Toyota May Revive Its Beloved Off-Roader Earlier Than Expected

Rumors regarding the return of the beloved Toyota FJ Cruiser are intensifying, suggesting it could arrive sooner than anticipated. According to Japanese-based car blog Creative 331, the next-generation FJ could be on the calendar to debut in the coming months.

But more importantly, while Japan is often the first to receive new Toyota models — par the course for any Japanese Domestic brand — North America could see its FJ Cruiser revival as early as next year.

Toyota USA

Toyota discontinued its beloved off-roader back in 2014 for Japan and North America after a seven-year run. However, Toyota kept it in production specifically for the Middle Eastern market due to high demand, up until 2022.

Since then, fans have been clamoring for its return.

To turbo, or not to turbo?

Toyota USA

In the latest development, Creative 331 claims Toyota’s next-gen FJ Cruiser will kick off its production run featuring only a naturally-aspirated 2.7-liter gasoline inline-four.

The blog, however, only speaks for the Japanese Domestic Market. It claims that the supposed 2.7-liter gasoline four-cylinder will be the model’s only engine choice.

Toyota USA

It’s the same motor powering the current base Hilux pickup truck, or basically the Tacoma’s international sibling. But with only 160 horsepower and 181 pound-feet, it might not be enough to satisfy power-hungry Americans.

Instead, speculation and circumstantial evidence suggest the new North American-spec FJ could get the same turbocharged 2.4-liter gas “i-FORCE” four-cylinder powering the new Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner. But there hasn’t been any evidence to suggest any truth to the speculation.

Toyota USA

Unlike the new Tacoma and its platform sibling, the 4Runner, there hasn’t been any indication suggesting the inclusion of an upgraded gas-electric hybrid version.

The previous FJ Cruiser, which also utilized the old Tacoma/4Runner platform, utilized the same 4.0-liter “1GR-FE” naturally-aspirated gas V-6. Then, it produced around 259 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque when running on premium gas.

Toyota European Design Center

That said, the supposed new 2.7-liter four-banger’s 160 hp and 181 lb-ft isn’t anywhere close to the old V-6’s power.

There could be two different kinds of FJ Cruiser

Toyota European Design Center

Although word about the FJ Cruiser’s return popped very briefly over the past several years, details remain sparse. Rumors of its revival began swirling a couple of years ago, while some patent filings also suggested its return.

Toyota’s European Design center also revealed a concept study back in 2022 called the “Compact Cruiser EV.” That concept hinted at the prospect of a next-gen FJ Cruiser.

WIPO

However, it was noticeably smaller than the previous FJ Cruiser, implying more compact dimensions versus the original model’s mid-size proportions.

The meager power output of the rumored 2.7-liter four-cylinder’s rumored for the next model may also indicate a small version of the model for JDM and Asia/European export markets. That could also suggest North American FJ Cruisers could be significantly different.

Toyota

Given the cult following and fandom around the original FJ Cruiser, American buyers will more likely favor a more powerful and mid-size model. In order for that to happen, Toyota’s TNGA-F modular platform will likely underpin the North American car.

Toyota

Just last year, FJ Cruiser revival rumors got a nice jolt when Toyota debuted the Land Cruiser ROX concept at the Specialty Equipment and Manufacturers’ Association show in Las Vegas.

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