The Toyota Land Cruiser FJThe little off-roader could eventually come to Australia with an updated engine from the new-generation Toyota HiLux – but we may have to wait a while longer.
Unveiled in late 2025, the small LandCruiser was excluded from Toyota Australia because its sole powertrain, the older 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder “2TR-FE” engine, did not meet emissions regulations.
“I looked at the little LandCruiser today and there is no doubt about the looks and the LandCruiser name in Australia would be very appealing,” Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley told media in Tokyo last year.
“But the harsh reality is that in our country we are faced with… different regulations and new criteria… For this particular vehicle… the reality is that we are moving to Euro 6 emissions.”
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Mr Hanley added that if the baby FJ was equipped with an engine that meets Euro 6 standards, Toyota Australia would consider it again for local showrooms – and now that time could come.
According to the Japanese release Best Car WebFrom 2029, the “Baby FJ” will receive the HiLux’s “1GD-FTV” 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, which is also used in the HiAce van and LandCruiser Prado sold here.
In the local HiLux and Prado, the diesel engine produces 150kW/500Nm, compared to the petrol engine’s 120kW/246Nm, with both having a six-speed automatic.
Toyota has not yet confirmed diesel powertrain for the FJ, and its local arm declined to reveal any further possibilities the rumored new powertrain could bring to its local lineup.
The LandCruiser FJ is manufactured in Thailand – where the Australian showroom HiLux is also made – with both vehicles using the same 2004 IMV platform shared with the Thai-made HiLux Champ.
Smaller than a regular HiLux, the HiLux Champ is a more stripped-down device designed for Southeast Asian markets. It is available with a turbodiesel, although with a smaller, less powerful 2.4-liter unit.
Here too, Toyota Australia previously excluded the HiLux Champ from its lineup.
“Toyota Australia is continually evaluating opportunities to further develop our vehicle range, however we currently have no plans to introduce the LandCruiser FJ to our market,” the company said in a statement in late 2025.
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