Doubts Over ‘Mini’ Toyota LandCruiser FJ for Australia

The Toyota LandCruiser FJ is expected to be unveiled later this year, offering buyers the off-road capability of a LandCruiser – but with compact dimensions.

Codenamed ‘500D’, the LandCruiser FJ is said to be based on the HiLux Champ (below)– a commercial ute designed by Toyota for markets in Southeast Asia – with the four-wheel-drive created to compete with the Suzuki Jimny.

However, being the HiLux Champ – known in some markets as the HiLux Rangga – was produced for developing markets, the ute was never meant to meet Australia’s stringent design standards.

Toyota has yet to reveal the LandCruiser FJ, though given its roots, it may not have been developed with advanced safety technology required under the Australian Design Rules – casting doubt on whether locally buyers will get access to the small off-roader.

From 1 April 2023, all new vehicles launched in Australia are required to be fitted with automated emergency braking (AEB) – a feature the HiLux Champ doesn’t have.

According to overseas reports, the LandCruiser FJ is said to have a wheelbase of approximately 2580mm – or 60mm shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Curiously, while the HiLux Champ is available with a 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre petrol engine, as well as a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, some sources report the LandCruiser FJ will come with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine found in the Australian-market HiLux and LandCruiser Prado.

It’s believed the LandCruiser FJ’s design was previewed with the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV (above), first unveiled in December 2021.

However, Toyota appears to have taken its time naming the model – with the Lite Cruiser and Yaris Cruiser badges seen on digital renderings made by the Japanese car giant – before eventually trademarking the LandCruiser FJ name.

This digital illustrations created by Japan’s BestCar magazine (above)provide an idea of what the model could look like.

Unconfirmed reports claim the Toyota LandCruiser FJ will be unveiled in 2025, with production expected to begin in 2026.