Toyota plans to launch a Thar ROXX challenger in India by 2028. Called the Land Cruiser FJ, this will be an interesting product. The SUV was previously spied undergoing road trials in Thailand.
Now, a new set of spy shots and video have surfaced, showing brand-new FJ’s being loaded into a cargo ship. These give us a proper view of the ROXX rival’s production form.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Production Form Spied
In this video, we see the SUVs being loaded into the Trans Harmony Panama vehicles carrier. We can see several FJs getting into the ship. We can see at least three different colours of the SUV. This is from Thailand as well. Production of the FJ (TRJ240) there had started in January itself. This export lot seems to be heading to Japan. These are thus right-hand-drive models.
Two different versions of the FJ will be available globally- square-headlamp version and round-head version. It is just the square head version that we see in these images and video. The FJ will be officially unveiled in Japan on May 14th.
Initially, it will be the square-head version that would be available in the Japanese market. The round-head version will join later, likely as a dealer or manufacturer option. In Japan, the FJ will reportedly be available only in a single trim- VX [4WD].
Toyota’s India Plans With The Land Cruiser FJ
Time remains before we learn the details of the India-spec FJ. It is 4,575 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,960 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2580 mm. The SUV has a strong road presence. The India-spec will stay close to global spec in terms of design.
It will come with C-shaped DRLs, rugged bumpers, muscular bodywork, functional roof rails, thick C-pillar, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flared wheel arches. The rear windscreen will have an exposed wiper and a high-mounted stop lamp. Most of these cues can be seen on the Japanese spec.
Five colour options will be available on the FJ- Ash, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Smoky Blue and Oxide Bronze Metallic. White and Ash can be seen in the video.
In global markets, the FJ will be available with two engine options- 2.7L petrol and 2.4L diesel. This diesel engine will be sourced from the Hilux Champ. Some markets will even get hybrid versions as well. Underpinning the FJ will be the Fortuner’s IMV platform.
In India, the FJ will initially be offered as a petrol-only model, powered by the Fortuner’s 2.7L (2TR-FE) naturally aspirated petrol engine. This will make around 163 hp and 246 Nm on the upcoming SUV. Mated to this will be a 6-speed automatic transmission. The FJ will have a part-time 4Wheel Drive (4WD) system.
The Land Cruiser FJ’s diesel version in India will likely use the Fortuner’s engine. The familiar 2.8-litre turbo diesel produces 204hp and 500Nm on the Fortuner. It may have a different state of tune on the FJ. Interestingly, this engine even does duty on the Land Cruiser 250 sold abroad.
For perspective, the Thar ROXX has a 2.2L diesel engine and a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine. The 2.4L diesel engine makes more sense than the 2.8. But this remains a distant possibility. The 2.8L unit will give the FJ a clear upper hand over competition.
Toyota will manufacture the FJ at its new plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. This facility will have an annual capacity of 89,000 units.
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