The legend of the FJ is officially back, but this time it fits in your city garage with ease. Toyota has finally pulled the wraps off the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ—commonly known as the “Mini FJ Cruiser.” Designed for those who love the rugged spirit of the Land Cruiser but find the full-sized models a bit too much for daily urban life, this compact 4×4 brings authentic off-road hardware to a smaller, more accessible platform. It is a “lifestyle” SUV built to handle muddy trails on Saturday and tight downtown parking on Monday.
Better Latest Content: Overview Table
Here is a quick look at the vital specs for the all-new 2026 Toyota FJ Mini Cruiser:
| Feature | 2.7L Gasoline (Launch Model) | 2.4L Turbo-Hybrid (High-End) |
| Engine | 2.7L 4-Cylinder (2TR-FE) | 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 163 hp | ~326 hp (Combined) |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 630 Nm (Estimated) |
| Drivetrain | Part-time 4WD | Full-time 4WD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Starting Price | Approx. $25,000 – $28,000 | Approx. $35,000 – $40,000 |
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Design & Style
The 2026 FJ Mini Cruiser is a masterclass in retro-modern design. Drawing heavy inspiration from the FJ40 and the Compact Cruiser EV concept, it features a boxy, upright silhouette that screams durability. The front end is unmistakable, sporting signature round LED headlights and a bold “TOYOTA” spelled out across the grille instead of the standard logo.
To make it trail-ready, Toyota equipped it with chunky black bumpers, squared-off wheel arches, and thick body cladding.A unique “modular” bumper design allows owners to easily replace damaged corner pieces after a rough day off-road.Measuring about 4,575 mm in length, it is roughly the size of a Corolla Cross but sits much higher, giving it a commanding view of the road.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the global launch model is powered by the reliable 2.7-liter gasoline engine producing 163 horsepower.While this engine is built for bulletproof reliability, enthusiasts are more excited about the 2.4L Turbo-Hybrid variant.This powertrain is expected to deliver a massive 326 horsepower, providing the instant torque needed for rock crawling.
Because the FJ Mini is built on a ladder-frame chassis (the same IMV platform found in the Hilux and Fortuner), it possesses a level of structural toughness that standard crossovers can’t match. It’s a real truck in a compact body.
Ride & Handling
Don’t let the rugged looks fool you—the 2026 FJ Mini is surprisingly nimble. Thanks to a wheelbase that is 270 mm shorter than the Land Cruiser 250, it has a tight turning radius of just 5.5 meters. This makes it incredibly easy to maneuver through heavy traffic or narrow forest trails.
The suspension is the star here, offering wheel articulation equivalent to the legendary 70 Series Land Cruiser. With high ground clearance and excellent approach/departure angles, it can tackle obstacles that would stop most modern SUVs in their tracks.
Features & Tech
The interior of the FJ Mini is “utility-chic.” The dashboard is flat and horizontal to help the driver judge the vehicle’s angle while off-roading. While the materials are designed to be durable and easy to clean, the technology is fully modern.
- Dual-Screen Layout: A large central touchscreen for infotainment and a fully digital instrument cluster.
- MOLLE Panels: Integrated into the door trims for attaching gear like flashlights and first-aid kits.
- Panoramic HUD: High-end trims feature a heads-up display that can show off-road data like tilt and pitch.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB-C ports are standard.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
While heavy-duty 4x4s aren’t usually known for efficiency, the FJ Mini’s compact size helps. The standard 2.7L engine is expected to deliver around 22–26 MPG combined. However, the Hybrid variant is the real winner, with some reports suggesting it could reach as high as 35+ MPG in city driving, thanks to its electric motor assistance and regenerative braking.
Price & Variants
Toyota aims to make the Land Cruiser brand more affordable with this model:
- Adventure (Base): Focuses on pure capability, starting around $25,000 – $28,000.
- Explorer (Mid-range): Adds more tech and comfort features, estimated at $32,000.
- Hybrid Elite (Flagship): The high-performance model with the Turbo-Hybrid engine, priced around $38,000 – $42,000.
FAQs
1. Is the FJ Mini Cruiser a replacement for the old FJ Cruiser? Spiritually, yes. It brings back the fun, boxy vibe of the original FJ Cruiser but in a more fuel-efficient and city-friendly size.
2. Does it have a manual transmission? For the 2026 launch, Toyota has stuck with a 6-speed automatic as the primary transmission to ensure the best performance with the 4WD system.
3. Is it coming to the USA? While the initial launch is for Japan and Asia in mid-2026, there is strong speculation that a US version will follow in late 2026 as a competitor to the Ford Bronco Sport.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Toyota FJ Mini Cruiser is exactly what the SUV market has been missing: a small vehicle with the soul of a mountain goat. It doesn’t sacrifice its Land Cruiser DNA for the sake of city comfort; instead, it blends the two perfectly.If you want a vehicle that looks iconic, handles the daily commute with ease, and can actually survive a trip into the wilderness, this “Mini” is a massive win.
