How about a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ for North America?

Toyota recently revealed its long-awaited compact Land Cruiser FJ. However, it was quickly obvious the new truck would not make it to our shores. It will be built in Thailand starting next year and will be exported to a few Asian countries, Latin America, and the Middle East. but not here or in Europe.

I personally think it just looks too goofy (too tall and narrow) and super cheap for our market. It is based on the IMV platform used by the Toyota Hilux pickup. That platform is also over 20 years old.

And yet, a smaller Land Cruiser model would still work very well here and in Europe. The illustration above shows what a more specific Compact Toyota Land Cruiser model could look like. One that would compete directly against the Ford Bronco Sport in North America. As well s the new Jeep Compass, over here and in Europe. A smaller model would also have to be quite a bit cheaper than the new 4Runner. Which shouldn’t be a problem since there is plenty of room under the $42,000 4 Runner base price. The Ford Bronco Sport starts at under $32,000.

A North American-specific Toyota Land Cruiser FJ would also probably offer a standard hybrid powertrain. Since it seems to be the Toyota trend in the US right now. The Sienna, Camry, and 2026 RAV4 all come with a hybrid as standard.

The Ford Bronco Sport came out in 2021 and was a fantastic idea. And a pretty popular too, with around 125,000 sold last year. I am still surprised that basically no one has stepped up with a competitor. After over 4 years, there is nothing like it from GM. And even Toyota. Or anyone else. Even Jeep! The new Compass should have had a more retro off-road design.

As the captain of the “Get off my lawn patrol”, that’s my rant for the day, I guess…