TOYOTA LAND CRUISER "MINI" FJ MAY NOT COME TO NORTH AMERICA // MINI FJ LIKELY BASED ON IMV TRUCKS

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3 ай бұрын

Toyota may indeed introduce a "mini" version of the Land Cruiser this year in the form of Land Cruiser FJ, but the latest news from Japan indicate it may not come to North America. According to the latest livestream conducted by Best Car Magazine staff (along with the magazine article itself), the so called Land Cruiser FJ is actually based on Toyota's IMV series trucks from Thailand. The IMVs are substantially smaller than the TNGA-F platform vehicles, and they are also manufactured exclusively in Thailand - a very different scenario from TNGA-F trucks that are produced in both Japan and North America. Find out from David as he investigates this further and provides all the details about this exciting new "mini" Land Cruiser. Please note that the information presented in this video does not represent anything official from Toyota.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

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@bobdoc3534 3 ай бұрын

PLEASE bring this to the US!

@KirkKreifels 3 ай бұрын

If Toyota keeps this from us in North America, David and I will revolt!!!

@KirkKreifels 3 ай бұрын

Also, recording in the LC sounds like a STUDIO...so much isolation :)

@AutomotivePress 3 ай бұрын

I know! We want this here!

@perfectlybalanced8995 3 ай бұрын

1 thing that increases the chance of Toyota bringing it to the states is that based on the leaked design it has amber reflectors on the sides. That is a requirement on all US vehicles but every other country doesn’t need those and yet the car has them

@edwin97a 3 ай бұрын

We need this in Canada asap.

@DK-wr6mq 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely!!!

@RyanLarivee 3 ай бұрын

100 percent

@GordonBeckles 3 ай бұрын

Should bring it.🇨🇦 300% Agreed 👍🏾👊🏾

@kallasnikov 3 ай бұрын

I always dreamt about the Jimny here in Canada but then the whole brand left... And now I am delaying the replacement of my 10 years old Mistu Outlander and I pray every day to see Toyota sending to Canada an equivalent of the Jimny in that mini Landcruiser. Otherwiise will wait for the new 4Runner yet it might be a bit bigger than what I need now

@bressan1998 3 ай бұрын

No we deserved crap here.

@zangmarc 3 ай бұрын

You know how I know this isn't going to be available in the US? Because I love it, and would buy it immediately. We have the worst market offerings.

@Ryan57Garr 3 ай бұрын

I know! CAFE restrictions are totally counterintuitive and ruin potential for so many good trucks that we don’t get in the states.

@patricki7422 3 ай бұрын

The problem is US buyers want the idea of a cheap, economical, sturdy, capable mini off roader but then complain it's too small, too underpowered, cheap feeling interior, has too simple of an offroad system (2HI, 4HI, 4LO) instead of "Dry, Wet, Sandy, Snowy, Rocky, etc...). A Great, affordable, versatile $25,000 Mini-off roader/daily driver is now a $35,000 mall crawler. Most people would buy that $25k version, but it's the $35k model that youtubers and dealers will push.

@TheLoneLlama 3 ай бұрын

@@patricki7422this is just untrue

@dirtycommtroop 2 ай бұрын

@@patricki7422 The offroad community has grown so much in recent years and its filled with people who don't understand the technology. They think ground clearance is everything or dont know the difference between a transfer case and a PTU. They'll buy the Rubicon only to drive through puddles, complain its bumpy on the road, then sneer at a Renegade Trailhawk. Us Americans also have large egos when it comes to our vehicles. We may not have a problem driving a sub-compact offroader but there are plenty that do simply because its tiny.

@Chubbydippin 3 ай бұрын

Between the IMV Champ and the Landcruiser mini, I'd much rather see the Champ come to the states. As a tool, as a working, tradesman and fleet vehicle, it would sell like crazy. A bare bones modesty priced utility vehicle would be highly sought after. The big 3, with their annoying power of persuasion and not wanting to compete with longer lasting and better made vehicles, would never allow it. "The Champ doesn't meet our 'strict' safety standards" is what we hear from the powersat be so often. Just tell us the truth. The big 3 don't want to compete with it. How could this little utility truck be less safe than a miata, a tiny smart car, a mini cooper or those tiny Fiats which are all sold in the states? As a example, Ford not wanting to lose fleet contracts with government agencies, universities, municipalities...I suspect has quite a lot to do with it. Though annoying to think about what "isn't" available to us, thankyou David for always bringing compelling thoughts, info and updates.

@gnawty4662 3 ай бұрын

Just saw the Land Rover “mini” today. If Toyota brings this to the US they will DOMINATE the market.

