Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2025: Tough New SUV to Rival Mahindra Scorpio – First Look & Key Features

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has stolen the spotlight at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, emerging as a compact yet rugged off-roader that revives the iconic FJ40’s spirit in a modern, accessible package. As detailed in Autocar India’s exclusive first look video, this “baby Land Cruiser” is set to shake up the Indian SUV market with its ladder-frame toughness and off-road prowess, directly challenging homegrown favorites like the Mahindra Scorpio N. Shorter than the Fortuner but packed with heritage-inspired design, the FJ promises to blend urban usability with trail-conquering ability. With India confirmed as a key manufacturing hub, expect a competitive price tag that could make it a Scorpio rival by late 2028.

Global Debut and India-Specific Buzz

Toyota unveiled the Land Cruiser FJ digitally in late October 2025, followed by its public showcase at the Japan Mobility Show on October 31. Autocar India’s Hormazd Sorabjee highlighted in the first-look video how this model serves as the entry point to the Land Cruiser lineup, built on the robust IMV-0 platform shared with the Hilux and Fortuner. Global sales kick off in mid-2026 starting with Japan, but India gets a special nod: production begins at Toyota’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra from August 2028, targeting 89,000 units annually (40,000 for exports). This local assembly aims for high localization, potentially undercutting import duties for a sub-₹40 lakh launch.

Launch timeline highlights:

• Global debut: October 2025 at Japan Mobility Show
• On-sale abroad: Mid-2026 (Japan first)
• India production start: August 2028
• India launch: Festive season 2028 (H2)

Autocar notes Toyota’s separate Scorpio-rival project on a modern platform with hybrid options, but the FJ’s IMV roots make it a natural fit for rugged Indian roads.

Rugged Retro Design: Heritage Meets Modernity

The FJ’s boxy silhouette pays homage to the FJ40 with squared-off wheel arches, thick cladding, and a tailgate-mounted spare tire, but shrinks it to 4,575mm long—220mm shorter than the Fortuner. Autocar’s first look emphasizes two front-end choices: a retro round-headlamp grille evoking classics or modern rectangular C-shaped LEDs for a Prado-like vibe. Sides feature purposeful black trim and 17-inch alloys, while the rear boasts wraparound C-tail lamps and a robust bumper. At 215mm ground clearance, it’s primed for Indian potholes and monsoons, with a 5.5m turning radius for tight city maneuvers.

Design strengths:

• Pros: Iconic upright stance; modular panels for easy repairs; dual front fascias for personalization
• Cons: Step-up entry to cabin; no confirmed sunroof for base trims

The all-black interior is functional with dual 8-inch displays (infotainment and gauges), physical off-road knobs, and durable fabrics—washable for muddy adventures.

Dimension	Measurement
Length	4,575 mm
Width	1,855 mm
Height	1,960 mm
Wheelbase	2,580 mm
Ground Clearance	215 mm

Powertrain Options: Petrol Focus with Hybrid Potential

Under the hood, the FJ draws from Toyota’s i-Force lineup, starting with a base 2.7L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 161 hp and 246 Nm torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic. For global markets, a 2.4L turbo-petrol hybrid (326 hp, 465 Nm) from the Tacoma offers low-end grunt and 25 mpg efficiency—ideal for India’s fuel-conscious buyers. No diesel confirmed yet, aligning with Toyota’s electrification push, though a 2.8L option could appear for exports. Part-time 4WD with low-range gearing ensures torque vectoring on loose surfaces.

Engine Variant	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission	Est. MPG (Combined)
2.7L Petrol Base	161	246	6-Speed Auto	20
2.4L Turbo Hybrid	326	465	8-Speed Auto	25
Potential 2.8L Diesel	201	500	6-Speed Auto	28

Autocar speculates the hybrid could debut in India for BS7 compliance, boosting resale value in a Scorpio-dominated segment.

