Welcome, baby Land Cruiser!
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ helped cement the Japanese automaker as a trusted brand for when the going gets really tough.
First produced over 50 years ago, it sported a ladder-frame chassis and four-wheel drive. Put another way, this old-school sport-utility vehicle (SUV) made its name driving through some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world – proving its dependability in places where your only help is your driving skill and your toolkit.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) brought the iconic nameplate to our shores when it officially launched the all-new Land Cruiser FJ at the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show last June. Sales officially started on July 21 with two variants, namely the entry-level TX and the top-spec VX.
“For generations, the Land Cruiser has been recognized in the Philippines for its exceptional durability, reliability, and ability to tackle challenging terrain, making it a trusted companion for both everyday journeys and demanding expedition,” TMP said in a press statement.
“The all-new Land Cruiser FJ brings that same Land Cruiser DNA into a more accessible, maneuverable package that balances legendary capability with the practicality needed for daily driving,” the company added.
We take a look at what this new SUV adds to the FJ’s decades-long heritage.
Chunky looks
As with its predecessors, the Land Cruiser FJ sports distinctive styling reminiscent of the utilitarian SUVs of yore.
This latest iteration has a blocky front hood and fenders that emphasize the rectangular LED headlights, which are framed by the C-shaped LED daytime-running lights. The side profile is also unique because of the stepped window line and the thick D-pillar – and for once, generous application of black plastic cladding complements the car’s rugged appearance.
The rear is a throwback to the olden days with the prominent, body-colored, spare-wheel carrier. This choice meant Toyota had to use high-mounted LED taillights to ensure visibility, even in the muddiest conditions.
The TX model is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels with 265/65-series tires, while the VX uses 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60-series tires. The latter likewise adds LED fog lights, side steps and roof rails.
Body colors include Smokey Blue, Oxide Bronze Mica, Ash and Altitude Black Mica, while Platinum White Pearl Mica costs an additional P15,000, as of press time.
Durable cabin
Getting in and out of the Land Cruiser FJ is likewise much easier than the previous model, thanks to its full-sized rear doors.
And once inside, passengers get a dashboard dominated by blocky shapes, particularly the perches for the circular air-conditioning vents. All variants come standard with black synthetic-leather upholstery, push-start button, dual-zone climate-control system and 7-inch display in the gauge cluster.
The TX model likewise gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the VX has 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather steering wheel, leather gear knob and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Torquey powerplant
Under the Land Cruiser FJ’s sculpted hood is Toyota’s familiar 2.7-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine producing 166 horsepower and 245 Newton-meters of torque.
Although this 2TR-FE engine dates back to 2004, it is a highly proven powerplant that suits this SUV’s need for generous torque at low speeds (such as when negotiating trails or river crossings). It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with selectable four-wheel drive and a rear differential lock.
Suspension-wise, the Land Cruiser FJ gets a ladder-frame chassis with a double-wishbone setup with coil springs and a stabilizer bar up front and a four-link rear end with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, offering 245 millimeters of ground clearance. All models also come standard with Hill-Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control.
Life-saving tech
All Land Cruiser FJ models get front, side, curtain and knee airbags, as well as Vehicle Stability Control and child-restraint anchors.
However, the VX variant is the only one with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 active-safety suite – it incorporates life-saving features like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ starts at P2,235,000 for the TX and goes up to P2,575,000 for the VX – TMP said the all-new Land Cruiser FJ is now available in Toyota dealerships nationwide. Customers may visit their nearest Toyota dealership or visit https://www.toyota.com.ph/land-cruiser-fj for more information.
Given these credentials, the FJ nameplate looks set to have a new generation of fans and admirers, no matter the terrain.