@jimmy45rebates 3 ай бұрын

Toyota please this Mini FJ to USA

@2shoestoo 3 ай бұрын

In the states we get all the expensive cars from Toyota here. News Toyota not all of us here can afford the $50,000 + cars

@NarasimhaDiyasena 3 ай бұрын

Toyota is bipolar when it comes with car allocation in the states. The people want a Mini Landcruiser and Crown Sport

@patricki7422 2 ай бұрын

Correct, not all of us can afford $50k cars but there are plenty who are willing to make a monthly payment of $1,000+ for 7 years. Banks and dealers make the most money from them. Those are the customers dealers are shooting for.

@CatFinder3000 3 ай бұрын

We don’t get the hilux champ in Australia, so I really hope they bring this to Australia instead. I think there is a strong chance that they will, as the Suzuki Jimny has been selling non stop for 5 years now, Suzuki can’t make them fast enough. In Australia there’s only the Jeep wrangler as an alternative 2 door 4x4 SUV (new defender exists but that’s a joke). Australians hate Jeep and it costs more than double the Suzuki Jimny, so there’s only one real 4x4 SUV that’s a small size and that’s the Jimny. I think it would be obvious for Toyota that if they sell a small 4x4 here in Australia it will do very well

@rightlanehog3151 3 ай бұрын

David, Though the news is sobering, we appreciate this update. I have to admit to being deeply disappointed to learn this Land Cruiser FJ will NOT be based on the TNGA-F platform. 😭😭😭 I have serious doubts the IMV Series platform was designed to meet more rigorous North American safety standards but 'time will tell'. Many of us have seen online speculation about a 3 door Land Cruiser based on the new 250 Series. Such a design would be in keeping with the traditional 3 door Prado which was built for decades. At the end of the day, a real Land Cruiser 3 door would be my ideal. BTW if you want to collect the 2 dollars I bet you five days ago in a moment of over-exuberance, you know where to come. 😉😉

@danielmartz3145 3 ай бұрын

Davis is wrong about the IMV platform only being on the Champ. The Hilux, Fortuner, and BOF versions of the Innova also use the IMV, and they are sold globally. It’s a fantastic platform.

@eighty6films 3 ай бұрын

Of course it won’t 🤦🏽‍♂️ Thanks David!

@tnguyen413 3 ай бұрын

Thanks David. Appreciate your update.

@seraphimsscythe1628 3 ай бұрын

IF they don't bring it to North America, they'll be manking a major mistake. They're already making a mistake with Tacoma pricing.

@gabrielsalinas4284 3 ай бұрын

One reason the Helix Champ, with the same IMV platform, is not coming to the US is because of the "chicken tax". Because this isnt a Truck.... there is a higher chance of it coming to the US.

@joelawrence56 2 ай бұрын

Hilux...not helix!!!!!!!

@davefigore7843 3 ай бұрын

Thank You David ... If this vehicle would come to North America... I'm sure it would be Successful. Just hope it does.

@fatmanoverlanding 2 ай бұрын

Toyota has applied to trademark the name "LandCruiser FJ" in Australia (LandCruiser as one word is not a typo). This gives more weight that this new model will be likely called LandCruiser FJ when it lands in Australia. The speculated engine to be made available for the Australian market is the same 2.5 petrol-hybrid engine found on the current RAV4 (Power = 163kW / Torque = 227Nm).

@jeromefrance4019 3 ай бұрын

Great review ! thank you :D

@kentoskentos8428 3 ай бұрын

Awesome news, thank you so much.

@markreynolds3850 3 ай бұрын

👍👍😋❤️Thanks David!

@overunder_4x4 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Hope it comes to the US. Looks like a great vehicle.

@Reseteveryday 3 ай бұрын

David, the sound in you LC500 is very goo!!! :)

@dannylalumiere6538 3 ай бұрын

Hi David, new subscriber. Thank you for all this great info. I’m Canadian and desperately waiting for this kind of vehicle to replace my TRD OR RAV4. Hope this will be available here. Thanks again and continue to keep us updated on this vehicle!

@MarkD11 3 ай бұрын

I think a small rugged suv will be recieved well by city dwellers but, even more by rural dwellers that drive through rough roads. I would consider buying two of them.

@roybatty2030 3 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks. I hope we see this in UK, too.

@Mist3man4423 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the update. The C-Pillar looks weird (broad) though. I wonder if this would make it to production.

@tampaguy6370 3 ай бұрын

I think the stout pick up will look very similar to this .

