Toyota’s Land Cruiser FJ has been launched in South Africa, and despite what the name might suggest, it’s not a direct successor to the original FJ Cruiser. Instead, it slots beneath the Prado in Toyota’s local Land Cruiser line-up. Visually, the resemblance is noticeable at the front fascia, but wearing a Land Cruiser badge carries a lot of expectations. The burning question is whether Toyota’s newest and smallest member of the Land Cruiser family will be any good.
With a misty, moody backdrop of Cape Town’s city life and clouds folding over the mountains, the motherland has set the scene for the all-new FJ to embark on something of an adventure to find out.
Hitting the road was immediately met with Cape Town traffic. But, as nerve-wracking as the narrow tarmac of the city was, jam-packed with locals on their way to get coffee and matcha, it was a good test and opener to see how the ‘Mini Prado’ feels navigating the busyness. Toyota touts visibility as one of the LC FJ’s strong suits, and rightly so. The large, upright windscreen and lower beltline for the windows on either side improve visibility and make the FJ feel like a smaller car to navigate in traffic.
Out on the open road, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 122kW and 245Nm does feel underpowered at times. Pressing the accelerator pedal with enthusiasm reveals a whiny motor as it kicks down into a lower gear to compensate for the increased demand. It has enough power to maintain highway speeds and get on with overtaking, but that engine noise under load is noticeably intrusive.
Fuel consumption sits on the heavier side with the 2.7-litre petrol engine returning 10.7l/100km, a figure familiar to anyone who’s spent time with the previous Hilux that shared the same engine. The trade-off, though, is that it’s a tried-and-tested engine that is known for reliability and longevity, as long as it’s maintained regularly.
Where more praise is earned is in the FJ’s composure. Unlike many upright SUVs, it feels stable and planted, with minimal top-heaviness, and even crosswinds at the national speed limit barely register. That planted confidence follows you onto the roads less travelled, too.
We hit the gravel to climb some mountains and enjoy the scenic trails of the farmlands. To be clear, the trail wasn’t the most technical or daring, but it was enough to test different aspects of Toyota’s new off-roader, and some sections were steep enough to call on 4-Low. In short, it handled the trail easily, and the power deficit on the open road was quickly forgotten when the going got tougher. It’s capable and confident, and it’s clear that it’s an off-roader first and a grocery-getter second.
Another admirable aspect is that the FJ feels mechanical, with all the off-road controls operated via gear dials and buttons rather than embedded in the infotainment screen.
Comfort was another unexpected highlight. We did the trails without dropping the tyre pressures, and even on road rubber, the FJ remained composed and comfortable over bumpy sections, with minimal slip on low-traction surfaces. It makes you wonder just how far the FJ could go with the right tyres…
Speaking of gear, there is a list of accessory options owners can choose from to enhance their FJ experience, ranging from skid plates and spare tyre covers to a handful of other options. One of those options includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen upgrade, which, like the other accessories, will come at a cost to the customer. It might’ve been preferable as a standard option, or at least in the VX range-topper trim.
This is also my biggest complaint. The 8-inch infotainment screen, standard across the entire lineup, is not great. It’s old, slow to operate, and frankly not intuitive enough. In 2026, tech is a thing, and at this price point, it can’t be an afterthought.
There’s a reason for it, though: the larger screen only became available after production had already begun, though you’d wonder why better options weren’t considered at launch. Future production runs will get the larger screen, but for now, it remains a dealer-fitted add-on once stock becomes available.
That aside, the interior is a nice touch. It’s a ‘Mini Prado’ for a reason, and the design language from its larger and more premium sibling is noticeable in the FJ. It has a built-for-purpose feel that punches above its price point. Toyota’s updated squared-off steering wheel adds to the adventurous character, and the fact that most major controls are handled through physical buttons will appeal to anyone who’d rather not fiddle with a screen just to adjust the AC.
Overall, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ ticks the box as a fun, adventurous lifestyle product for those who seek a bit of thrill on the weekends, or even those who live for adventure, despite a few gremlins. And no, it’s not a Jimny competitor; it’s larger and plays in a different space. Think GWM Tank 300. At R714,000 for the base GX and R761,400 for the range-topping VX, the pricing is competitive for what’s on offer. It’s not for everyone, but then again, neither is any cult classic. The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has everything it needs to earn that kind of devotion.
Words: Niki Louw
