The Toyota LandCruiser FJbaby off-roader could come to Australia after all with an updated engine sourced from the new-generation Toyota HiLux – but we may be waiting a while.
Revealed in late 2025, the baby LandCruiser was ruled out by Toyota Australia because its only powertrain, the older naturally aspirated 2.7-litre ‘2TR-FE’ four-cylinder petrol engine, didn’t meet emissions regulations.
“I looked at the little LandCruiser today and there’s no doubt on looks, and the LandCruiser name in Australia, [it] would be very appealing,” said Toyota Australia sales and marketing vice president, Sean Hanley, to the media in Tokyo last year.
“But the hardcore reality is, we are facing in our country … variable regulations, new criteria … On that particular vehicle … it’s the reality [that] we’re moving to Euro 6 emissions.”
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Mr Hanley added if the baby FJ was fitted with an engine which met Euro 6 standards, Toyota Australia would reconsider it for local showrooms – and now, that time may be coming.
According to Japanese publication Best Car Web, in 2029 the ‘baby FJ’ will get the HiLux’s 2.8-litre ‘1GD-FTV’ turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, also used in the HiAce van and LandCruiser Prado sold here.
In the local HiLux and Prado, the diesel engine makes 150kW/500Nm, compared to the petrol engine’s 120kW/246Nm outputs, with both using a six-speed automatic.
Toyota has yet to confirm diesel power for the FJ, and its local arm wouldn’t reveal any further opportunities the alleged new powertrain may bring for its local lineup.
The LandCruiser FJ will be made in Thailand – where the Australian-showroom HiLux is made – with both vehicles using the same IMV platform, dating back to 2004, shared with the Thai-made HiLux Champ.
Smaller than a regular HiLux, the HiLux Champ is a more back-to-basics ute developed for Southeast Asian markets. It’s available with a turbo-diesel, albeit a smaller, less powerful 2.4-litre unit.
Toyota Australia has also previously ruled out the HiLux Champ for its lineup here, too.
“Toyota Australia continuously explores opportunities to evolve our vehicle lineup, however, we have no current plans to introduce the LandCruiser FJ to our market,” said the company in a statement in late 2025.
MORE: Toyota LandCruiser FJ baby off-roader’s Australian launch held back by HiLux engine