I love the Toyota FJ Cruiser. I always have, most likely always will. When I got a corporate calendar from Toyota years ago, one of the months was the concept art for the FJ Cruiser. I tore that calendar page and kept it as a poster. I still mourn the discontinuation of the FJ Cruiser model.
But last week something rekindled the fire for fans of retro-modern Toyotas. The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado was introduced and it was glorious. Built on the modern TNGA-F platform that underpins the current Land Cruiser 300 series, its look is a throwback to classic Toyota SUVs—there’s a strong LC 60 Series vibe there.
The new Land Cruiser Prado, or LC 250 depending on where you live, is not a direct replacement for the beloved FJ Cruiser. But I learned they share many similarities in terms of origin and production.
So here are five ways the new Land Cruiser Prado is similar to the FJ Cruiser:
1) They share the same designer.
Both the FJ Cruiser and the Land Cruiser Prado/250 had designs heavily influenced by Calty Design Research. Calty, which stands for ‘California’ and ‘Toyota’, is a design studio built by Toyota way back in 1973. In 2003, a young Calty designer named Jin Won Kim drew a concept that became the FJ Cruiser (see image above). Two decades later he helped pen what is sure to be another knockout product, the Land Cruiser Prado.
2) They’re built in the same factory.
The FJ Cruiser was actually built by Toyota subsidiary, Hino. We were able to confirm that the Land Cruiser Prado will be built in the same Hino plant. The timing is just right as the FJ Cruiser finally ended production last year, and plant capacity has freed up.
3) They sport the classic Toyota badge.
The younger generations might not remember the time when the Toyota badge was spelled out. Instead they know the modern logo made up of three ovals that was introduced in 1989. In a nice retro touch, Toyota placed its classic logo on the FJ Cruiser even thought it was first produced in 2006. Now the Land Cruiser Prado continues that distinction.
4) They can actually go off-road.
We can actually credit the FJ Cruiser for helping start the ‘overlanding’ craze here. It shared parts with the Land Cruiser Prado, Hilux and 4Runner. It wasn’t long before people were upgrading the tires and suspension, and equipping it with awnings and tents for camping. To be honest I felt many physical upgrades were quite tacky, as the stock FJ Cruiser look was near perfect. But that’s just me.
With full-time four-wheel drive, a center locking differential, and turbocharged diesel and petrol powertrains, the Land Cruiser Prado has serious off-road potential. I mean look at it.
5) It’s a treat for car fans who love good design.
Not all cars, even Toyotas, are created equal. New models come and go, but every now and then something comes along that reminds us of why we love automobiles. On the day Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser Prado, the social media feeds of car fans were filled with photos and articles of this retro beauty. You don’t see this kind of reaction for the usual new model introduction.
We don’t have a point of comparison for the FJ Cruiser when it was launched because 2006 was practically a different era. Facebook was just opening itself to the world, Twitter was still in its infancy (and unaware of its darkest timeline future), and Instagram was yet to be invented. There was nothing to be viral on. But over time the love for the FJ was apparent in clubs and groups. You simply don’t buy an FJ Cruiser unless you adore it. There are more practical and capable models in that price category—inside and outside Toyota.
It’s a long time before we actually see the new Land Cruiser Prado in local Toyota showrooms. If we get it, because Toyota Motor Philippines hasn’t officially confirmed its arrival. In the meantime we’re happy the dream lives on. And with diesel and hybrid powertrains, it’s actually more practical now.