@hutchfromba 2 ай бұрын

I can't wait for this vehicle. I am hoping it has full time 4WD. I also hope you can actually get it for.MSRP.

@markschrader7223 3 ай бұрын

Bring it here!!

@daviddupree1155 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic news thank you David Ihope that Toyota decides to bring it to North America

@RyanLarivee 3 ай бұрын

I would like to hear more on the Stout and the RC/LC replacement

@AK-IT 3 ай бұрын

exciting news. IMV platform (hilux champ) is $10,000, very affordable where a normal hilux is around $30,000. I think LC FJ at less than $30,000 would be appealing. Simpler components saves cost but also, less things to break and can improve reliability.

@BelchevKalin 3 ай бұрын

A "normal" Hilux in Europe is between 35000 and 55000 euro. And those with 2.8L engine start at 46K. Where did you see Hilux for that low price?!?

@AK-IT 3 ай бұрын

@@BelchevKalin was a guess. Meant above $30k. So ur figures are what I was thinking. Even more expensive to what an affordable IMV LC FJ could be.

@cleanguy2822 2 ай бұрын

The only problem with the champ is the emissions aren't good enough I think so they might do a hybrid to make to better which will no doubt bring the price up, but if they did a bare bone version I'd buy for sure

@charlestessari6798 3 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot!!! Finally some good news about this car. It's possible to know if this car came to Brazil to? Here we don't have good options (means available, economic and robust).

@2daih4 3 ай бұрын

This is amazing news I miss the Sizuki sidekick here in the states

@annieb1011NE 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@AutomotivePress 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your support and contribution!

@camilo63870 2 ай бұрын

Would not be surprised if in LATAM this becomes the new model that replaces the current "Toyota Fortuner". Fortuners are the budget Land Cruisers we have available.

@SanoyNimbus 3 ай бұрын

I love it! I have missed the shorter Landcruisers. A little bad news it is not a Landcruiser chassi/frame … I hope it is not a new FJ cruiser but a Landcruiser FJ!

@felsenrogers4083 3 ай бұрын

What I am not liking at all is the lack of side rear windows (trunk area). It seems it will have very limited rear view sightline when looking over shoulders before lane-changes etc.

@verticalift Ай бұрын

Living here on the island of Phuket in SW Thailand, it has already been confirmed that these will be manufactured here in Thailand. With that said, I will be selling my much loved Volvo V40 T5 (5 cylinder turbo) Cross Country and getting one of these Toyotas. Official name of the vehicle is still yet to be announced by Toyota. Names being bounced around are the Land Hopper or Land Cruiser FJ.

@rutgershouses 3 ай бұрын

I’ll keep my fingers cross that this landcruiser FG comes to the states I’ll definitely be getting one

@DK-wr6mq 3 ай бұрын

Good day! A manual gearbox possible in this vehicle? According to what I read, it might be able to tow 3,000 lbs. This is what we need - a sensible smaller rugged utility vehicle. Cheers!

@wetlettuce8215 3 ай бұрын

where you read it bruh? been looking for that best car mag website, to no avail 😂

@user-ge3vr7me8k 3 ай бұрын

FJ compact 👏👏👏 I hope they do whatever it is they need to do to get it elsewhere in the world. Sized between FJ40 and FJ cruiser would be perfect. I love the size of fj40 if it is another two door. Either way I’m looking forward to more information this year

@streamingvideo6654 3 ай бұрын

How will this go with the IMV-based SUVs such as the Fortuner/Legender?

@SuperSaqer 3 ай бұрын

Not sure they’d slap the Land Cruiser name on the IMV0 platform. I also heard the Land Cruiser SE will likely be on GA-L.

@AwesomesMan 3 ай бұрын

I’m doubtful it’ll come to the US as well. Just by looking at it.

@Lani34 3 ай бұрын

I would love to own this. Please bring it to the NA market!

@garyclark6747 3 ай бұрын

LC500 makes for great acoustics. 😁 9:30

@tswift-iq9li 3 ай бұрын

I would definitely be interested if the mini FJ becomes available in the UK. Do you think Toyota will collaborate with Suzuki and badge them as the new Jimny and Mini FJ respectively? The current Toyota RAV4 and the Suzuki Across are identical in the UK!

@makatron 3 ай бұрын

Previous FJ was just a 2 door Prado with a different body panels.

@BigAltimaEnergy719 3 ай бұрын

Is that the same platform as the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner that’s sold overseas right?

