The Toyota LandCruiser FJ twist that could put it back on the menu for Australia - reports

A twist could be emerging in the Toyota LandCruiser FJ story, with new reports suggesting the brand could be working on several versions of its cut-price off-roader.

The first, which is expected to go into production in November ahead of an on-sale in 2025, would be the widely reported model we've covered to date – an off-road bargain expected to be priced below the Fortuner, unlocking a circa-$50k starting price if it made it to Australia.

That model would forgo the brands advanced TNGA-F off-road platform from the LC300, Prado and Lexus LX in favour of the familiar IMV 0 architecture, which also underpins the cut-price Hilux Champ in South-East Asia.

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Engine options are reportedly expected to be limited to a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, specifically the 2TR-FE unit already used in the Champ, and which produces 120kW.

All of which explains the model's entry-level positioning, but also will likely limit the model to markets receptive to that kind of powertrain – which does not include Australia.

But new reports suggest the entry-level FJ could be only the first model to arrive, with the brand reportedly considering electrified (hybrid and plug-in hybrid) and all-electric versions that would open the model to more international markets, including Europe and potentially Australia.

In fact, some even suggest the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel from the HiLux could appear, which would no doubt be a palatable option for Australia – where the name "LandCruiser FJ" has already been trademarked.

Last to arrive would then be an all-electric version, essentially previewed by the Compact Cruiser EV Concept in 2021, and which would adopt Toyota's newer e-TNGA platform.

Whether all models would share the same name remains to be seen, with Toyota yet to officially comment on the rumours, with the reports all unverified so far.

But there's little doubt more advanced powertrains would be of more interest to Toyota in Australia, which has so far shown little interest in the hype building around the FJ, telling CarsGuide that the model doesn't appear in its plans.

"There you go, told me something I didn’t even know,” Toyota Australia's VP of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley told CarsGuide in April about the trademarking of the FJ nameplate in our market.

“(It) doesn’t surprise me because we trademark a lot of things. We may at some point want to use it again but there’s nothing that I’m aware of.”

Mr Hanley went on to say that he "doesn't go to bed at night dreaming of a smaller LandCruiser", before confirming it's not on Australia's model plan.

"Look, it may [happen] in the future. Because you know… we're going through a great transition in the automotive industry. You never rule stuff out," he said.

“Is there a product plan for it that I'm aware of in Australia? No."

So, will we one day see a mode advanced LandCruiser FJ in Australia? We'll have to wait and see.