TOYOTA INTRODUCES THE ALL-NEW LAND CRUISER FJ

A Compact Land Cruiser Built for a New Generation of Adventure

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is proud to introduce the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, marking a bold new chapter in the legendary Land Cruiser story. Designed to bring the spirit of freedom, exploration and authentic adventure to a broader generation of customers, the Land Cruiser FJ expands Toyota’s iconic off-road family with a compact yet highly capable model that combines everyday usability with genuine Land Cruiser toughness.

Joining the existing Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series line-up, the Land Cruiser FJ was developed around the concept of “Freedom & Joy”. It was created for people who value experiences over routine, customers who want the confidence to go anywhere, whether navigating city streets during the week or escaping to the mountains, bushveld or coastline over weekends.

The result is a vehicle that captures the essence of Land Cruiser reliability, durability and off-road capability, while introducing a more agile, youthful and lifestyle-oriented approach to adventure motoring.

Expanding the Land Cruiser Family

South Africa has long been one of the world’s most loyal and passionate Land Cruiser markets, with generations of customers relying on the nameplate across farms, game reserves, mining operations, overlanding expeditions and family adventures alike.

The arrival of the Land Cruiser FJ comes at a significant moment in the local market, where demand for authentic lifestyle SUVs continues to grow rapidly. While the segment has become increasingly crowded with trend-driven competitors, the Land Cruiser FJ enters the market with something few rivals can claim: true Land Cruiser DNA.

Unlike many modern SUVs that simply borrow rugged styling cues, the Land Cruiser FJ has been engineered from the ground up to deliver authentic off-road performance and durability without sacrificing comfort, refinement or practicality. Compact enough for urban life yet capable enough for serious exploration, the Land Cruiser FJ introduces a fresh dimension to Toyota’s SUV portfolio.

Built on Land Cruiser Heritage

The Land Cruiser legacy began in 1951 with the original BJ model and has since grown into one of the world’s most respected and enduring automotive nameplates.

With cumulative global sales exceeding 12.4 million units across more than 190 countries and regions, the Land Cruiser has earned its reputation by enabling people to travel confidently into some of the world’s harshest environments and return safely.

Over the decades, the Land Cruiser has evolved through iconic models such as the FJ40, 70 Series, Prado and Land Cruiser 300. The new Land Cruiser FJ continues this evolution by introducing a more accessible and versatile interpretation of the Land Cruiser formula.

Toyota’s objective was simple yet ambitious: to create a Land Cruiser that allows even more customers to experience the freedom and confidence associated with the badge.

Compact Dimensions, Serious Capability

While the Land Cruiser FJ introduces a more compact footprint to the Land Cruiser family, it remains uncompromising in its engineering philosophy.

At the core of the vehicle is a highly durable ladder-frame platform, one of the defining characteristics of authentic Land Cruiser models. Derived from the proven IMV architecture and extensively refined for the Land Cruiser FJ, the chassis delivers the strength, reliability and torsional rigidity required for demanding off-road conditions.

A shorter wheelbase, additional structural bracing and extensive use of high-tensile steel further enhance rigidity, stability and ride comfort. The Land Cruiser FJ measures 4 575 mm in length, 1 855 mm in width and has a wheelbase of 2 580 mm. Compared to the Land Cruiser Prado, the FJ is 350 mm shorter, 125 mm narrower and has a wheelbase that is 270 mm shorter.

This compact footprint delivers exceptional manoeuvrability, including a turning radius of just 5.5 metres, making the vehicle equally comfortable in tight urban environments and narrow off-road trails.

Toyota engineers also focused extensively on maintaining the off-road geometry expected of a Land Cruiser. The FJ achieves impressive ground clearance and approach and departure angles. This allows the tyres to maintain contact with uneven terrain for improved traction and control.

Rugged Design Meets Modern Character

The Land Cruiser FJ’s exterior design blends classic Land Cruiser proportions with modern detailing and a playful sense of personality. The signature square cabin silhouette remains central to the design philosophy, maximising visibility, practicality and cargo capacity while paying tribute to generations of Land Cruiser models before it.

