Land Cruiser FJ - Toyota Fortuner Platform, Design Inspired by LC Prado

The made-in-India 5-door Suzuki Jimny has recently debuted in Japan. The SUV received massive response with over 50,000 orders placed in just 4 days. The SUV already commands a huge waiting period, suggesting huge demand for compact off-roaders. Interestingly, Toyota is getting ready with its new entry-level off-roader; rumoured to be called the Land Cruiser FJ. 

Japanese media reports that the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will be based on a ladder-frame chassis, hinting towards proper off-road credentials. The new SUV is expected to make global debut by mid-2025 with possible launch around late this year or early 2026. 

Design Inspired by Land Cruiser Prado

It is reported that the styling of the Land Cruiser FJ will be inspired by the new LC Prado or LC 250. Toyota had showcased the "Compact Cruiser EV" in December 2021. The production model will be significantly different from the concept and will have more road-legal design. 

The FJ Cruiser will have differently styled fenders, door mirror covers and bonnet air intakes. The SUV could get round headlamp setup; however, Toyota could use the square-shaped headlights which we have already seen on the LC 250.

IMV 0 platform

It was speculated that Toyota will position the new SUV as a mini Fortuner. The new LC FJ will be based on the ladder-frame chassis. It was speculated that the new model could use the sturdy GA-F platform of the LC 250 or LC 300; that's not happening. Instead, Toyota opts for the IMV 0 platform to develop the new SUV. This is the same platform that underpins the "Hilux Champ", which was introduced in 2023.

The IMV 0 is basically the low-cost variant of the IMV ladder-frame architecture, which underpins the Toyota Fortuner and the Innova Crysta. The next-gen Fortuner is reportedly to be based on the GA-F platform, while the new SUV will come as a more affordable SUV. 

For people not in the know, the IMV series was developed under the direction of Toyota Akio, chairman Toyota. The company will develop three pickup trucks, a minivan and an SUV on this platform. 

4.5 Meters Long SUV

The new Land Cruiser FJ is expected to measure around 4500mm in length, 1830mm in width, 1850mm in height, and has a wheelbase of around 2750mm. This is similar to the Corolla Cross on sale in select international markets. 

The new Land Cruiser FJ will be sold in markets where Corolla Cross not on sale. The LC 300 and LC 250 measures over 4.9 meters in length. 

Land Cruiser FJ - What's Under The Hood?

The new SUV is reportedly to share the engine options with the Fortuner SUV. It could get a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a mild-hybrid setup. The SUV could use a single 2TR type inline 4, 2.7L petrol engine that churns out 163 PS and 246Nm of torque. Toyota could also use the 1.5L diesel engine to power the new mid-sized SUV.

The SUV will get the same Torsen LSD full-time 4WD system, which we have already seen on the Land Cruiser 250. Adding to it, the SUV will have drive modes ensuring good off-road performance.

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