- Toyota's rival for the Suzuki Jimny looks likely to show its face later this year.
- The small SUV will use the same platform as the Hilux.
- Toyota Australia has already trademarked the "Land Cruiser FJ" name.
The long-awaited Toyota Land Cruiser FJ project is reportedly about to bear fruit, with the new model – codenamed Toyota 500D – to finally be unveiled at the Tokyo Mobility Show in October ahead of an on-sale date early next year, according to new reports.
According to Japan's Best Car and India's Gaadiwaadi, the 500D will be based on the brand's ute platform, and so will act more as a mini Hilux or Fortuner than a smaller Prado or 300 Series.
But with that platform comes the promise of a diesel power plant –specifically the 2.8-litre turbodiesel used across a fleet of Toyota products locally – along with true capability, some of which is now being reported on.
According to the latest dispatches, the 500D, or Land Cruiser FJ, will measure 4410mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1870 mm in height, and will ride on a 2580mm wheelbase.
It will also serve up an impressive wading depth of 700mm, and approach, break over, and departure angles of 33, 26 and 23 degrees respectively. And in exciting news, the new model is expected to take its design queues from the tough, boxy Land Cruiser Prado.
The model will reportedly be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, will offer 4WD, as well as a centre-locking differential and a limited-split differential.
Post reveal, the new model will reportedly be built in Thailand'a Ban Pho facility, before being exported to global markets, including America, where a petrol-hybrid powertrain would also future-proof the model in Australia in the NVES era.
While Toyota is yet to confirm the model for our market, the brand has secured the Land Cruiser FJ name in Australia via trademark application in March 2024.
That said, the brand has kept its cards close to its chest, having previously told CarsGuide that the trademark was a surprise, even for them.
"There you go, told me something I didn’t even know," Toyota Australia's VP of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide.
“Doesn’t surprise me because we trademark a lot of things. We may at some point want to use it again but there’s nothing that I’m aware of.
“I’m not aware of that product, but I’m not surprised. FJ is a great trademark, I’m glad we locked it down.”
- Andrew Chesterton, contributing journalist.
