New Toyota FJ Cruiser spotted? Design chief's press conference offers huge clue, but will it be Prado-based?

This week’s unveiling of a significantly upgraded Toyota LandCrusier 70 Series focused on the arrival of a new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine variant, complete with automatic transmission.

But as the Japanese giant’s Chief Branding Officer (aka design chief) Simon Humphries walked the stage during the new car’s media presentation in Toyota City, Tokyo a dark silhouette on screen behind him offered a big clue to another new arrival.

The high-riding, squared-off SUV’s outline draws a striking resemblance to 2021’s Compact Cruiser EV Concept, widely tipped as the precursor to a second-generation version of the cult classic FJ Cruiser.

Read more

Is the time right for a Toyota FJ Cruiser comeback? Why the retro off-roader was ahead of its time | Opinion Is this the next Toyota FJ Cruiser? New Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler rival previewed with electric twist during Toyota's huge EV announcement Recharge? Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Skyline, Chevrolet Camaro and other famous models that need to be re-born as electric cars

Having departed the Australian market in late 2016 the FJ Cruiser remained in production for global (mainly Middle East) consumption until the end of last year.

And in wrapping up his LandCruiser presentation, Mr Humphries hinted at the likelihood of additional LandCruiser based and inspired derivatives to come.  

“Our customers trust in us to keep LandCruiser relevant and thriving toward the future. This could mean anything from carbon neutral approaches to ensuring that the LandCruiser brand is more affordable, and within reach of even more people around the world.

“Or it may even mean exploring new approaches to mobility that enhance not only the LandCruiser experience, but also further people's freedom in motion.

“Suffice it to say, there are lots of exciting paths to changing the future of cars. Kuruma no mirai wo kaete ikou (Transition by changing the future of cars),” he said.

Developed by Toyota ED2 (ED squared) in Nice, the Compact Cruiser EV was introduced by Simon Humphries in 2021 as a “zero-emission car that speaks to young, professional urban dwellers and allows them to express their lifestyle”.

Significantly, at the time he also noted that the Compact Cruiser’s “rugged and tough exterior borrows a number of styling cues from the legendary first-generation (J Series) LandCruiser including an iconic off-road silhouette and simple, strong body sections”.

So, just as the first-generation, LandCruiser Prado-based FJ Cruiser was a design love letter to the 1950s and ‘60s original, a new electric Compact Cruiser EV-based FJ Cruiser appears likely for imminent arrival.

Watch this space!