Introducing the New Toyota FJ Cruiser You’ve Been Anticipating | Carscoops

      The rugged compact SUV is anticipated to utilize ladder-frame construction and uphold the off-road heritage of the Land Cruiser lineage.

      A patent illustration has provided the initial glimpse of the forthcoming Toyota FJ Cruiser.

      This design closely resembles the official teaser shared by Toyota in 2023.

      The SUV is expected to be unveiled in 2026, featuring a ladder-frame chassis.

      Off-road enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating Toyota’s “baby” Land Cruiser. Although its debut is reportedly pushed back to early 2026, excitement continues to build. Just when the wait seemed unbearable, a new patent drawing surfaced, giving us a clearer view of the tough compact SUV’s exterior.

      Since releasing a single teaser in August 2023, Toyota has remained relatively quiet. Meanwhile, speculation has been rampant, particularly regarding the ladder-frame, compact off-roader. Many think it may bring back the FJ Cruiser name, though Toyota has yet to make any official confirmations.

      Fortunately, this patent drawing provides solid details to discuss. While the patent was filed last year, it has only recently entered the public domain. We enhanced the image for better quality, but otherwise, it reflects what Toyota has chosen to share with us.

      **A Glimpse of the Design**

      We created a rendering of the 2027 FJ Cruiser to illustrate what a final production model might look like.

      The new image depicts a compact SUV with a five-door layout and a boxy, practical appearance. The profile and overall shape closely align with the official teaser from Toyota, including the design of the LED headlights. Other notable design features include prominent front fenders, sturdy C-pillars, and an almost vertically inclined rear end, complete with a full-size spare tire mounted on the tailgate.

      The lower body showcases unpainted plastic cladding that surrounds the bumpers, fenders, and side skirts, classic design elements that hint at the SUV’s off-road prowess. The ground clearance also appears to be quite substantial. While patents often feature generic wheels, it’s easy to imagine this model equipped with robust off-road tires.

      **A Compact Evolution**

      Analyzing the overall design, it’s evident that this model is a natural progression from the 2021 Compact Cruiser EV concept, though it’s clearly larger. Reports from Japan indicate that the production FJ Cruiser will measure approximately 4,500 mm (177.2 inches) in length, placing it squarely within the compact SUV category.

      In contrast to the larger, more expensive Land Cruiser 250 and 300 Series that utilize Toyota’s advanced TNGA-F platform, the FJ Cruiser is expected to be built on the IMV-0 platform. This framework is likely to be shared with the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner and will likely come with significant enhancements compared to the current Hilux Champ.

      **Prepared for Adventure**

      The FJ Cruiser’s ladder-frame chassis is designed to make it a dream vehicle for off-roading enthusiasts. This configuration should provide a notable advantage over unibody rivals like the Ford Bronco Sport, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize off-road capability over urban driving comfort.

      Regarding its powertrain, it’s highly probable that a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine will be available in certain markets. Regardless of the engine choices, Toyota is expected to maintain authenticity by equipping it with a standard 4WD system, remaining faithful to the Land Cruiser family legacy.

      While we cannot confirm if the patent drawing reflects the final production design, it certainly offers an exciting preview of what’s to come. Hopefully, Toyota will share more teasers before the anticipated early 2026 launch.