Rumours of a Toyota FJ return continue to gain momentum, with a fresh report claiming the badge will be used on a new sub-Fortuner SUV based on the Hilux Champ…
Yes, there’s talk of Toyota’s FJ badge making a comeback. Intriguingly, however, this latest rumour suggests the nameplate will return on a new sub-Fortuner SUV, based on the rugged Hilux Champ bakkie.
According to Autocar India, the new SUV will be revealed towards the end of 2024, positioned as a “slightly smaller and affordable alternative” to the Fortuner. The publication claims the model will be called either the “FJ Cruiser” or the “Land Cruiser FJ” (for the record, Toyota filed to trademark the latter badge in Japan late in 2023).
Thailand has been tipped as the market mostly likely to receive this rumoured new model first, which certainly makes sense if it does indeed end up being based on the Hilux Champ. As a reminder, the ladder-frame Hilux Champ – which was previewed by the IMV 0 Concept, née Rangga – is already on sale in that market.
Autocar India speculates that the rumoured new SUV’s front-end design will echo the Champ’s boxy styling, though with “more premium touches” (perhaps something along the lines of the Compact Cruiser concept, then?). Similarly, the publication claims the bakkie’s basic cabin will be upgraded in SUV form, gaining higher-quality materials, more technology and perhaps a larger-diameter touchscreen.
What about engine options? Well, logic would suggest that any Champ-based FJ would pilfer its powertrain from the bakkie on which it’s based. As such, it could be offered with any of a choice of 3 powerplants, each of which is familiar to Hilux buyers here in South Africa. There’s the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol unit (102 kW and 183 Nm), the likewise atmospheric 2.7-litre petrol motor (122 kW and 245 Nm) and the 2.4-litre turbodiesel mill (110 kW and 400 Nm). We’d speculate the latter would be the best bet.
Interestingly, Simon Humphries, head of design at Toyota, may have made reference to this new model in his address at the August 2023 reveal of the J250-generation Prado, when he hinted at “ensuring that the Land Cruiser brand is more affordable, and within reach of even more people around the world”. At the same time, a silhouette of a small off-roader appeared on the screen behind him.
As a reminder, though the FJ traces its roots all the way back to the early 1950s, the last FJ Cruiser was based on the J150-generation Land Cruiser Prado (but built by Toyota subsidiary Hino). Revealed in 2005, the FJ Cruiser arrived in South Africa only towards the end of 2010, remaining in production until December 2022, with Toyota SA Motors finally confirming to Cars.co.za in April 2023 that it had indeed been put out to pasture.
Related content
Toyota Hilux GR Sport III (2024) Price & Spec
