The $40K Toyota FJ LandCruiser Aussies can’t have… yet

Toyota Australia says it would seriously consider the new LandCruiser FJ for local showrooms, but the compact off-roader’s ageing petrol engine currently prevents it from meeting Australian emissions regulations. However, it’s just been launched in Japan for around $40,000 and there are increasing reports of a hybrid powertrain coming, meaning a late-decade arrival in Australia is now shaping up for the baby FJ Cruiser.

Built on a ladder-frame platform and positioned beneath the LandCruiser 70, 250 (Prado) and 300 Series, the FJ has already generated huge interest globally thanks to its rugged styling and manageable footprint.

For Australia, it looks like a natural fit in a market where vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny and GWM Tank 300 continue to attract strong demand, slotting in between them in terms of physical size.

There’s a huge amount of customer interest in the vehicle in Australia, something Toyota Australia’s sales, marketing and franchise operations vice president, John Pappas, admits the company is well aware of.

“If that came available, we'd look at it, because I know the car you're talking about. It's a ripper,” he said.

“But it's got to meet our emissions, our Euro 6 regulations. It's got to meet that for us to consider it.”

The shorter wheelbase and compact dimensions of the reborn ‘baby’ FJ LandCruiser are intended to improve manoeuvrability while maintaining proper off-road capability.

Pappas made clear the company understands the vehicle’s appeal locally.

“It's got a lot of attention,” he said. “It is a really nice car for our market, for sure.”

The issue, however, is the engine currently offered overseas.

The FJ uses an older 2.7-litre petrol powertrain that does not comply with Australia’s stricter Euro 6 emissions standards.

Asked whether adapting the vehicle with a more suitable engine would be difficult, Pappas remained cautious.

“Well, look, if that became available to us, we'd look at it, but it's not available to us at the moment,” he said.

He also confirmed the existing engine is “an older engine” that “won't meet the emission regulations”.

Toyota Australia says discussions with Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan are ongoing as the company evaluates future opportunities and evolving powertrain solutions.

“We talk to TMC all the time. We're talking to them very often; we're regularly catching up with TMC and in constant communication,” Papas said.

“And we always keep our options open with these things. And as time progresses and these things become available, we always assess them on their merits.”

There may still be a future for the LandCruiser FJ in Australia – just not immediately.

Reports from Indian publication Rush Lane suggest Toyota is preparing a new production facility in Maharashtra that could begin building the FJ from 2029.

Crucially, the plant is expected to produce petrol-hybrid versions, potentially solving the emissions issue currently blocking an Australian launch.

Thailand – already a major export hub for Toyota’s Australian-market vehicles – is also expected to play a role in broader FJ production as electrified drivetrains become available.

When asked whether he believed a compliant powertrain could arrive during the FJ’s production lifecycle, Pappas sounded hopeful.

“We'd hope so,” he said.

For now, Australian buyers eager for an affordable, small and rugged LandCruiser will have to wait. But Toyota clearly knows there’s demand if the right engine solution emerges.

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