@larry-notthecableguy 3 ай бұрын

I am not surprised if they are not bring this to the state side. Usually the great cars/trucks we can not get here. Alphard, Vellfire, Lexus LM, Honda Stepwagon….. the list goes on and on and on.

@mmei8030 3 ай бұрын

I wonder if this will replace the Toyota Fortuner in Asian market. Guess it won't be the Jimny rival we waited

@guentherwilke2055 3 ай бұрын

Makes way more sense. If it builds on the cool/funky cab of the Hilux Champ, it’s probably intended to be more of a budget vehicle for east Asia and Africa. That part of the world has long had interesting tall wagons perched on Hilux underpinnings.

@reidkarges6199 3 ай бұрын

The Dealers need to beg for this to come to North America! I guarantee this will sell.

@MathWasa26 3 ай бұрын

So we won't have the 2.7 version because of emissions, but maybe the hybrid one in 1-2 years

@3is 15 күн бұрын

So exciting but knowing how much work it’ll take to safety test the vehicle and emission test the vehicle platform also has me skeptical.

@johntanchong3166 3 ай бұрын

Toyota have existing cars with 2.7 Petrol right, what is their fuel consumption? Thanks

@isaiahjohnson2638 3 ай бұрын

I was planning on getting the 2024 Corolla Cross XSE, but now need to wait till fall to see if this comes to the U.S., haha. If not, I hope they will still have some type of SUV in yellow! 😅

@joelawrence56 3 ай бұрын

Logical for it to be built in Thailand as Champ uses Hilux chassis with only minor modifications! Thailand exports Hilux to Asia-Pacific in both LH and RHD!

@anotherbrickinthewall1700 3 ай бұрын

where is it being built ?

@danielmartz3145 3 ай бұрын

If the IMV rumors are true, I think this will ride on the exact platform as the Fortuner. Coil sprung, five link rear solid axle and IFS front. We’ve heard the LC FJ size is about that of a Corolla Cross, and Fortuner wheelbase is less than 2 in longer. A LC FJ with Fortuner platform and short overhangs could be the same size or shorter than a Corolla Cross.

@kurtburkhardt5862 3 ай бұрын

Hopefully, it will be released in the US. Seems like a nice commuter, occasional off-road vehicle.

@busboy262 3 ай бұрын

If it's called the "FUN" when shown, I want an interview with that marketing genius. Truly the Bud Light of decisions.

@EM.1. 3 ай бұрын

If it is not built in Japan, no thanks. Maybe the non-TNGA-F is for non-N.American market while the TNGA-F will be used for N. American with a different powertrain.

@netsiteing 3 ай бұрын

Will it compete with Suzuki Jimny XL (5door) launched late last year? If Toyota could land a worthy 4x4 competitor and price it around AUD $45 for Automatic that would work. Suzuki Jimny XL Auto sells for AUD $42k drive-away in Australia.

@danieldaniel4668 3 ай бұрын

More like Suzuki Jimny 5 door competitor? We need it here in US

@clody456 3 ай бұрын

Hopping it come to Northern America

@user-qf9st1fl3h 3 ай бұрын

What about Crown sport coming to Canada !!!

@dustinowens9806 2 ай бұрын

Bring it to USA.

@oni-one574 3 ай бұрын

I didn't expect this to come to the US. The average person who'd buy this would be going Jeep/Bronco anyway. Everyone says, "Yay budget builds please!" Then they all go out and buy used/discounted non-budget vehicles.

@fraxonthefurry21 3 ай бұрын

If this was true why would they use the silhouette of it on the background of the land cruiser reveal?

@10cpaul 3 ай бұрын

I bet this doesn’t come to North America currently they have so many SUVs coming out and what happened to the RAV4. I thought this would replace the RAV4.

@daphoneguy934 3 ай бұрын

I still like the Land Hopper name.

@stephenrokas5021 2 ай бұрын

What happened to the land hopper name

@zjd5352 3 ай бұрын

If priced reasonably, I and millions others would totally buy one if Toyota brings it to the US, a modern, more sophisticated version of Suzuki Jimny which was very popular in the US, Suzuki’s downfall in the North American market was the MSRP, it went from an affordable brand to an overpriced budget car.

@MH-rl9ep 3 ай бұрын

They’d be crazy not to bring this here.

@alfywong3216 3 ай бұрын

with the popularity that it will attract in this market. Like the Prius here in the US, it will have a dealership markup as high as 7000 ... assuming this is priced with options around $38,000, this will be OTD at $45 to $50k easily. Most if not all manufacturers have now offering products at MSRP or even with discounts for some brands (like GM's, Jeep, Ford's gas powered cars). Toyota continued the markups... not kidding, the pricing has gone crazy even in 2024.

