Toyota Land Cruiser FJ - Project 500D October 2025 Debut, Key Details Out

It is no secret that Toyota is preparing an all-new compact off-roader under its iconic Land Cruiser nameplate. Internally called the Project 500D, the new lifestyle off-roader is likely to be called the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ or the FJ Cruiser. It will be the smallest and most affordable Land Cruiser and will be sold in developing countries. 

Debut in October 2025

It is expected that the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will make its global debut in October 2025. The SUV could be revealed at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, while a launch is expected in the first half of 2026. The SUV is reportedly the first to be launched in Thailand. 

Body-on-Frame SUV

Toyota believes that there is a good demand for a compact, boxy, off-road SUV built on the ladder-frame chassis. The new SUV will target customers who enjoy traveling and adventures, but do not have the budget to opt for the regular Land Cruiser models, including the LC300 and LC250. 

The new Toyota FJ Cruiser will be based on the IMV 0 platform that underpins the Hilux Champ. This is basically the heavily modified version of the IMV platform that underpins the Fortuner and Toyota Hilux lifestyle pick-up. The name Land Cruiser FJ is expected to be used to pay homage to the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, the legendary first 4x4 vehicle from Toyota in 1951. The Japanese brand earlier used the FJ code with a lifestyle SUV, the FJ Cruiser, which was sold in North America and Japan between 2006 and 2022. 

Design Inspired by Larger Land Cruiser

It is expected that the Land Cruiser FJ styling will be inspired by the larger Land Cruiser 300 and the Prado. The SUV could also share the design with the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV Prototype, which was revealed in 2022. The leaked patent images suggest that the 5-door compact SUV will have a boxy, utilitarian shape. It will come with strong front fenders, thick C-pillars, and a vertical rear end with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. 

The Japanese media report that the new FJ Cruiser will measure around 4,410mm in length, 1,855mm in width and 1,870mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,580mm. It will have a water wading capacity of 800 mm. 

The new Land Cruiser FJ cabin will have similarities with the Hilux, but it will be more modern and feature-loaded. Toyota is likely to use better quality materials and offer improved fit and finish along with improved NVH levels. It is also reported that the SUV will have off-road equipment along with a 360-degree camera, which will also capture images of the area under the car. This will help drivers to see the road conditions while off-roading. 

The Land Cruiser FJ will have a full time 4WD 4-wheel drive system that distributes torque to the front and rear wheels at a ratio of 40:60 along with a centre differential and a torsen LSD rear axle for improved driving performance on rough roads. It will have multiple driving modes, including ECO/NORMAL and Sport. 

The new FJ Cruiser is likely to be powered by a 2.7L, 4-cylinder 2TR-FE petrol engine, which also powers the That-spec Hilux Champ. This engine produces 161bhp and 246Nm of torque, and is paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In select markets, the SUV could also get a 2.0L turbo diesel engine. 

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