Since Toyota’s gasoline-powered “FJ” designation first appeared on the J-series chassis in the 1950s, and especially once the iconic FJ40 cemented itself as the global benchmark for compact off-road durability through the ’60s and ’70s, that badge became something of a cultural artifact.
Revived back in 2006 as the retro-inspired FJ Cruiser, it ran for a remarkably long 16-year production stretch before bowing out in 2022. Toyota promised something new was on the way. And last year we got that confirmation with the Land Cruiser FJ, now finaly arriving in Thailand on the IMV ladder-frame platform, and with a quartet of new concept variants depending on how you plan on using the SUV.
Article Overview
The Canvas
At 185mm shorter than the Fortuner with a 170mm tighter wheelbase, the Land Cruiser FJ is a more nimble proposition than anything Land Cruiser has offered in a while. Toyota calls the design language “Playful Dice” (a chamfered square body, short overhangs, an upright stance) and it serves as a direct nod to the FJ40’s straightforward aesthetic.
Under the hood is the same 2.7-liter 2TR four-cylinder found in the Land Cruiser 250, making 164 hp and 181 lb-ft, mated to a six-speed automatic with part-time 4WD and a rear differential lock. It’s not a powerhouse, but it was designed for terrain. Ground clearance sits at 9.6″ with a water-wading depth of 27.5″, so it’s already capable before anyone bolts anything on.
Toyota presented four concept builds at the Thai launch that function as hypothetical design ideas for what customers and the aftermarket can do with the platform. None are production models, but this is still an exciting way for an automaker to help us brainstorm.
The Meridian
The Meridian is the most trail-ready of the group, complementing its Cement Gray paint with topographical accents, ARB underbody protection, a snorkel, rock sliders, a roof rack, and a light bar.
Suspension gets a 20mm lift via Old Man Emu springs and Nitrocharger Plus shocks, and it rolls on 17-inch Lenso MX Dinero alloys wrapped in rough-terrain rubber. It’s perfect for overlanders or just anyone who wants to head off the trail on the weekend.
The Nature Explorer
The Nature Explorer takes more of a basecamp approach with Smoky Blue under a white roof. Sporting an ARB roof rack, a rooftop tent, a side awning, and auxiliary spotlights, the vehicle is probably the most accessible concept for the average weekend adventurer.
Like the Meridian, it gets lighting courtesy of ARB spotlights on the grille and Nacho LEDs at the base of the windscreen. Lastly, the black Lenso MX Marvel alloys get all-terrain tires with mud flaps.
The Legendary
The Legendary is sure to be a favorite for those looking for something a bit more subdued and dare we say, timeless. Finished in Sandstone Yellow with chrome-trimmed steelies (Lenso MX Duty wheels made to look the part), it features classic Land Cruiser fender badges, subtle chrome body accents, and black details on the skid plates, side steps, and lighting housings.
Meanwhile, the circular LED graphics are a direct nod to the FJ40. olls on 17-inch Lenso MX Duty wheels styled to look like chrome steelies, with classic Land Cruiser fender badges and larger side mirrors. Built for retro enthusiasts, this is less purpose-driven than the previous two but is nevertheless a reminder of the FJ legacy.
The Street Cruiser
Lastly is the biggest outlier, the Street Cruiser. Built as an urban lifestyle vehicle for people unashamed about how little they’re planning on taking their Land Cruiser off-roading, the SUV boasts a lowered suspension, 20-inch Lenso Jager Astra wheels, and ventilated disc brakes with red Brembo calipers.
Aesthetically more urban than the other three, it gets a matte wrap with racing graphics, gloss black roof, a rear spoiler, and a bicycle carrier where the spare used to live (for the concept, Toyota used an electric fat bike from Rydekart). No powertrain changes reported on any of the four concepts.
Spec Sheet
Model: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Model Year: 2027
Engine: 2.7L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE)
Power: 164 hp
Torque: 181 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD, rear differential lock
Wheelbase: 101.6 in
Concepts: The Meridian, The Nature Explorer, The Legendary, The Street Cruiser
Production: Toyota Motor Thailand, Ban Pho plant
Pricing & Availability
The Land Cruiser FJ launched in Thailand at an introductory price of 1,269,000 Baht (~$38,100 USD), available in three colors: Smoky Blue, Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Ash. It arrives in Japan shortly after, with other markets in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East on the slate. North America is not currently on the list, which is unfortunate but not surprising given Toyota’s long-standing regional segmentation strategy.
Recap
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Concept Builds
Toyota just dropped four concept builds for the new Land Cruiser FJ — the Meridian, Nature Explorer, Legendary, and Street Cruiser — each one showing a different direction owners can take the platform. Think trail-ready snorkel rigs all the way to lowered urban cruisers with Brembo brakes. These aren’t production models but celebrate the return of the ladder-frame SUV’s revival that just debuted in Thailand.
