Toyota is nearing the launch of the new Land Cruiser FJ, which will serve as a more compact and affordable alternative to the classic models in the family. Prototypes of the production version were spotted being loaded onto the Trans Harmony Panama ship in Thailand, with the batch heading to Japan.

These are right-hand-drive versions, confirming preparations for the Japanese premiere scheduled for May 14. Production of the FJ in Thailand began back in January, and globally, the model will be offered with both square and round headlights. In the Japanese market, the version with square headlights will debut first, available in a single VX trim with all-wheel drive.

The Land Cruiser FJ is built on the IMV platform, shared with the Fortuner. Its dimensions measure 4,575 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. In various countries, a 2.7-liter gasoline engine and a 2.4-liter diesel will be offered, along with hybrid versions. For India, at launch, a naturally aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline engine is expected, producing about 163 hp and 246 Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system.

Later, a 2.8-liter diesel from the Fortuner with up to 204 hp output may be available. Production for the Indian market will be organized at Toyota's new plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with a capacity of 89,000 vehicles per year. For the brand, the FJ will become a strategic model in the body-on-frame SUV segment, where competition is intensifying.