Toyota Motor Corporation’s new Land Cruiser FJ, the smallest model in its iconic SUV lineup, has exceeded sales expectations in Japan and is gaining popularity across Southeast Asia as the Japanese automaker faces growing competition from Chinese vehicle manufacturers.
According to a Bloomberg report, Toyota registered approximately 12,000 Land Cruiser FJ vehicles in Japan between mid-May and August 2026, significantly exceeding its monthly sales target of 1,300 units.
The company has also sold around 3,000 units across Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, where the compact SUV is currently available.
The Land Cruiser FJ, often referred to as the “baby Land Cruiser,” was developed in response to demand for a smaller version of Toyota’s popular off-road vehicle, particularly for Asian markets where roads are often narrow.
Priced from approximately 4.5 million yen (US$28,500) in Japan, the five-seater SUV features a 2.7-liter petrol engine, six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive system.
The vehicle is manufactured in Thailand, where it was launched in March 2026, before sales began in Japan in May.
Toyota is positioning the model as part of its strategy to maintain its strong presence in Asia, where Chinese automakers are expanding rapidly with competitively priced electric vehicles.
The company is also anticipating demand for the compact Land Cruiser in markets across Africa and the Middle East.
The FJ joins Toyota’s existing Land Cruiser 70, 250 and 300 series, offering customers a smaller alternative while retaining the brand’s traditional focus on durability and off-road performance.
Toyota has not announced an official launch date or pricing for Sri Lanka. (Newswire)