In recent years, Toyota has impressed enthusiasts with models like the GR Yaris and Supra. Now, the Land Cruiser FJ emerges as a potentially more thrilling addition, offering a compact, affordable, and capable alternative to the full-sized Land Cruiser.
The FJ has just gone on sale in Japan, joining the Land Cruiser 300, 250 and 70 Series. It is 4,575mm long, with a wheelbase 270mm shorter than the 250’s, allowing for a tight 5.5-metre turning circle. This compact size makes it easier to use around town as well as on narrow trails, giving it a unique advantage over larger SUVs.
The FJ is not just a regular SUV, as it uses a ladder-frame platform, has part-time four-wheel drive, and has been developed with serious off-road ability in mind. Its wheel articulation is comparable with the Land Cruiser 70 Series, while its ground clearance and approach angle match the bigger 250. The FJ’s design and capabilities are a sign of Toyota’s understanding of the appeal of a fun, relatively simple performance car, as seen in the GR Yaris, Supra, and GR86.
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The FJ’s design is rugged and characterful, with an upright body, squared-off arches, and a rear-mounted spare wheel. Optional round headlights add a bit of old-school charm, and the corner bumpers are made in removable sections for easy replacement after an off-road scrape. This attention to detail and focus on functionality make the FJ stand out from other modern SUVs.
The Japanese-market car uses a naturally aspirated 2.7-litre petrol engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox. While it may not be high-tech, the Land Cruiser FJ’s compact and rugged design makes most modern SUVs look dull. The FJ’s simplicity is part of its appeal, as it doesn’t try to do everything, instead focusing on being a capable and characterful 4×4.
