As Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) continues to roll out updates for its 2025 model year lineup, speculation has been growing about the potential introduction of a smaller, three door Land Cruiser.
While the company has been busy with recent releases like the GR Corolla, Corolla FX, and Sienna minivan, Digital car design has been exploring alternative possibilities. With six off road SUV and truck models already in its lineup, including the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tundra, N400 Tacoma, N380 4Runner, and Lexus GX 550, many believe there’s still room for a more compact option.
Some have suggested a four door “Mini” Land Cruiser to compete with the Ford Bronco Sport, while others have envisioned a three door version of the main Land Cruiser series to take on the two door Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
The Q Cars YouTube channel has recently presented a concept for a modern Toyota FJ40, a rugged three door SUV that blends the classic charm of the 1960s model with contemporary design elements. Such a vehicle would likely appeal to those seeking a more nimble and maneuverable off roader without sacrificing the Land Cruiser’s legendary durability and capability.
A three door configuration could also offer a more direct connection to the vehicle’s heritage, harkening back to the original FJ40’s utilitarian design. While there’s no official confirmation from TMNA regarding the development of a smaller Land Cruiser, the growing interest in this segment and the creative concepts emerging from the digital design community suggest that it’s a possibility worth considering.
If such a vehicle were to come to fruition, it would undoubtedly add another exciting option to Toyota’s already impressive lineup of off road vehicles. A hypothetical Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, a rugged and boxy off-roader, has been imagined by enthusiasts. This unofficial design envisions what the FJ40 series might look like if Toyota had continued its production beyond 1984.
The Brazilian models, produced until 2001, serve as a testament to the vehicle’s enduring appeal. With its robust design, the hypothetical FJ40 could compete directly with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. However, recent rumors of a smaller Land Cruiser, following the introduction of the J250 series, have left fans uncertain about Toyota’s future plans for this iconic off roader.
While the J250 series has been well received, there is a demand for a more compact and affordable Land Cruiser option. Some speculate that Toyota might introduce a smaller model to fill this gap and create a three-tiered Land Cruiser family.
If Toyota were to introduce a smaller Land Cruiser, it would likely retain the same off-road capabilities and rugged design that have made the FJ40 series so popular. A compact Land Cruiser could appeal to a wider range of buyers, including those who prefer a smaller vehicle or those who are on a tighter budget.
Ultimately, the future of the Land Cruiser series remains uncertain. While the hypothetical FJ40 design offers a look into what a modern version of the iconic off roader might look like, only time will tell if Toyota will actually introduce a smaller model.