Off-Road Capabilities: Land Cruiser DNA in Compact Form

True to its badge, the FJ inherits Prado-grade articulation with 30-degree approach and 22-degree departure angles, locking differentials, and Multi-Terrain Select modes (Mud, Sand, Rock). The ladder-frame chassis and trailing-arm rear suspension handle 800mm water fording, while Bilstein dampers absorb jumps. Weighing 1,900 kg, it’s lighter than the Scorpio N for nimble handling, yet skid plates and rock rails protect underbody vitals. Autocar’s video demo praises its “wheel articulation worthy of a Land Cruiser,” positioning it as a Thar Roxx alternative for serious overlanders.

Off-road essentials:

• Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD with low-range
• Angles: 30° approach / 22° departure
• Fording Depth: 800 mm
• Tires: All-terrain 265/65 R17

This setup outshines urban SUVs, making it a weekend warrior’s dream.

Interior and Comfort: Practical Space for Five

The FJ’s cabin seats five in two rows with reclining rears and 600L boot space (expandable to 1,500L). Soft-touch materials and wood accents add warmth, but Autocar notes the high step-in and missing rear AC vents on prototypes—fixable in India-spec models. USB-C ports abound, with optional JBL audio for trail tunes. It’s no luxury hauler like the Fortuner, but modular storage and washable floors suit family adventures.

Cabin highlights:

• Seating: 5-seater (2+3); cloth/leather options
• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
• Comfort: Dual-zone AC, keyless entry
• Cargo: 600L (seats up)

Rear space is adequate for adults, though legroom trails the Scorpio N’s longer wheelbase.

Interior Feature	Specification
Boot Space (Seats Up)	600 L
Headroom (Front/Rear)	1,000 / 980 mm
Legroom (Rear)	900 mm
Infotainment Screen	8-inch touchscreen

Safety and Tech: Robust Protection with Smart Touches

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, including adaptive cruise, lane-tracing, and pre-collision braking—earning a projected 5-star GNCAP. A 360-degree camera aids rocky descents, with six airbags and stability control. Tech includes OTA updates and a 7-inch digital cluster for off-road metrics like pitch/roll. No frills like ventilated seats yet, but Apple CarPlay integration keeps it connected.

Safety checklist:

• Airbags: 6 (front, side, curtain)
• Aids: Blind-spot monitor, hill descent control
• Cameras: 360-view with trail mode
• Ratings: 5-star expected (ASEAN NCAP equivalent)

Autocar highlights its repairability, with swappable panels for cost-effective maintenance.

Safety Tech	Detail
Core Suite	TSS 3.0 (adaptive cruise, etc.)
Airbags	6 standard
Parking Aids	Rear sensors + camera
Stability	VSC with crawl control

Pricing, Rivals, and Verdict: A Scorpio Slayer in Waiting

Entry pricing starts at ¥4 million (~₹22 lakh) in Japan, but India could see ₹35-45 lakh ex-showroom thanks to local production—undercutting the Fortuner while matching Scorpio N value. Variants may include base petrol and hybrid premiums, with 4×2/4×4 options.

Trim Estimate	Price (INR est.)	Key Features
Base (Petrol 4×2)	₹35 lakh	2.7L engine, cloth seats, 8″ screen
Mid (4×4)	₹40 lakh	Locking diffs, leather, JBL audio
Hybrid Top	₹45 lakh	i-Force Max, sunroof, AWD

Rivals: Mahindra Scorpio N (₹13-18 lakh, diesel focus), Thar Roxx (₹12-16 lakh, compact), Force Gurkha (₹16 lakh, hardcore off-road).

The Land Cruiser FJ isn’t just a revival—it’s a strategic strike at India’s ladder-frame lovers, as Autocar’s first look vividly captures. Its compact toughness, hybrid tease, and local build promise Scorpio-rivaling sales, though the 2028 wait tests patience. For off-road purists tired of urban crossovers, this FJ delivers uncompromised Land Cruiser grit. Keep an eye on Toyota’s festive 2028 reveals—adventures await.