Call it the Toyota Land Cruiser Mini or the Land Cruiser FJ, but it’s no secret that the world’s biggest automaker wants to make a small 4x4. Heck, they even previewed it during the world premiere of the new generation Prado.
Since then, several rumors about it have sprouted, and we’ve even rendered what it could look like once it’s finally revealed. But now, we might have uncovered what could be its final production-car form.
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We managed to spot a curious design patent in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s design database. There, we saw what appeared to be a small, boxy SUV similar to the one teased over a year ago. While it had no name, there’s a good chance it’s one of the design studies for the upcoming compact 4x4.
What’s different this time around? The front end looks simplified compared to the so-called ‘Mini Cruiser’ concept shown way back in 2023. The side mirrors look ready for production, and the tail lights are also seen. There’s even a glimpse of the spare tire mounted on the tailgate.
Making this more intriguing is that this design patent was right under our noses the whole time. The design patent you’re looking at was filed in the Philippines. Yes, you read that right. It was filed on January 30, 2024.
Our render of it looks pretty bang on with the design study. The only thing we see different here is the side mirrors.
Rumors have hinted that the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will make its debut by either the end of the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2025. If that’s the case, it’s just in time for the Japan Mobility Show that opens its doors at the tail end of October.
As for the car itself, word is that it will utilize the IMV-0 platform that will underpin the next-generation Hilux and Fortuner, and it’s seeing active duty now with the revived Tamaraw. There’s also a good chance it will be powered by familiar GD family 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter turbodiesels, as well as the gas-fed 2.7-liter Dual VVT-i unit.
