The Toyota Land Cruiser family is growing. Last year saw the debut of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, a mid-size SUV built for off-road adventure. Now, the Japanese carmaker has introduced the Land Cruiser FJ, an entry-level model to the Land Cruiser Family and a statement that brings the much-loved FJ badge back in the game, following the success of the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Both models cater to the off-road enthusiasts, but are built for different kinds of owners. Here’s a closer look at what sets them apart.
Different roles in the lineup
The Prado is Toyota’s mid-size premium off-roader. It replaces the previous Prado, but brings in more capability, more technology, and a sharper design. It’s positioned to appeal to buyers who want serious off-road performance but also need daily comfort, family space, and modern features.
The FJ, meanwhile, aims to be the most accessible Land Cruiser yet. As such, it’s more compact, simpler, and more adventure-focused. Instead of competing with larger, more luxury-oriented SUVs, it targets younger buyers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged, fun vehicle at a more approachable price point.
Size and platform
The Prado rides on Toyota’s TNGA-F (Toyota New Global Architecture Full-frame) platform, the same structure used by the bigger Land Cruiser 300. It measures 4,925 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,935 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. This gives it a planted stance and more interior space.
The FJ is smaller, at around 4,575 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, but is a bit taller than the Prado at 1,960 mm. It also rides on a 2,580mm wheelbase and is built on the Toyota IMV-0 (International Multipurpose Vehicle 0) ladder-frame chassis. That’s the same frame used in the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Fortuner. Its shorter wheelbase and narrower body should make it more agile in tight spaces, on or off the road.
Power and drivetrain
The Prado offers a stronger powertrain. It comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that churns out 281 hp and 430 Nm of torque. This is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels.
The FJ, on the other hand, is expected to debut with a 2.7-liter non-turbo gasoline engine with 161 hp and 246 Nm of torque on tap. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes with a part-time 4WD system.
Design
Both the Prado and the FJ draw inspiration from the classic Land Cruiser styling, with boxy lines, brawny aesthetics, and retro headlight options. The Prado leans towards a premium direction, with features such as 20-inch wheels, a large 12.3-inch infotainment display, and ventilated seats, among others.
The FJ has a more rugged, functional design. It’s expected to come with practical materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and body panels that may be removed or customized. Rather than luxury, it’s clearly built with adventure and overlanding in mind.
Safety
Both models come with the Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance and safety features. Adding this system gives buyers who seek protection confidence while testing the adventure capabilities of both the Prado and the FJ. Some of the features included in the Toyota Safety Sense are dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane departure alert (LDA), road sign assist (RSA), and blind spot monitoring (BSM).
Pricing and market arrival
The Prado is already on sale globally. Here in the Philippines, it starts at P4.8 million. It’s a high-end SUV aimed at buyers who want a balance of prestige, capability, and comfort.
The FJ has just made its global debut ahead of the 20205 Japan Mobility Show happening from October 31 to November 9, 2025, in Tokyo. Of note, Toyota has yet to disclose its price point, but it confirmed that the new model is scheduled for a Japan launch in mid-2026. It will be built in Thailand and will be sold across Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Going by this, it’s possible that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) may get an allocation by next year or early 2027 as per the usual global product rollout.
