Enthusiasts and off-road adventurers have been buzzing with anticipation since Toyota subtly hinted at a new boxy SUV alongside the Land Cruiser 2023 debut. While official confirmation remains elusive, strong indicators suggest this could very well be the revival of a beloved icon: the Toyota FJ Cruiser, potentially as a 2024 or 2025 model. Although Toyota has remained tight-lipped about this potential model, mounting evidence points towards a smaller, more accessible Land Cruiser variant aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts.
Emerging trademark filings and insightful interpretations suggest Toyota’s strategic move to broaden its Land Cruiser lineage into a more prominent brand, mirroring the successful expansions seen with the Crown and Crown Signia. Details surrounding this new SUV are still emerging and some conflicting reports create an air of mystery around its final form and powertrain.
Despite the uncertainty, the possibility of a new FJ Cruiser, or a similarly named compact off-road vehicle, appearing as early as this year is very real. Let’s delve into what we’ve gathered so far about the highly anticipated Toyota Fj Cruiser 2024.
Remembering the Original Toyota FJ Cruiser
The original FJ Cruiser was a distinctive off-road SUV produced by Toyota in the US from 2007 to 2014. Instantly recognizable with its retro styling and signature white roof on most models, it carved a niche for itself in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. Under the hood, a robust 4.0-liter V-6 engine powered the FJ, initially delivering 239 horsepower (2007-2009) and later increased to 260 horsepower for the remainder of its production run.
Transmission options included a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, catering to different driving preferences. It came standard with all-wheel drive and Toyota’s advanced A-Trac traction control system, effectively mimicking a locking differential to enhance off-road traction. In terms of capability, the FJ Cruiser was designed to be a strong competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, offering comparable off-road prowess.
Today, the FJ Cruiser enjoys a cult classic status. Finding a well-maintained used model at a reasonable price has become a challenging endeavor, reflecting its enduring popularity. Rumors about its potential comeback have circulated for years, and it seems Toyota might finally be poised to resurrect this rugged nameplate, either for a direct successor or as inspiration for an entirely new off-road model.
Potential Names: FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser FJ, or Compact Cruiser?
The exact name for this new off-roader remains uncertain. While “FJ Cruiser” is a strong contender given its legacy and fan base, Toyota might explore variations or entirely new names. The original FJ Cruiser nameplate’s departure from the US market in 2014 leaves the door open for a direct revival. However, Toyota might also leverage the “Cruiser” name in innovative ways, potentially as a broader sub-brand for off-road vehicles.
The “Compact Cruiser EV” concept unveiled in 2021 showcased another potential direction. While the “EV” suffix might be dropped if a combustion engine is used, “Compact Cruiser” itself could stick. However, a trademark filing in November 2023 for “Land Cruiser FJ” strongly suggests Toyota’s intention to keep the iconic “FJ” within its Land Cruiser family, possibly signaling a “Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2024” or similar naming convention.
Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer, Simon Humphries, indicated last year their desire to make the Cruiser line “more affordable” and “within reach of even more people around the world,” without compromising its core appeal. A smaller Land Cruiser FJ model would perfectly align with this objective.
Powertrain Speculation: Hybrid, Gasoline, or Electric Toyota FJ Cruiser 2024?
The Compact Cruiser EV concept initially suggested a fully electric powertrain for a potential new FJ model. However, reports in 2022 indicated a possible shift away from this all-electric direction, casting doubt on an immediate electric FJ Cruiser.
Later in 2023, reports emerged suggesting that the FJ revival would launch with gasoline and hybrid powertrain options. A battery-electric version might follow later, aligning with Toyota’s revised strategy of pacing the introduction of new EVs in a developing market.
The new Land Cruiser and Tacoma pickup share a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 326 hp in the Land Cruiser. Toyota possesses a range of smaller engines that could be suitable for a new FJ, but the 2.4-liter turbo appears to be a prime candidate, potentially in both gasoline and hybrid configurations for the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2024.
Design and Styling: Retro with a Modern Twist
The teaser image released by Toyota hints at a small, boxy SUV. While it may not possess the exact same ground clearance as the original FJ Cruiser, it appears to draw styling inspiration from the Compact Cruiser EV concept. This suggests a blend of retro and modern design elements for the new FJ.
The Compact Cruiser EV concept serves as a strong design blueprint for a new FJ Cruiser. It features aggressive, squared-off proportions and retro touches, including the prominent “Toyota” wordmark across the grille and rear bumper. The rendering pictured above provides a visual interpretation of a potential new FJ Cruiser based on the Compact Cruiser design language, suggesting a familiar yet updated aesthetic for the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2024.
Platform Possibilities: TNGA-F or a Budget-Friendly Alternative?
While the idea of a compact, boxy, and affordable off-roader is exciting, the underlying platform remains a key question. Toyota’s current lineup lacks a dedicated compact off-road platform to readily underpin such a model.
Initial reports suggested the new FJ might utilize the robust TNGA-F architecture, shared with the new Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and Tundra. However, more recent rumors propose an alternative: adopting the platform from Toyota’s budget-friendly pickup truck launched in Thailand.
While a basic, rugged platform could be appealing, it might be too rudimentary for US consumer expectations. American buyers would likely demand a more refined and road-friendly vehicle. Therefore, the TNGA-F platform remains the more probable choice for the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2024, offering a balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort.
Expected Price Point: More Accessible than the Land Cruiser
If Toyota aims to broaden the Land Cruiser appeal and reach a wider audience, a smaller FJ Cruiser variant would logically be positioned at a lower price point. With the 2025 Land Cruiser starting at $58,150, there’s ample room for a more affordable off-road SUV to slot beneath it in Toyota’s lineup. This suggests a competitive starting price for the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2024, making it a more accessible entry point to the Land Cruiser family.
Anticipated Release Date: 2025 or 2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Initially, production of the new FJ Cruiser was rumored to begin in late 2024. However, recent reports from Japan’s Best Car indicate a potential delay, pushing the debut to later in 2025. These reports suggest a possible unveiling this fall, with the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2024 (or potentially 2025 model) arriving at dealerships worldwide, including North America, in 2026. It’s important to note that these timelines are still speculative and subject to change.
More on the FJ Cruiser Revival:
Toyota Electric Crown and FJ Cruiser Reportedly Halted
Another Toyota FJ Cruiser Final Edition Emerges for the Middle East
Image Gallery: New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Rendering
New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Rendering