Strong horizontal lines, flared fenders and a wide stance create a sense of durability and planted confidence, while subtle design elements inspired by dice motifs introduce a more youthful and adventurous character.

At the front, the Land Cruiser FJ features a bold TOYOTA heritage grille, high-mounted square LED headlamps, rugged multi-split bumpers, durable skid plates and prominent fender detailing.

The segmented front and rear bumper design improves repairability by allowing individual sections to be replaced if damaged during off-road driving. The side profile combines clean geometric surfaces with practical functionality. A lowered belt line improves visibility during technical off-road driving, while black roof rails, removable side steps and protective cladding reinforce the vehicle’s adventurous purpose.

At the rear, the Land Cruiser FJ embraces classic off-road design cues with a rear-mounted spare wheel and side-opening rear door, a practical solution that maximises cargo space while enhancing the vehicle’s rugged appearance. The Land Cruiser FJ is available in a range of expressive exterior colours, including Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Ash Grey, Calcite Blue and Oxide Bronze.

A Functional and Versatile Cabin

Inside, the Land Cruiser FJ introduces a cabin concept Toyota describes as “Functional Fun”, an environment designed to make every journey intuitive, comfortable and engaging.

The cockpit prioritises visibility, ergonomics and ease of operation. A horizontal dashboard layout allows drivers to easily recognise vehicle posture during off-road driving, while physical controls and grouped switchgear minimise distraction and improve usability in demanding conditions.

Interior highlights include an 8-inch Display Audio system, a 7-inch TFT multi-information display, a wide centre console, multiple utility storage areas, knee pads for off-road comfort, a low-set instrument panel for improved visibility and intuitively positioned controls and shift lever placement.

The Land Cruiser FJ features a practical five-seat layout with redesigned split-folding rear seats that slide and recline to maximise versatility. Despite its compact dimensions, the vehicle offers generous luggage space, making it highly suitable for active lifestyles, camping trips and outdoor travel.

The GX grade features durable fabric upholstery, while the VX grade receives premium synthetic leather trim and additional convenience features.

Engineered for Confidence

True to the Land Cruiser name, the FJ has been engineered to inspire confidence across virtually every driving surface. The suspension setup consists of high-mount double wishbone front suspension and a four-link rigid rear suspension with a lateral rod. Together, these systems deliver an effective balance between off-road articulation, ride comfort, high-speed stability and precise handling control.

Toyota also paid significant attention to ride refinement and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression. Additional spot welding, improved damping materials, enhanced insulation and aerodynamic optimisation contribute to a more refined and quieter cabin experience.

Proven Performance and Everyday Practicality

Powering the Land Cruiser FJ is Toyota’s proven naturally aspirated 2.7-litre 2TR-FE petrol engine, producing 122 kW at 5 200 rpm and 245 Nm at 4 000 rpm. The engine is paired with a compact and highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission featuring Toyota’s Super ECT technology.

The drivetrain has been specifically calibrated to deliver smooth low-speed drivability, improved downhill control, enhanced throttle response, strong off-road traction and relaxed highway cruising. A lower first gear improves climbing and traction performance, while a taller sixth gear supports fuel efficiency and reduced engine strain during long-distance travel. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.7 L/100 km.

Authentic Four-Wheel-Drive Capability

The Land Cruiser FJ adopts a part-time four-wheel-drive system with selectable H4 and L4 modes, ensuring confident traction across sand, mud, rocks, dirt and other low-grip surfaces.

Off-road technologies include a rear differential lock, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), ECT 2nd mode and Vehicle Stability Control.

The vehicle also benefits from LC Prado-derived front drivetrain components and a lightweight Fortuner-based propeller shaft to optimise durability, packaging and performance. Together, these systems deliver the kind of robust capability expected from a vehicle carrying the Land Cruiser badge.

Two Distinct Grade Options

While both models share the same rugged mechanical foundation, proven 2.7-litre petrol engine, part-time 4WD system and authentic Land Cruiser DNA, the differences between the two grades come down to styling, comfort, convenience and advanced safety technology.

