Reborn into the Toyota Land Cruiser family, does the new FJ have the DNA running through its siblings’ veins?
Revealed in October 2025, the Land Cruiser FJ made its first local appearance at Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event in February 2026. Displayed among several highly anticipated new Toyota and Lexus products that have since launched in our market, including the sixth-generation RAV4, the Japanese marque’s SA arm was keen to remind SOMI attendees that the latest ‘FJ’-badged model is called ‘Land Cruiser FJ’ and not ‘FJ Cruiser’.
You see, although the Land Cruiser FJ shares the vaunted ‘FJ’ denomination – which now stands for “Freedom and Joy” – with the FJ Cruiser, it shouldn’t be mistaken as its successor. Internally known as ‘XJ10’, the FJ Cruiser was produced between 2006 and 2022 as a standalone model in Toyota’s SUV portfolio. The XJ10’s closest relative came in the shape of the third-generation (J120) Land Cruiser Prado.
- Also read: New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ price and specs
The internal model codes are key here. Since the J20 was introduced in 1955, each Land Cruiser generation has had an internal model code starting with the letter ‘J’, followed by a number. This didn’t make the FJ Cruiser the ugly step-sibling in the period ‘J’ family, however. Instead, the XJ10 was the eccentric relative with undeniable X factor.
The Land Cruiser FJ is internally known as the ‘J240’. It is positioned as the baby brother in the contemporary ‘J’ family, which comprises the J250 Land Cruiser Prado and J300 Land Cruiser 300. But have the goods running in its siblings’ DNA found their way into this funky-looking newcomer? We put the “baby” Land Cruiser, in VX flagship guise, through our road test regimen to find out.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2.7 4X4 VX AT specifications
- Price: R761 400
- Powertrain: 2.7-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
- Transmission: six-speed automatic
- Driven wheels: all
- Power: 122 kW @ 5 200 r/min
- Torque: 245 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
The J240 is built on Toyota’s robust IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) architecture – DNA shared with the Fortuner and Hilux – as opposed to the TNGA-F architecture underpinning the current-generation Prado and 300. The new FJ’s dice-inspired frame measures 4 610 mm long and 1 855 mm wide; making it 315 mm shorter and 125 mm narrower than the J250. The FJ’s wheelbase is 270 mm shorter than the Prado’s, at 2 580 mm.
The biggest, and arguably most contentious, talking point surrounding the FJ is its choice of engine. With no diesel option officially confirmed by Toyota, the FJ is exclusively powered by its maker’s long-standing 2TR-FE unit. Discontinued in the new Hilux, the 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol produces 122 kW and 245 N.m – the former and latter available from 5 200 and 4 000 r/min, respectively. However, while 2TRFE-equipped eighth-generation Hilux models were rear-wheel driven and manual-only, the FJ adopts Toyota’s six-speed ECT automatic transmission, replete with low-range transfer case, and a part-time 4×4 drivetrain. A rear diff-lock is also present.
Off the beaten track, the 2TR-FE seems a reasonable performer; the transmission mapping making the most of the low-end grunt on offer. Picking up speed on the open road, however, this unit runs out of breath. The automatic gearbox becomes less decisive – often doggedly holding onto gears before finally shifting up – hampering progress. On our test strip, the 1 985 kg VX test unit sprinted between the 80-100, 100-120 and 80-120 km/h increments in 3.97, 5.5 and 9.47 seconds, respectively.
The powertrain’s high-revving nature and lethargic transmission significantly impact fuel consumption. On our mixed-use fuel route, the FJ returned 12.2 L/100 km; translating to a range of 516 km from a full, 63-litre tank of unleaded. However, if confined to urban environments, expect a thirstier average…in the mid-to high 13s!
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2.7 4X4 VX AT fuel consumption
- Claimed: 10.70 L/100 km
- CAR fuel index: 12.84 L/100 km
- Fuel route: 12.20 L/100 km
- Fuel range (fuel index): 491 km
While off-roading will undoubtedly further increase fuel economy, we’d argue it’s a price worth paying. The FJ is a joy off-road. Thanks to its short overhangs, 29-degree approach and 38-degree departure angles, 245 mm ground clearance (up 30 mm over the Prado), not to mention such off-road staples as low-range, rear diff-lock and hill descent control, the FJ confidently treads over broken terrain. It’s also worth noting that only the model tested here features traction control, which is a boon on loose surfaces.
The VX’s 18-inch alloy wheels are shod in 60-profile Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubber, helping it feel suitably composed off-road. While there is the occasional, and admittedly unavoidable, bump, the double wishbone front/multilink rear suspension arrangement is pliant.
The FJ’s compact dimensions make it feel easier to manoeuvre off-road than its spiritual predecessor. The driving position is commanding, providing a clear view of the tracks ahead, and the hydraulically assisted power steering setup relays ample feedback to the driver’s palms through the steering wheel. The latter is perhaps a touch heavy, though. The VX also features a 360-degree surround-view camera system, easily accessed via a dedicated button on the facia. The feed displayed on the 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is decidedly low-res, however.
- Also read: New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ test figures
In addition, the FJ offers all the necessary packing space for your adventure essentials. Stacked in a Tetris-like fashion, the boot swallowed 512 litres worth of our measuring blocks. There’s no parcel shelf to hide your gear, but a cargo net is included with the package.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2.7 4X4 VX AT interior dimensions
- Front headroom/kneeroom: 875/940 mm
- Second-row headroom/kneeroom: 835/520 mm
- Boot/utility space: 512/824 litres
Front and rear headroom is generous – our measuring tape indicating 940 and 835 mm, respectively. Rear legroom is snug, however, at a mere 520 mm. In addition to the few items already mentioned, further included with the VX’s R47 400 premium over the GX derivative are leather upholstery for the steering wheel and gear lever, synthetic leather trim for the seats, and advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. All models feature seven airbags and Isofix child-seat anchorages as standard.
Speaking of safety, in our 100-0 km/h emergency braking regimen, the FJ recorded an average stopping time of 3.01 seconds, garnering it a ‘good’ rating by our standards, over a distance of 42.69 metres.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2.7 4X4 VX AT performance
- 0-100 km/h: 12.47 seconds
- 100-0 km/h: 3.01 seconds/42.69 metres
Test Summary
The news that the FJ has been reborn as a compact Land Cruiser was met with great expectations. Its mechanical DNA largely comes from the Hilux and Fortuner, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s tried-and-tested and should last a lifetime. However, there is one building block that sorely wasn’t carried over – a turbodiesel powertrain. The inclusion of the latter, with its accompanying low end torque and more palatable fuel economy, could make the Land Cruiser FJ the new family favourite. However, despite its shortcomings, the new FJ is arguably the coolest among its siblings.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 2.7 4X4 VX AT Test Score: 75/100
Published in the August 2026 issue of CAR magazine.
