Compact FJ Cruiser Rendered? First Look at Toyota’s Next Off-Roader

It looks like Toyota is preparing to bring back a fan favorite with a modern twist. A recent patent image has revealed what appears to be the production version of Toyota’s upcoming sport utility vehicle that pays tribute to the iconic FJ Cruiser. While the image does not show everything, it gives us a good sense of where Toyota is heading stylistically.

This new model is expected to be more compact and affordable than the original. Its design strongly resembles the Compact Cruiser EV concept that was shown back in twenty twenty-one. Both vehicles share similar body shapes and rugged styling, but the production version introduces several key updates. Most notably, the front axle has been shifted back, resulting in a shorter wheelbase. The wheel arches are still covered in tough-looking unpainted plastic, but they now feature a more classic trapezoidal shape.

Unlike the concept, the A-pillars will be painted to match the body color, and the side mirrors will be mounted on the door frames instead of the body panels. Up front, the round C-shaped daytime running lights have been slightly tweaked, and both the grille and bumper have been redesigned to better fit the final production aesthetic. The rear retains thick C-pillars without windows, although the sheet metal stamping patterns have been revised. While the full rear view is not available yet, we can see that the taillights sit higher and a spare tire is mounted on the tailgate—classic off-roader style.

Despite the concept being fully electric, the upcoming FJ Cruiser is expected to return with a traditional internal combustion engine. Toyota has not released full technical specifications yet, but early rumors suggest it will come standard with four-wheel drive. One likely engine candidate is the two point seven liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine seen in the latest Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which produces one hundred sixty-three horsepower and two hundred forty-six Newton-meters of torque.

In terms of size, the upcoming model is expected to measure around four point five meters in length—slightly shorter than the original FJ Cruiser, which measured four thousand six hundred seventy-one millimeters. Overall, this updated version looks like it will deliver a capable, stylish, and more accessible alternative for adventure-loving drivers.