Celebrating the global launch of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ in Thailand, Toyota has introduced four concepts to stoke the imagination of potential buyers: Meridian, Nature Explorer, Legendary, and Street Cruiser. Each concept follows a different lifestyle theme, showing the new SUV’s customization potential.
At the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, we had a chance to get up close with the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Legendary in person.
Inspired by the FJ40
Walking up to the Land Cruiser FJ Legendary concept, its evident that it pays tribute to the FJ40 Land Cruiser, which was introduced in the United States in 1960 and was the best-selling Toyota in the country through 1965. That heritage still carries weight in states such as California, Colorado, Washington and Texas, where classic Land Cruisers enjoy a loyal following to this day.
Design
Finished in Sandstone Yellow paint, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Legendary is a desert-inspired concept. At the front, round LED headlamps, which look similar to the units available on the Land Cruiser 1958 (250) sold in the U.S., highlight the SUV’s lineage from classic Land Cruiser models. The iconic “TOYOTA” heritage grille adds to the retro theme.
Toyota has applied the body color to the lower corners of the front bumper for a cleaner look. The separate amber turn signals, the protruding bumper with a chunky skid plate, and a high-set hood with haunches along the edges complete the retro-styled concept SUV’s look.
On the sides, gloss black vertical mirrors, chrome strips and door handles, and a heritage “Toyota Land Cruiser” logo above the wheel arches are also among the key design changes here.
The concept’s distinguishing element on the sides are the 17-inch Lenso MX-Duty Litetech+ classic-style wheels, which cost THB 6,250 (USD 190) a pop. They are fitted with Yokohama Geolandar 265/65 R17 all-terrain tires.
Upon a closer look, we also noticed strap-mounted mudflaps that sit lower, feature perforated reinforcement plates, and carry “TOYOTA” branding.
While the side profile shows extensive customization and attention to detail, the rear presents a contrast. Instead of the custom 17-inch wheel, Toyota has mounted a standard 18-inch wheel on the tailgate, fitted with a Michelin Primacy SUV 265/60 R18 tire. The rear looks no different from the standard Land Cruiser FJ.
Specifications
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Legendary has no major mechanical changes. Barring the minor possible deviations in dimensions and weights due to the custom parts, it is the same off-road-oriented compact SUV underneath.
For reference, the standard Land Cruiser FJ measures 4,610 mm (181.5 in.) in length, 1,855 mm (73.0 in.) in width, and 1,890 mm (74.4 in.) in height and has a 2,580 mm (101.6 in.) wheelbase. It offers 245 mm (9.6 in.) of ground clearance and has a turning radius of 5.5 meters (18.0 ft.).
Toyota offers the Land Cruiser FJ only with the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter naturally aspirated gas engine that produces 122 kW (164 hp) at 5,200 rpm and 245 Nm (181 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
A 6-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with a rear differential lock work together to send drive to the wheels. The company manufactures the new SUV at the Ban Pho plant in Thailand.
Hybrid & PHEV plans
According to a report from Autocar India, Toyota is considering hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for its smallest frame SUV.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), the company’s local joint venture, plans to manufacture the Land Cruiser FJ at the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar plant from August 2028. It is expected that the company will export the SUV to many global markets with these electrified options.
U.S. & Canada launch
Regardless of how the electrification plans pan out, Toyota won’t be introducing the Land Cruiser FJ in the U.S. or Canada.
According to an Automotive News report, Toyota Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama has said that the Land Cruiser FJ would be “too small for the U.S.” We believe a key reason Toyota does not find the model feasible for our market is also its IMV 0 platform, which the company developed keeping in mind safety regulations mainly in emerging markets, with Japan being one of the exceptions.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
