Mini LandCruiser FJ? Maybe, but what about a short wheelbase Toyota Prado three-door! LandCruiser Chief Engineer confirms interest in a Suzuki Jimny and Land Rover Defender 90 alternative

Reports are circulating like wildfire about a 'mini' Toyota LandCruiser FJ. 

The current intel from Japanese publication BestCar is that it will be based on Toyota’s emerging market IMV 0 platform shared with the Champ Rangga and be 4.5 metres long and 1.83 metres wide — or about RAV4-sized. 

But what if it was all much simpler than that, and Toyota was cooking up something it has a more recent history with: a three-door, short wheelbase version of the LandCruiser Prado? We think this ‘shorty’ imagination looks pretty wicked. 

The new Prado would lend itself perfectly to the transformation with Tonka-tough styling drumming up plenty of customer interest. It would sit nicely in size and price terms between the tiny Suzuki Jimny and luxury-focused Defender 90. 

“Worldwide, there are a lot of customers who have the same question about the short wheelbase version, or can we have the short wheelbase version,” LandCruiser Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu told CarsGuide. 

“But, sorry! Currently, I can’t say the future product line-up. But again, if there is strong customer demand and voice, I could try to consider the future line-up [having] a short wheelbase version,” continued Moritsu-san. 

To run our own customer survey, of sorts, we commissioned digital artist Thanos Pappas to create an image of a new three-door short wheelbase Prado.

Shrinking the wheelbase and overall length by nearly 10 per cent matches the 150 Series three-door treatment, bringing the imagined car down to 4540mm in length on a 2590mm wheelbase. 

With only two side doors, the chunky styling of the Prado is even more impactful, accentuating the wider tracks of the TNGA-F underpinnings and flared wheel arches. Plus, the 90 Series-inspired colour palette of Purple and Green helps it stand out. 

We’ve created this imagination in Prado Altitude trim as it would only make sense for Toyota to target a niche vehicle like this at enthusiasts. A base model GX would also be suitable for farm or mine work, or as a starting point for a touring project. 

Pricing could be quite a lot lower than the five-door, if the previous Prado is any indication. The five-door, seven-seat Kakadu was $91,990 in 2013, a rather steep jump over the $67,490 ZR that had a similar level of equipment including adaptive rear air suspension. The SX entry trim was $56,090.

There are drawbacks, such as less boot space and smaller fuel tanks. However, the benefits of a shorter wheelbase include better manoeuvrability — great on tight trails or in town — along with an improved break-over angle and lighter weight, potentially improving the Prado's poor payload.

Speaking to CarsGuide, local Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley has previously said he doesn’t “go to bed dreaming of a smaller LandCruiser” for the Australian market and today isn’t too different. 

“The short answer is no. No, not right now,” said Haley, before qualifying that means: “No in the sense that there are no plans [for a small LandCruiser] right now that I'm aware of for Australia.” 

With the Prado three-door’s history, Sean’s comments make sense. It was sold here between 2010 and 2013 in 150 Series guise in two trim levels. The shorty has not returned to our market since, though there are earlier examples imported from Japan running around. 

The shorty off-roader was relatively common more than a decade ago, with the Land Cruiser 70 Series, Nissan Patrol GQ and Mitsubishi Pajero three-doors all sold in Australia previously. 

For some extra background, Land Cruiser FJ was trademarked by Toyota in Australia in February, and is not the same as the FJ Cruiser trademark put forward in 2009. Toyota is also rumoured to be putting together a cut-price five-door ‘mini’ LandCruiser FJ. 

“I don't necessarily see a small cruiser right now entering the Australian market. You never say never, but there's nothing on the horizon,” reiterated Hanley.  

“As I say, people often take no as an infinitive statement. No is a momentary statement, in a fiercely competitive, ultra-saturated market that's facing new vehicle efficiency standards, so no's not infinitive anymore,” he added

What do you think, would you jump at an off-road capable ladder-frame vehicle that easily fits in a suburban parking spot, with more creature comforts than a Jimny for about $60,000?

It looks like, one way or another, Toyota will produce something that matches those requirements. Whether it will come to Australia is less sure. If you reckon it should, let us know in the comments section below.