Toyota is far from lacking when it comes to high-riding vehicles. In fact, its U.S. lineup includes a variety of options such as the Corolla Cross, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, bZ4X, Grand Highlander, Crown Signia, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia, along with the hardworking Tacoma and Tundra.
Yet, some automotive enthusiasts believe there’s still room for something more. And we’re not just referring to models available overseas that Toyota could introduce to the U.S. market, but entirely new vehicles. One such name that keeps surfacing is the FJ Cruiser.
No, not the model that was discontinued in late 2022—the one built on the Land Cruiser Prado, 4Runner, and Lexus GX platform, featuring body-on-frame construction and winning over off-road enthusiasts nationwide. Instead, we’re talking about the possibility of a successor.
In case you missed it, Toyota filed a trademark in Japan for the name “Land Cruiser FJ” in late 2023, hinting at a potential follow-up to the FJ Cruiser. This has led to speculation that a new version, possibly sharing its underpinnings with the latest Land Cruiser, could be on the horizon. However, now that we’re in early 2025, there’s still no solid indication that Toyota is actively developing a brand-new compact off-roader.
If Toyota were to roll out a new FJ Cruiser—or perhaps a Land Cruiser FJ—it would square up against rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and similar models, offering serious off-road capability for those occasional adventures beyond the pavement. The automaker certainly has the resources to make it happen, and while such a vehicle would likely sell well enough to justify the investment, Toyota doesn’t seem to be moving in that direction—at least, not yet.
Why do we say that? Because there hasn’t been a single prototype spotted in testing. Not only that, but we haven’t even seen a potential mule that could hint at development. There have been no credible reports, aside from sporadic rumors lacking concrete evidence. So, if you’re hoping for a new FJ Cruiser, it’s best not to hold your breath—at least not for the next few years.
That said, digital artists would beg to differ, as the FJ Cruiser has been digitally reimagined numerous times in recent years. The latest render comes from Digimods Design and recently surfaced on YouTube. This CGI concept looks like a worthy successor to the legendary FJ Cruiser, incorporating design cues from the latest Land Cruiser. And if nothing else, it certainly makes us wish for a real-world version.
But would you be willing to trade in your favorite compact off-roader for a fresh take on the Toyota FJ Cruiser? That answer likely depends on several factors—but we’d wager that for many, the response would be a resounding yes.
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