Toyota unveils its all-new 'retro' FJ LandCruiser

After years of endless speculation, Toyota has finally unveiled its next-generation FJ LandCruiser this week.

To be produced in Thailand from mid next half for developing markets, Australian sales have yet to be confirmed, meaning there is no guarantee that we will even get to see it.

For now, the new FJ’s only engine option will be the ancient 2.7-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol unit. Driving all four wheels, it delivers 122kW of power and 245Nm of torque. Modest figures, but that’s not all that’s small in Toyota’s latest 4x4.

Possessing more than a passing resemblance to the classic FJ40 LandCruiser workhorses made from 1960 through to 1984, the new FJ nevertheless ushers in a bold, hexagonal design theme, that also benefits cabin space and packaging within a surprisingly compact footprint.

Measuring in at 4575mm long, 1855mm wide and 1960mm high in show-car prototype form, the new FJ’s length and width mirror that of the current RAV4’s, but stands considerably taller. It also roughly matches the Land Rover Defender 90 two-door wagon’s dimensions, even down to sitting on a similarly-sized 2580mm wheelbase.

Not only is that 270mm shorter than the latest Toyota Prado’s wheelbase, it is also 110mm shy of the retro FJ Cruiser’s, that was sold in Australia for five years from 2011.

While Toyota has yet to reveal any pricing details at this early stage, keeping a lid on costs is the main reason behind the dramatic downsizing, which in turn has dictated the choice of mechanicals underneath.

Although still using body-on-frame construction for maximum off-road robustness and capability, the new FJ’s basis is the existing HiLux ute’s ageing IMV chassis, which has been around since 2004.

This may be good news for SUV buyers on a budget, because it almost guarantees that the Toyota will be positioned closer to the conceptually-similar (and highly successful) GWM Tank 300 from China, which currently kicks off at under $50,000 drive-away in Australia.

Such competitiveness may not have been possible if the new FJ had instead adopted the high-tech TNGA-F Toyota New Global Architecture underpinning the company’s larger (and much-more expensive) SUVs and utes, including today’s Prado 250, LandCruiser 300, Lexus LX and mammoth Tundra full-sized American pick-up.

Of course, Toyota frames IMV differently, stating that it will “ensure ground clearance and approach angle, (achieve) outstanding off-road performance worthy of a LandCruiser through wheel articulation… (and result in) excellent manoeuvrability with a minimum turning radius of 5.5 metres and mobility on off-road terrain, giving the LandCruiser new appeal.”

Cognisant of criticism that the new FJ’s HiLux underpinnings may fall short of on-road dynamic expectations, the company says it includes the “addition of braces under the floor and higher body rigidity (to) ensure excellent handling stability.”

Still, Toyota is mostly keen to highlight off-road credibility, adding that “…during development, extensive off-road testing identified points for improvement to ensure true LandCruiser-ness – reliability, durability and off-road performance.”

To that end, the new FJ even features removable bumper corners for easy removability and cost-effective repairs, while deep glass areas and a low dash within a highly-contemporary interior look and layout allows for maximum visibility when off the beaten track.

Myriad customisation options have also been announced, including round LED headlights instead of square ones, for a more-traditional appearance.

“The LandCruiser will continue to evolve to meet societal demands while supporting the lives of customers around the world and remaining a vehicle they can trust,” Toyota added.