The Cutest New Land Cruiser FJ Launch — Could This Be Equation Leopard’s Long-Lost Brother in Japan?
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ — A New Chapter in an Iconic Legacy
Toyota once officially stated:
> The history of the LAND CRUISER is the history of Toyota.
Origins of the Land Cruiser
- 1951 — Before the Crown and Corolla even existed, the first Land Cruiser debuted as the Toyota BJ.
- It became the first car to climb to the sixth station of Mount Fuji.
Over the past 70+ years, thanks to unmatched reliability, durability, and off-road performance, the Land Cruiser expanded into more than 190 countries and regions.
Cumulative sales reached ~12.15 million units, evolving from a technological icon into a Toyota brand symbol.
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The Land Cruiser Product Family
Toyota has built the Land Cruiser lineup around three distinct paths:
- Station Wagon 300 series — Flagship status with continuous evolution.
- Heavy-duty 70 series — Known for durability, ease of maintenance, and proven in wild and worksite conditions worldwide.
- 250 series (returning in 2024) — A tribute to the simple, robust essence that supports everyday life.
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Introducing the Land Cruiser FJ
On October 20, Toyota welcomed a new family member — the Land Cruiser FJ.
Design Philosophy
Unlike its work-oriented siblings, the FJ places "Freedom & Joy" at the forefront, blending Land Cruiser DNA with a more accessible, lifestyle-oriented off-road approach.
> Note: This is not a successor to the FJ Cruiser (discontinued in 2018), but an entirely new series.
▲ Land Cruiser FJ (2014 model)
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Size & Comparisons
The new FJ is currently the smallest Land Cruiser:
- Dimensions: 4575 × 1855 × 1960 mm
- Wheelbase: 2580 mm
Comparable to Land Rover Defender 90:
- Dimensions: 4583 × 2105 × 1969 mm
- Wheelbase: 2587 mm
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Exterior Styling
- Rugged Land Cruiser genes meet today’s compact square-body trend.
- Slight resemblance to BYD Fangchengbao T3.
▲ Land Cruiser FJ
▲ BYD Fangchengbao T3
Front-End Options
- Retro round-headlight style — Honoring classics.
- Modern square headlamps — With C-shaped daytime running lights.
Both share:
- Minimalist grille with Toyota script
- Plastic front bumpers with slight differences
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Design Leadership
Toyota describes the FJ shape as a cube-like rectangular box — compact yet solid.
Exterior designer: Yi Lu (Tsinghua University), now head of exterior styling at Toyota’s Design Center.
▲ Yi Lu
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Personalization & Playability
Toyota offers abundant factory customization:
- Choice of two front-end styles
- Removable bumpers, side steps
- High-mounted snorkel
- Roof platforms
- Storage panels for off-road tools
Interior features:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Leather-wrapped gear lever
- Rear seat space appears slightly compact
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Powertrain
- Engine: 2.7L 2TR-FE inline-four
- Output: 161 hp / 246 Nm torque
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Part-time four-wheel drive (similar to Prado setup)
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Origin & Chassis Improvements
Built on IMV architecture (shared with Hilux & Fortuner) —
Toyota added chassis reinforcements for greater rigidity & handling stability.
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Off-Road Performance
Toyota targeted:
- Approach angle
- Ground clearance
- Suspension travel (tire contact ability)
> Ground clearance & approach angle close to 250 Series (~215.3 mm & 31°).
> Shorter overhangs & compact wheelbase enhance passability.
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Expanding "Freedom & Fun"
Toyota is developing Land Hopper — an electric personal mobility vehicle that fits in the FJ’s trunk:
- Completes the last mile on trails
- Serves as a nimble mobility tool at your destination
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Launch Plans
- Japan: Mid-next year
- Global markets: Not yet confirmed, but strong potential given popularity of boxy designs
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For Content Creators
If you wish to document the FJ, share test drives, or publish off-road guides, AI-powered tools like:
... enable multi-platform publishing across Douyin, WeChat, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), and more — efficiently connecting enthusiasts, technology, and stories like the Land Cruiser FJ.
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Would you like me to also prepare a comparison table between the Land Cruiser FJ, 250 Series, and Defender 90 for quick reference? That could make this Markdown even more reader-friendly.
