2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.
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These new images from Japan show what is believed to finally be Toyota’s smaller Land Cruiser model.
The design is pretty much what we expected after seeing the Compact Cruiser concept back in 2021. And especially the teaser shown at the 2024 Land Cruiser reveal. Which showed upcoming models, including the smaller truck.
The rumors of a smaller, more compact Land Cruiser model from Toyota started a few years ago. Something like this could end up being quite popular and give some competition to the Ford Bronco Sport. A new small Toyota SUV would probably come with a standard Hybrid powertrain, at least in the US and Europe. Toyota has plenty to choose from.
It could also be a bit smaller than the RAV4, but not necessarily cheaper, since Toyota seems to be charging quite a bit these days for their off-road vehicles. Even the super basic “cheapo” Tacoma pickup starts at over $31,000. Which is more than the base version of the RAV4.
The new compact off-road model is also rumored to be based on the recent Toyota Hilux Champ truck (2nd and 3rd image). The Hilux Champ is an entry-level pickup using a ladder frame. If it looks cheap, that’s because it is. It starts at around $13,000 in Thailand.
The Hilux Champ is not really a regular consumer truck, it is mostly used as a cheap work truck. Designing a much more consumer-friendly SUV shape using this inexpensive platform could allow Toyota to achieve a good profit margin on its new compact off-road SUV, especially in North America, where these off-road Toyotas are becoming very pricey. The new model is expected to start at around $35,000 in the US.
If priced right, something like this could have huge potential in the US.
The images above show an attractive off-road-looking compact SUV. Something people seem to be craving these days.