By know, you’ve probably heard about the so-called ‘Toyota Land Cruiser Mini.’ It was teased during the launch of the first-ever Century SUV, and is expected to go into production soon.
So far, there have been various reports about it as its production date draws closer. Now, more details have emerged from Japan about it.
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For starters, this small SUV might have a name now. Toyota filed to register the trademark Land Cruiser FJ fairly recently. Given that the SUV previewed last year had retro styling cues, there is a strong possibility that this model will use that monicker.
Also, there are more signs pointing towards a truck-based chassis. Japanese motoring publication Best Car says that the chassis of this SUV will be the new IMV-0 platform that underpins the upcoming Toyota Tamaraw. The IMV-0 is also set to be used in the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner.
That brings us to the powertrain options. Per Best Car, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will have a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder gas engine among the engine choices. Perhaps that doesn’t come as much of a surprise since it’s also one of the engine options for the Tamaraw and its equivalent in neighboring countries.
As it will (allegedly) be based on the Tamaraw platform, it also opens up the possibility of including diesel engine options. There’s a strong chance that the familiar GD family 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter diesels could be seen under the hood with the latter available with mild electrification.
The Land Cruiser FJ could be right in subcompact class with its reported dimensions. Per reports, it measures around 4,500mm long, 1830mm wide and 1850mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. For those hoping for a Jimny 5-door competitor, that’s not what Toyota is building should those be the final figures.
As for the production date, it is said that it will commence sometime in 2025. Just in time for the next Japan Mobility Show, then.
