Toyota has retrieved the FJ Cruiser name, but is not expected to see it in the United States or Europe. The 2026 Land Cruiser FJ, which is a compact and rugged SUV, will be built in Thailand and sold exclusively in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Fans of the classic FJ Cruiser, which ended production in America in 2014 but survived in other regions until 2022, will have to look elsewhere if they live in the West.
The new FJ Cruiser carries the same bold and muscular design that made the original SUV so famous and popular. It is a combination of squared-off, back-to-basics look with modern touches which gives it an attractive and capable off-road appeal. Toyota aims to offer a more practical SUV for markets where there is strong demand for durable, affordable off-road cars.
At the heart or under the hood, the FJ Cruiser is equipped with a familiar 2.7-liter 2TR-FE naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 161 horsepower and 246 Nm of torque which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV features part-time four-wheel drive for off-road adventures. Despite being smaller than the Land Cruiser 250 and 300 Series, the FJ weighs around 1,900 kg which is about 300 kg lighter than the 250 Series that makes it more compatible for city and off-road driving.
The new model rides on Toyota’s updated IMV platform, which supports a sturdy, reliable chassis while keeping production costs low. Design elements take the inspiration from Toyota’s 2021 Compact Cruiser EV concept which blends modern style cues with the classic FJ’s adventurous character.
According to Carscoops, Toyota confirmed that exporting the FJ to America or Europe is unlikely due to high tariffs and pricing challenges. “There are no plans for America or Europe,” said Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama, highlighting that the SUV will primarily target the “global South.” Importing from Thailand to the US would add a 19% tariff which will eventually make it far more expensive than Toyota intends.
The 2026 Land Cruiser FJ represents Toyota’s commitment to off-road vehicles for markets where ruggedness and reliability matter a lot. It may be smaller in size than other Land Cruisers, but its bold design, capable drivetrain and classic FJ spirit promise a fun and practical SUV for adventure-loving buyers.