By Soumya Ranjan 
According to reports, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will go on sale worldwide in 2019 and may be positioned as a more cost-effective alternative to the Fortuner.
Originally rumored to make its debut this year, Toyota’s highly anticipated Land Cruiser FJ is now only anticipated to debut in 2026. Constructed on the adaptable IMV 0 platform, which also serves as the foundation for the Hilux Champ, this off-road SUV seeks to produce a more affordable alternative to the Fortuner, whose steadily rising price has turned off many buyers.
Toyota is able to experiment with more affordable and compact SUVs thanks to the IMV 0’s modularity, and the proposed FJ may be the result of that approach. Similar to the dual-headlight options on the global Land Cruiser 250, reports indicate a combination of retro and modern styling elements, including round headlamps and the potential for squared units.
According to specifications, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is approximately 4,550 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,860 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. We will have to wait and see what actually transpires, but that puts it in a similar footprint to the Corolla Cross but with more height, possibly providing a boxier silhouette and better off-road stanceAccording to reports, the FJ’s launch window has been pushed back to 2026 due to production delays for the LC 250 and canceled orders. A compelling choice in international markets, the entry-level model may have a sticker price of about 4 million yen (about Rs. 22.80 lakh) when it arrives, while fully-loaded models may be closer to 4.5 million yen (about Rs. 25.65 lakh). In the future, it might be taken into consideration for India.
A number of powertrains, including 2.0L and 2.7L gasoline engines and 1.5L and 2.8L diesel engines, are being conjectured on the mechanical front. The most likely option, though, appears to be Toyota’s 2TR 2.7L inline-four gasoline engine, which can generate up to 163 PS. The more powerful 1GD 2.8L diesel might not make the cut because of the delays surrounding the diesel LC 250.
According to reports, the Japanese automaker intends to keep the LC 250’s full-time 4WD system, which includes a Torsen limited-slip differential and well-known drive modes. These factors imply that even with a more affordable price point, the Land Cruiser FJ will maintain Toyota’s off-road philosophy and may be appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers.
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The starting price of the Land Rover Defender Octa is Rs 2.59 crore.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ seems to be a promising addition to the SUV market, especially with its focus on affordability and off-road capabilities. The delay in its debut until 2026 is disappointing, but it gives Toyota more time to refine the design and features. The retro-modern styling and variety of powertrain options are intriguing, catering to different consumer preferences. However, the pricing might still be a concern for some buyers, particularly in markets like India. Do you think the Land Cruiser FJ will manage to stand out in the crowded SUV segment despite the delays?
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ seems to be a highly anticipated addition to the off-road SUV market. Its delay to 2026 is disappointing but understandable given production challenges. The retro-modern design and modular IMV 0 platform make it a promising option for those seeking affordability and versatility. However, the pricing might still be a concern for some buyers. Will the FJ truly deliver on its promise of being a more accessible alternative to the Fortuner?
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is shaping up to be a promising addition to the off-road SUV market. Its modular IMV 0 platform allows for affordability without compromising on versatility. The retro-modern design elements, like the round headlamps, give it a unique charm. However, the delayed launch to 2026 is disappointing for eager fans. Will the final product live up to the high expectations set by its predecessors?
It’s exciting to see Toyota pushing boundaries with the Land Cruiser FJ, blending retro and modern designs. The delay to 2026 is disappointing, but it gives them time to refine the vehicle. The affordability compared to the Fortuner could make it a hit in international markets. The variety of powertrains being considered shows Toyota’s commitment to versatility. Do you think the FJ will live up to the Land Cruiser legacy?