New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2026: The Compact Off-Roader Carrying on a Legend

Toyota can do a bit of everything: Hybrid cars, sports cars, Hypercars for the WEC. A brand that in 2026 revolves around motorsport at 360 degrees.
Yet, we often forget that the Japanese company is also highly regarded in SUV the off-road world, thanks to the legendary Land Cruiser name.

In this sector, Toyota has updated its lineup, introducing a baby off-roader: the Land Cruiser FJ 2026.
A vehicle that, at first glance, conveys compactness, solidity, and agility on rough terrain.

Of course, it’s not designed to be fast or nimble on asphalt, but its short wheelbase makes a real difference when tackling challenging off-road conditions.

Read also: New Toyota GR010 Hybrid 2026 Wec

The small, new SUV carries forward a tradition spanning over 70 years.
The original model, born in 1951 as a military vehicle for the Japanese army. It was so robust that it managed to climb Mount Fuji up to the fifth station.

Since then, the brand has made huge strides, becoming a true cult object for thousands of enthusiasts worldwide.

Today, over 12 million units have been sold across 190 countries on all five continents.
There’s virtually no one in the world who hasn’t seen a Toyota Land Cruiser, even those living in the most remote dunes of the Sahara.

Technical Data of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2026

The new model is powered by a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE gasoline engine. It’s a naturally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 120 kW (163 hp) and a maximum torque of 246 Nm.
It is paired with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission, designed to provide smooth gear changes and optimize torque at low revs.

The drivetrain is part-time 4WD, a robust system that allows the driver to engage four-wheel drive only when needed. This offers maximum efficiency off-road.

In terms of dimensions, Toyota opted for compact proportions, with a length of 4.57 meters and a height of 1.96 meters.

The bumpers are removable with a simple click, making repairs or part replacements quick and easy.
Added underbody reinforcements and greater chassis rigidity ensure excellent driving stability, even on the roughest terrain.

Click to enlarge

Curiosities and Off-Road DNA

The Land Cruiser FJ 2026 has not lost its “adventurous” spirit: derived versions of the model have competed multiple times in the Dakar Rally, achieving notable results in the T2 category and demonstrating extraordinary durability and reliability.

A vehicle that, while compact and modern, carries the legacy of more than seven decades of extreme off-roading and worldwide adventures.

The Land Cruiser has also left its mark in cinema. It has appeared in films such as Jurassic Park, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Constant Gardener.

During the 1980s and 1990s, it was the ultimate “explorer’s vehicle,” used for safaris, humanitarian missions, and scientific expeditions.