Sub-$50K Mini LandCruiser FJ is a go! But will Toyota's cut-price hero arrive in Australia to battle Suzuki Jimny and BYD Denza B5 this year? Report

Reports from Japan indicate the much-anticipated ‘mini’ LandCruiser FJ is readying for launch. 

The latest from BestCar indicates a release in March 2025 with a ladder frame, petrol four-cylinder engine, bona fide 4WD system from the 250 Series LandCruiser Prado and potential Thai construction. 

The cut-price 4WD was initially promised for release last year, but BestCar reports certification issues got in the way. It is not clear what the issue was, however.

Using the same underpinnings as the ASEAN-market low-cost Toyota HiLux Champ, the Mini LandCruiser FJ will use the ‘2TR’ 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 120kW and 245Nm, with no diesel engine offered. 

A centre Torsen limited-slip differential will enable proper 4WD, rather than a front-biased on-demand system found in many smaller SUVs. The Mini LandCruiser FJ is expected to have similar off-road drive modes as the 250 Series Prado. 

Transmissions have yet to be discussed, but a six-speed auto is likely with a potential manual option.

Size-wise, the Mini LandCruiser FJ will sit between the Corolla Cross and RAV4, though obviously with a taller height. It’s expected to be 4500mm long, 1830mm wide, 1850mm tall and ride on a 2750mm wheelbase.

The Mini LandCruiser FJ’s imminent release comes after Suzuki has had the micro-4WD segment all to itself with the unbelievably successful JB74 Jimny. 

There are countless smaller, cut-price 4WDs emerging in fast-moving China, including from BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao arm, with the Leopard 5 expected for our market. Mitubishi is mulling an entry, too, with a shrunken Pajero.

The LandCruiser FJ name has been trademarked in Australia and, if the model arrives, will sit below the Fortuner. Japanese outlets suggest a starting prices well below $50,000 for entry levels, with even a top spec model expected to be in the $40K region, 

Previous reports suggest the Mini LandCruiser FJ we’re talking about here may not be the definitive outing for the name, though. 

Potential hybrid, later-added diesel, down-sized petrol and even battery electric — as per the 2021 Compact Cruiser concept — could be down the track for markets like Europe, the United States and Australia.