Mini Fortuner being offered by Toyota – the new Land Cruiser FJ – is subject to a massive delay in launch, its global debut has now been postponed until the first half of 2026. The small off-road warrior was originally scheduled to be unveiled late 2025, however, production obstacles have forced Toyota to amend its schedule.
The hold-up is, of the course, a result of those continuing production cutbacks for the wider Land Cruiser 250 range as well as certification problems which have had an effect on Toyota’s rollout plan for its SUVs. This is a letdown for what is arguably one of Toyota’s more budget-friendly off-roaders within a recent memory.
Built On Proven IMV Platform
The next-gen Land Cruiser FJ will sit on a Toyota-modified IMV ladder frame, which happens to be the same underpinning as the Hilux Champ pickup truck available in Thailand and Indonesia. The platform is a cheaper derivative of the current IMV architecture that underpins the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and the Hilux in India.
After all, it’s got a ladder frame chassis to make sure the FJ keeps some of Toyota’s famous off-roader DNA, and a cheap(ish) production cost. This strategy enables Toyota to market the vehicle as a lower priced option to their largehooded Land Cruiser family.
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Patent Reveals Rugged Design Language
Recent patent applications from the Philippines reveal the unique design approach of the FJ. The leaked images show an aggressive but boxy compact SUV that harks back to Toyota’s off-road roots while also marrying it with contemporary design cues.
Proportions of the vehicle point to its likely seating capacity for five, and also a fairly large ground clearance and approach angle to handle off-road driving. The series is named for the seminal FJ series that the original FJ Cruiser heavily emulates.
Strategic Market Positioning
In Toyota’s worldwide hierarchy of SUVs, the Land Cruiser FJ is expected to sit between the Land Cruiser LC300 and the Prado LC250. In the Indian market especially, it sits below the Hilux and the Foutuner, offering a new gateway into the Toyota’s premium SUV range.
The vehicle is aimed at people who want the genuine capability of an off-roader but want to avoid the premium prices of Toyota’s flagship SUVs. This way it squarely meets the increasing interest in small & strong off-roaders in developing countries.
Production Timeline And Market Entry
Production is set to start in Thailand AROUND end 2026, while the bike could be launched in Indian market around June 2027. The schedule matches with Toyota’s overall plan to make Thailand its manufacturing base for the rest of Southeast Asia and India.
The long lead time gives Toyota time to tweak the details of the car and properly adapt it to multiple market needs in multiple regions. Early reports indicate that the FJ will be available with both manual and automatic transmissions to offer types of drivers.
Competitive Landscape Impact
The Land Cruiser FJ will rival the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio-N and Tata Harrier. With a ladder frame and Toyota’s long history of off-road tackle, it could offer considerable benefits to unibody rivals.
Positioned as a “Mini Fortuner”, this vehicle is expected to be priced between ₹20-27 lakh, which should make it available to a wider audience but still allowing Toyota to remain as a premium brand. At this price, it could well be a game changer in the mid-size SUV category in India.