New 2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser Jumps From Behind the CGI Curtain

1 month, 1 week ago - 23 October 2025, autoevolution

Having been discontinued a few years ago, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is finally returning to the automotive world with a new generation that some say could debut as early as today (October 20, 2025).

Some Japanese outlets believe it is due at this month’s Japan Mobility Show, and a private preview for select media could take place a few hours from now. This means we could see the first official photos very soon, and we might also learn that the model could be christened the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

Rumors claim it could be built in Thailand, alongside the Toyota Hilux Champ, and it could share the same underpinnings as the pickup. Patent images hint at a utilitarian-looking body with boxy proportions, muscular wheel arches, side windows that somewhat remind us of its predecessor, LED headlights, Toyota’s lettering decorating the small grille, extremely thick rear pillars, and a full-size spare wheel attached to the tailgate (rear door).

Further enhancing its utilitarian nature is the plastic cladding on the lower parts of the body, and we also expect to see it with chunky tires wrapped around the wheels, on certain trim levels, anyway. The ground clearance will also be generous, so it will be able to venture quite far off the beaten path. More off-road-focused elements should also be on deck, and we believe it will have impressive (for such a thing) approach and departure angles.

Beneath the fresh skin could lie the IMV-0 platform, which should be the foundation stone of the upcoming Fortuner and Hilux. For reference, we will remind you that the Land Cruiser 250 and Land Cruiser 300 are based on the TNGA-F construction, which is more refined. A 2.8L turbodiesel and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit could be part of the powertrain family, and a standard four-wheel drive system looks extremely likely on the new ladder-frame SUV.

Japan and probably other markets within the region should get the all-new Toyota FJ Cruiser (Toyota Land Cruiser FJ) sometime next year, and it is yet unknown whether this model will also launch in the West. Fingers crossed that we will get it in North America, and we think we will, as we do not see why Toyota would keep it away from our market and from Europe.

Now, while we know what it will look like, for the most part anyway, it seems that AutoYa Interior on YouTube does not. The quoted rendering artist recently dropped a few digital illustrations of the future Toyota FJ Cruiser, and the styling is off for the most part. Still, we took this opportunity to remind you that the model could be just a few hours away, and we cannot wait to see it for the first time.