With the introduction of the Land Cruiser FJ, Toyota South Africa has marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in the local heritage of the legendary brand. Designed to bring the spirit of freedom, exploration and adventure to a broader generation, the new FJ expands Toyota’s iconic off-road family with a compact yet highly capable model that combines everyday usability with genuine Land Cruiser toughness.
Joining the existing Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series line-up, the Land Cruiser FJ was developed to capture the essence of the iconic brand in a more agile, youthful and lifestyle-oriented model. The original BJ model launched the Land Cruiser legacy in 1951, and the new Land Cruiser FJ continues the brand’s evolution 75 years later.
Based on a slightly revised Fortuner ladder-frame platform with a shorter wheelbase, additional structural bracing and extensive use of high-tensile steel to further enhance rigidity, stability and ride comfort, the Land Cruiser FJ introduces a more accessible and versatile interpretation of a proven formula, thereby adding a fresh dimension to Toyota’s SUV portfolio.
The Land Cruiser FJ measures 4,575 mm in length and 1,855 mm in width, and, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm, it is 350 mm shorter and 125 mm narrower than the Land Cruiser Prado, which has a 270 mm shorter wheelbase. With its Tonka Toy looks, a homage to the original short-wheelbase FJ40, it also stands higher yet is shorter than the Toyota Fortuner.
This gives the Land Cruiser FJ great manoeuvrability, including a turning radius of just 5.5 metres, impressive ground clearance and high approach and departure angles. Its exterior design, with strong horizontal lines and flared fenders, includes subtle dice-inspired elements that give it a more youthful and adventurous character.
The bold heritage grille is a throwback to the original BJ, and the prominent fender detailing, clean geometric side surfaces, roof rails, removable side steps, protective cladding and rear-mounted spare wheel on the side-opening rear door give it a purposeful and functional appearance.
The shape of the big, vertical rear door reminds one of the rear hatch of the small Aygo, but the rear luggage space is limited due to the Land Cruiser FJ’s tall, short stance. It is available in a range of expressive exterior colours, including Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Ash, Calcite Blue and Oxide Bronze.
Inside, the five-seat interior and dashboard design is very much Prado-inspired with a horizontal dashboard layout and grouped switchgear. An 8″ Display Audio infotainment system is centrally positioned, and there is a low-set 7″ TFT multi-information display in front of the driver. The choice of infotainment display size did raise some eyebrows at the launch event. Toyota explained that future VX models will have a larger screen as standard, but that, at present, it can only be optioned for an additional cost of R12,500.
TWO GRADES, ONE ENGINE
Available in GX or VX trim, both derivatives are equipped with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, downhill assist, a full-size spare wheel, and six speakers as standard. The GX features durable fabric upholstery, while the VX receives premium synthetic leather trim, blind-spot monitor, panoramic view monitor, parking support brake functionality, plus the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems.
Both variants are powered by a revised version of Toyota’s proven 2.7-litre 2TR-FE petrol engine, delivering 122 kW at 5,200 rpm and 245 Nm at 4,000 rpm paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. As the Land Cruiser FJ is currently imported from Thailand, this is, for now, the only engine option available in the line-up.
As it is based on the IMV platform, other engine options are available, so why only a petrol mill? Well, it may be a throwback to the previous, non-related FJ (also initially available only with a petrol motor) or even the petrol-driven original BJ, or perhaps it was done to protect Fortuner sales.
The most likely reason is that the Land Cruiser FJ is currently imported from Thailand, with the 2.7-litre engine the only option available currently. That said, a diesel version could follow later, especially as local production of the Land Cruiser FJ is currently “under study” by Toyota South Africa.
The VX was the only version available at launch in the Western Cape, and on the route towards Riebeeck-Wes, the top model’s cabin quietness, shod with 18″ highway-terrain tyres (the GX comes with 17″ tyres), was impressive. Also, despite its tall body, the Land Cruiser FJ felt solid and secure on the road.
However, the petrol motor felt a bit gutless, particularly on uphill sections, and the auto transmission, in turn, hunted a lot between gears. And the biggest disappointment was its consumption. While Toyota claims 10.7 l/100 km, it took some real hypermile-type driving on the route to achieve around 12 l/100 km.
Even so, on the off-road sections, the drivetrain calibration for smooth low-speed drivability, enhanced throttle response and strong traction came into its own. Here, as expected, the Land Cruiser FJ was in its element, thanks to its short overhangs and good ride height, and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a rear differential lock.
Further optimising the Land Cruiser FJ’s performance and durability are Prado-derived front drivetrain components and a lightweight Fortuner-based propeller shaft, as well as systems such as Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), ECT 2nd start mode and Vehicle Stability Control.
The modularity of its design also allows for extensive customisation, and Toyota has developed a comprehensive range of accessories in collaboration with ARB and Toyota Genuine Accessories, such as a snorkel, roof rack, skid plates, spare wheel garnish, mud flaps, side moulding garnish, luggage tray and a 12.3″ Display Audio upgrade.
LAST WORD
Priced from R714,000 for the GX and R761,400 for the VX, it is positioned just below the GWM Tank 300 (R729,950 for the Super Luxury 4WD Petrol and R779,950 for the Ultra Luxury 4WD Petrol), and slightly above the BAIC B40 Plus (R699,500 for the Honor Edition). For reference, the Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT, at R746,500, slots right in the middle of the models now available.
Although the engine choice for the newcomer is debatable, the new compact Cruiser introduces a more accessible yet just as versatile interpretation to the iconic brand, and judged by first impressions, the new FJ lives up to the hallowed Land Cruiser name in all respects.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA
