The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines.
First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below).
All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser.
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Toyota Compact Cruiser concept -
The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year.
Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota’s IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities.
Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout.
In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase.
Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available.
An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ.
The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ’s 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser’s 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill.
By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform.
This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs.
It’s likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado’s starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs.