Regardless of grade, both derivatives come standard with seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Downhill Assist Control, a full-size spare wheel and an 8-inch multimedia display with six speakers.

The GX positions itself as the more rugged and traditional Land Cruiser derivative. Visually, it leans into the model’s utilitarian roots with black exterior detailing, including black bumper mouldings and a matte black lower front guard. It rides on 17-inch dark grey metallic alloy wheels and features LED headlamps with manual levelling.

Inside, the GX continues that practical theme with durable black fabric upholstery, resin interior detailing and a urethane steering wheel. The cabin remains highly functional and adventure-focused, designed for customers who prioritise durability, simplicity and ease of ownership.

The GX is likely to resonate strongly with traditional Land Cruiser buyers, overlanding enthusiasts and customers who want a more mechanical, authentic off-road SUV without unnecessary complexity. It also serves as an ideal base for accessory upgrades and custom adventure builds.

The VX, meanwhile, introduces a more premium and lifestyle-oriented interpretation of the Land Cruiser FJ formula. While it retains the same off-road capability, the VX adds more refinement, upgraded finishes and advanced driver assistance technologies aimed at a younger, more urban-focused customer.

On the outside, the VX distinguishes itself through premium detailing, including a silver lower front guard and larger 18-inch black alloy wheels that create a more upscale appearance. It also gains LED headlamps with auto levelling and Adaptive High Beam System technology for improved night-time visibility.

The cabin of the VX receives a noticeable uplift in perceived quality. Black synthetic leather upholstery replaces the GX’s fabric seats, while synthetic leather detailing and a leather steering wheel contribute to a more premium atmosphere.

The biggest distinction between the two grades lies in safety and technology specification. The VX is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, adding a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that are not available on the GX. These include a Pre-Collision System, Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High Beam System.

The VX also gains Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor and enhanced Parking Support Brake functionality, making it the more technologically advanced derivative in the range.

Designed for Personalisation

Recognising that modern adventure vehicles are increasingly an extension of personal lifestyle and identity, Toyota has developed a comprehensive range of accessory options in collaboration with ARB and Toyota Genuine Accessories.

Available accessories include a snorkel, roof rails, skid plates, spare wheel garnish, mud flaps, side moulding garnish, luggage tray and a 12.3-inch Display Audio upgrade.

The Land Cruiser FJ’s modular and highly customisable design philosophy allows customers to tailor the vehicle to suit their individual lifestyles, whether for urban commuting, overlanding or outdoor adventure.

A New Generation of Customer

Toyota describes the target Land Cruiser FJ customer as a “Wayfarer”, adventurous individuals seeking freedom, exploration and authentic experiences.

Typically younger buyers between the ages of 30 and 45, these customers value flexibility, individuality and meaningful experiences. Many are second-generation Land Cruiser enthusiasts who grew up with the brand and appreciate its heritage while embracing modern technology and contemporary lifestyles.

Continuing the Land Cruiser Legacy

Under Toyota’s global “TO YOU” philosophy, the Land Cruiser will continue evolving to meet changing customer needs and societal demands while remaining true to its core values of reliability, durability and capability.

With the arrival of the Land Cruiser FJ, Toyota introduces a compelling new gateway into the Land Cruiser family, one that blends heritage, authenticity and adventure into a compact package built for modern South African lifestyles.

Whether navigating the city, crossing the Karoo, exploring coastal trails or venturing deep into the bush, the all-new Land Cruiser FJ is designed to deliver exactly what its concept promises: freedom and joy.

Model Line-Up and Pricing

The Land Cruiser FJ launches in South Africa with a two-model strategy:

Peace of Mind

All Toyota Land Cruiser FJ models are sold with a 9-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals at 10 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions are available through Toyota’s national dealer network.

Connected Services

All Toyota owners can register for a MyToyota profile, providing convenient access to vehicle information and services. In addition, all new Toyota vehicles are equipped with connectivity hardware, enabling in-car WiFi (including a complimentary 25GB allocation) and a suite of Toyota Connect services.