The Two-Door Land Cruiser FJ Toyota Could Have Developed But Didn't | Carscoops

The Two-Door Land Cruiser FJ Toyota Could Have Developed But Didn't | Carscoops

      The smallest member of the Land Cruiser lineup appears even more appealing as a compact two-door SUV.

      Our rendering imagines a shorter, two-door version of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, which would be larger and more robust than the Jimny. However, Toyota has yet to confirm any plans for a smaller FJ despite significant interest.

      The excitement surrounding Toyota's new Land Cruiser FJ has been quite noticeable, which makes the company's choice to forgo a launch in Europe and North America puzzling. Toyota has not officially provided a reason for this, but it's likely related to market positioning and the fact that production takes place in Thailand.

      This market positioning, with its reduced size and straightforward appeal, aligns the baby FJ Cruiser closer to a well-known name in the compact 4x4 segment: the Suzuki Jimny.

      What If Toyota Created a Smaller Version?

      Eager to explore how these two models might compare, we took a creative approach by digitally designing a two-door variant of the Toyota, shortening the wheelbase while keeping the front and rear unchanged. This helped us visualize how the FJ could appear and function as an even more compact and cost-effective competitor, still accommodating existing accessories.

      This approach is quite different from Suzuki’s strategy with the four-door Jimny Nomade, which extended the original design for enhanced practicality in India and Japan.

      In our view, the Land Cruiser FJ looks fantastic in a smaller version, reminiscent of the short-wheelbase Prado models from the past that are no longer available.

      Would It Be Practical?

      A smaller design would naturally reduce interior space and luggage capacity, but it would enhance agility and off-road capability.

      The current production model measures 4,575 mm (180.1 inches) in length and has a wheelbase of 2,580 mm (101.6 inches)—the same as the shortest Hilux Champ pickup version. Our imagined two-door variant could be about 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) long, making it 375 mm (14.8 inches) shorter than its counterpart.

      Despite this significant reduction in length, the smallest Land Cruiser would still exceed the size of the Jimny, which is only 3,550 mm (139.8 inches) long in the two-door configuration and 3,890 mm (153.1 inches) in the four-door version. The Toyota would also be 210 mm (8.3 inches) wider and 240 mm (9.5 inches) taller.

      What Would Its Powertrain Be?

      Powertrain differences would further distinguish the two. The real FJ is equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 246 Nm (181.4 lb-ft) of torque, while the Suzuki uses a much smaller 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 130 Nm (95.9 lb-ft) of torque. Both vehicles feature standard 4WD systems, reinforcing their rugged reputations.

      Ultimately, even if Toyota opted to create a smaller Land Cruiser FJ, it would still be in a separate category compared to the Suzuki Jimny, resembling the size of the Jeep Wrangler more closely.

      This may not be a disadvantage, as few two-door off-roaders are available in its primary markets of Asia and Japan.

      The key question remains whether there is sufficient demand to justify the investment. Modifying the ladder-frame IMV platform and adjusting its components would require substantial resources, something Toyota typically reserves for projects with assured returns.

      What do you think—would a smaller, two-door FJ attract enough buyers to make it feasible?

The Two-Door Land Cruiser FJ Toyota Could Have Developed But Didn't | Carscoops

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The Two-Door Land Cruiser FJ Toyota Could Have Developed But Didn't | Carscoops

The tiniest member of the Land Cruiser family appears even more appealing as a small two-door SUV.