@Michael-oj5pr 3 ай бұрын

Man I hope it comes to europe. I just had to say goodbye to my jeep liberty which was the perfect size, just like this Toyota

@PeterHernandez-lg2eh 3 ай бұрын

Im interested in purchasing one. Im 71 retired automotive diyer with a 2006 Subaru sti with numerous issues. Subaru no mas

@danielmartz3145 3 ай бұрын

The IMV platform isn’t just for the Hilux Champ. It’s a global platform that underpins the Hilux, Fortuner, and BOF versions of the Innova. It’s basically sold everywhere except North America. It’s not a platform exclusive to Southeast Asia or Thailand. If Toyota thinks there is a market for the LC FJ in USA, they will sell it here.

@perfectlybalanced8995 2 ай бұрын

Even if they wanted to sell this here (which I’m sure they would given their recent track record with the amount of fun vehicles they are giving us). Wouldn’t it still be very difficult to homologate such a vehicle given it’s size and the fact that the IMV platform wasn’t designed to meet North American regulations

@danielmartz3145 2 ай бұрын

@@perfectlybalanced8995 I don’t really know anything about regulations here in the U.S., but given Toyota has numerous other global BOF products here, I don’t see why the IMV couldn’t meet U.S. regulations as well. As far as size go, I think the LC-FJ may ride on the same exact chassis as the Fortuner, just with shorter front and rear overhangs.

@ozmo69 3 ай бұрын

I WANT IN USA!!

@castandblast1852 3 ай бұрын

It needs to come to North America to compete with the bronco sport.

@sambowks 3 ай бұрын

I knew it. I knew it was the Hilux Champ station wagon! The Toyota Jimny. I don’t think it will be tiny though, you wouldn’t see a 2.8 Diesel or 2.7 petrol otherwise. So it will likely be similar to a current hilux right?

@thedarkestrainbow 3 ай бұрын

There really isn’t anything in this space right now. Last thing I can think of was maybe the Renegade, but that was not body on frame. We really haven’t had vehicle like this since the Samurai or first gen Rav4. Would be great on trails and in the city. Toyota would be smart to offer something to compete with the Bronco Sport. Rav4 is too big now.

@unsingh3859 2 ай бұрын

Please share the on road price in Delhi India

@TheJourneyOfMeMyselfAndI 2 ай бұрын

I'm almost thinking about moving to Thailand for the sole purpose own a Champ.

@PeterHernandez-lg2eh 3 ай бұрын

My wife likes them, but impracticable. She bought a 2021 Toyota rav4 xle hybrid

@secondcreekworkshop3908 3 ай бұрын

I wonder if Toyota is planning on an truckifying the FJ and calling it the Stout that we have been hearing about.

@travel-tt7id 3 ай бұрын

It is already advertised in Thailand

@AutomotivePress 3 ай бұрын

It definitely is not marketed there yet... only other models such as the Fortuner, Hilux etc are sold - this car hasn't been announced yet. Only the IMV series have been announced recently.

@protectork9831 3 ай бұрын

Problem with fj was it had horrible gas mpg cost close to 4 runner and had less space . If this is like old fj I rather get 4Runner.

@paologualdi7413 3 ай бұрын

I want it in Europe!!!

@ark-transport9626 3 ай бұрын

Yup, slap the LandCruiser tag on everything; people will eat it up… LandCruiser Corolla LandCruiser CRX LandCruiser Highlander 👍

@paulmccann131 3 ай бұрын

If they bring it to the US Can they somehow build it on the FOURRUNNER PLATFORM? Otherwise Why bother

@geminiguy2178 3 ай бұрын

Just bring us the $10,000 truck and I’ll be happy

@charlesbennis8954 3 ай бұрын

I like smaller SUV! Body on frame is the way to go!

@THUGPUTIN 3 ай бұрын

They have already patented "land hopper"....

@AEKok 3 ай бұрын

will it come to Europe?

@jameskocks4734 3 ай бұрын

probably everywhere except the states

@kmmd9880 3 ай бұрын

Europe please!!!

@andyg5004 3 ай бұрын

If they introduce landcruiser mini in North America it will cannabalize sales of the it big brother. Both model cannot be sold in one market unless it’s probably in Asia

@dtna 3 ай бұрын

What I find confusing is how many car lines Toyota offers. Do buyers really need that many models to choose from? Honda offers a more simple line-up. And despite Toyota offering sales training to dealerships, I find it hard for sales people to understand what features are offered for all models.