If there’s one thing Toyota loves it’s reviving the chassis codes of past successes and making them full-blown model names. It did that with the FJ40-inspired FJ Cruiser back in 2007, then the AE86-inspired Toyota 86 in 2012. Now Toyota has trademarked the name “Land Cruiser FJ” in Japan. Could it be the spiritual successor of the FJ Cruiser?
Toyota has been hinting at a small but rugged SUV for some time now. It even teased what appeared to be a short wheelbase variant at the launch of the Land Cruiser 250 earlier this year (lead photo). There is much speculation that the Land Cruiser FJ trademark, as discovered by users of the Land Cruiser Forum, will be the name for such a vehicle.
Going by the looks of the silhouette in the teaser, it would be a two-door vehicle, similar in concept to the FJ40. Toyota has continued the tradition of short wheelbase Land Cruisers in the 70 and 90 series, though neither were sold in the US. This mini Land Cruiser is rumored to cast a smaller shadow than the Corolla Cross and come with two drivetrains, a hybrid 2.0-liter inline-four, and a fully electric variant. Whether it will be a unibody vehicle or a hard core ladder frame SUV is unknown.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that this car will come to fruition at all. But if it did, it would be a follow up to the FJ Cruiser, which only recently ended production after exiting the US market in 2014.
I don’t consider the 86 a successor to the AE86 Corolla. With an underpowered troublesome Subaru motor, the only true successor is the GR Corolla. If you’re going to go is the success of a legacy model, then make it from that model.
My hope is that if this comes to the US market that it will have a removable top to challenge the Jeep Wrangler & Ford Bronco.
I totally agree with your statement. I’m a huge Toyota guy I’m on my 7th 4RUNNER and love it. Toyota just needs a few small tweaks to take over.
I hope it gives us something that’s as strong as the crv I had, the original 97 model. I put 211,000 on it and it’s still going strong. Bit the us market needs something as well as the other land cruisers , something affordable!
I would love to but ands own a FJ cruiser but I can’t find one anywhere
I have two FJ Cruiser 2007 and 2014.
I will be glad if FJ Cruiser ome back to the US market.
hello I’ve had to land cruisers a 1971 and a 1978 I’ve been in love with the land cruisers my whole life to me that vehicle is the ultimate of road vehicle there was nothing that could even come close, i would be head over heels to have another one thx for reading Tommy
hello I’ve had to land cruisers a 1971 and a 1978 I’ve been in love with the land cruisers my whole life to me that vehicle is the ultimate of road vehicle there was nothing that could even come close, i would be head over heels to have another one thx for reading Tommy
I hope the Japanese consider the us consumer market a healthy one. I am 75 and own a 1997 honda crv with 211,000 miles, still running smooth as ever and never had a major breakdown. I am now searching for a new vehicle that will do as good or better than the crv.
I have had my FJ Cruiser for 7yrs with 225890 miles on it. And still running good. I wouldn’t trade her for the world
I had hopes for the FJ Cruiser, but thought that it was a mistake to round the angles of the original 2-door Land Cruiser brought to the U.S. in the ’70s. That styling was and is classic.