Old vs New FJ Cruiser 2026 – What’s Different?

The Toyota FJ Cruiser has long been a symbol of rugged adventure with its boxy, retro-inspired design and unapologetic off-road prowess. Launched in 2006, it quickly captivated enthusiasts all over the world. Now Toyota has unveiled the all-new FJ Cruiser 2026 called the Land Cruiser FJ in two options, the off-road variant gets round lights, raised air intake, roof rack, etc .

FJ cruiser options

While the new FJ Cruiser 2026 does pay homage to its predecessor especially the one with round lights but fundamentally, its a different beast—smaller, more practical, and efficient.

Design: Retro Roots with Modern Polish

The old FJ Cruiser’s design was a love letter to the 1960s FJ40 Land Cruiser: white roof, upright windscreen, curved rear windows, and those iconic rear-hinged “suicide” doors that screamed personality over practicality.

The new FJ dials back the drama for broader appeal, adopting conventional four front-hinged doors for easier family access—no more wrestling with front seats to let rear passengers out. Its silhouette remains boxy and squared-off.

Externally, both share round headlight options nodding to heritage, but the new model’s segmented, removable bumpers enhance reparability and customization. Overall, the old FJ was a bold statement for young adventurers; the new one is a versatile daily driver with off-road swagger.

Interior: From Basic to Buttoned-Up

The old FJ Cruiser’s interior featured durable fabrics and simple HVAC but no touchscreen dominance. The new Land Cruiser FJ fuses retro with relevance—a large central infotainment screen with physical knobs for even gloved hands. Visibility is king, with a low cowl and high seating position.

Performance: From V6 Muscle to Efficient Four-Cylinder

Power was never an issue with the old FJ Cruiser having a 4.0-liter V6 producing an impressive 272 HP and 367 Nm of torque but consuming around 13 liters of petrol for 100 km. The new FJ Cruiser (Land Cruiser FJ) adopts a 2.7-liter inline-four petrol engine. Though output drops to 163 HP and 246 Nm but is sufficient for its lighter and efficient build. Also, no manual option is on offer.

The new Land Cruiser FJ inherits the IMV ladder’s durability, front independent suspension, and wheel articulation from the legendary 70 Series Land Cruiser.

Old FJ CruiserNew Land Cruiser FJ
Engine4.0L – V62.7L – In-Line 4
Power260 HP  (194 KW)163 HP  (120 kW)
Torque367 Nm  (278 lb-ft)246 Nm  (181 lb-ft)
Transmission5-speed auto / 6-speed manual6-speed automatic
DrivetrainPart-time 4WDPart-time 4WD
0-100 km/h7.4 seconds~9 seconds (est.)
Fuel Economy7 – 9 km/liter

Dimensions: Smaller Footprint, Better Versatility

One of the most noticeable evolutions is size. The new Land Cruiser FJ shrinks by about 100 mm in length and wheelbase but boasts better maneuverability with a class-leading 5.5-meter turning radius. It’s also taller, improving visibility and ground clearance.

Old FJ CruiserNew Land Cruiser FJ
Length4,670 mm4,575 mm
Width1,905 mm1,855 mm
Height1,840 mm1,960 mm
Wheelbase2,690 mm2,580 mm
Curb Weight1,950 kg1,900 kg
Ground Clearance224 mm
Turning Radius6.2 meters5.5 meters

The Verdict: Evolution Over Revolution

The new Land Cruiser FJ isn’t a direct heir to the old FJ Cruiser—it’s a smarter, smaller evolution. Trading a V6 roar for four-cylinder efficiency, its smaller size amplifies off-road DNA and practicality.

new fj cruiser

As Toyota defines FJ as “Freedom and Joy,” the new Land Cruiser FJ offers better maneuverability and economy. Prices have not been disclosed yet. If you are interested in the new Land Cruiser FJ, do keep an eye on Toyota’s official site or your local dealer for any new updates.

Should Toyota offer a more powerful engine option too? What do you think?

Related Posts :

1 thought on “Old vs New FJ Cruiser 2026 – What’s Different?”

Leave a comment