At the global debut of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the brand had teased an upcoming rugged SUV by showing a boxy silhouette. Now, fresh patent images pointing at the same SUV have surfaced on the internet and give us a preview of its final design. Touted to be a mini-Fortuner for the masses, this new SUV is likely to be called the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
- New SUV is expected to revive the FJ Cruiser nameplate
- Expected with a range of petrol and diesel engines
- Is based on a derivate of Fortuner’s ladder-frame chassis
New Toyota FJ Cruiser: what is it?
FJ has been a legendary moniker for Toyota, with most Land Cruiser generations bearing the FJ suffix, starting from the FJ20 back in 1955. The last time Toyota used the FJ name on an SUV was for the retro-styled “FJ Cruiser” that was sold from 2006 to 2022. This all-new SUV was slated for a global debut last year, but things seem to have been delayed.
Toyota FJ Cruiser to be the brand’s smallest rugged SUV
FJ Cruiser based on a modified IMV ladder-frame chassis
The patent images confirm that this rugged SUV from Toyota is a larger evolution of the Compact Cruiser EV concept that was shown in 2021. As per our previous reports, the new FJ Cruiser from Toyota will sit on a modified version of the IMV ladder-frame chassis that currently underpins the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup sold in Thailand and Indonesia. The IMV ladder-frame setup is seen in the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova Crysta.
While the patent for this SUV was filed last year, it is only now that the image has surfaced on the internet. Apart from the boxy stance, the patent image confirms a proper 5-door layout. It has pronounced front and rear fenders and thick C-pillars with an upright rear. The future Toyota FJ Cruiser’s styling has some rounded edges upfront, but the rectangular grille, the tall front bumper and the heavy body cladding give it a rugged and utilitarian look. At the back, apart from the upright rear door, the SUV gets a full-size spare wheel mounted at the tailgate.
As for dimensions and powertrain, we expect the future Toyota FJ Cruiser to get a 2,750mm wheelbase, which is identical to the Hilux Champ and Fortuner. Under the hood, expect a range of powertrain options, including the 2.0-litre petrol engine seen on the Hilux Champ, a 2.7-litre petrol mill and the 2.8-litre diesel that does duty on the Fortuner. Some variants will get a basic 4WD setup, similar to the Fortuner and Hilux.
Toyota FJ Cruiser will it come to India
While Toyota has been evaluating more SUVs for India, it remains to be seen if the brand will bring it here in the future. Expect the new Toyota FJ Cruiser to debut globally sometime in late 2025 or early 2026.
Image Source: Oriba, via X
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