Toyota’s little LandCruiser is no closer to Australia

Toyota Australia is no closer to launch Land Cruiser FJ Baby off-roader down under, according to the brand’s local vice president of marketing and sales.

In conversation with Daily Sparkz At the launch of the new generation RAV4 Hybrid, John Pappas said that the LandCruiser FJ was still “unavailable” for our market.

“I think the FJ… if you look at it, from an aesthetic point of view it’s definitely suitable for the Australian market, it definitely looks great,” Mr Pappas said.

“But unfortunately it’s using an older engine at the moment and won’t meet our future emissions regulations. So it’s not possible for us to think about it (at the moment).”

Mr Pappas added: “… (but) if that were to change and then (the FJ) was available with a different type of engine, for example, we would definitely consider that.” That leaves the door open for the smallest LandCruiser to head Down Under, should it hypothetically be available with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel from the related Hilux dual-cab model.

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Unveiled in late 2025, the LandCruiser FJ will only be available with one powertrain at launch, a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder “2TR-FE” engine, which Toyota Australia says does not meet local emissions regulations – which now impose stricter Euro 6d standards and average CO2 caps on manufacturers.

The LandCruiser FJ is manufactured in Thailand – where the popular HiLux is made for Australia – with both vehicles using the same 2004 ‘IMV’ platform shared with the related HiLux Champ.

Toyota Australia has also previously ruled out the HiLux Champ for a local launch.

According to the Japanese release Best Car WebIn 2029, the “Baby FJ” will receive the HiLux’s 2.8-liter “1GD-FTV” turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, which could put it on the radar at Toyota’s local dealership.

In the local HiLux and Prado, the diesel engine produces 150kW/500Nm, compared to the petrol engine’s 120kW/246Nm, with both equipped with a six-speed automatic and 48V mild hybrid technology.