” on our roads one day. Until then… let’s keep dreaming!
