The 2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser is NOT coming back

With conceptual images that have floated around since 2021, I believe this is all hype due to two big reasons. And if it does return, it will not be the compact off-roader that we deserve.

The original Toyota Compact Cruiser EV that is being pushed as the new FJ Cruiser? Source: Toyota

The 2026 FJ Cruiser Compact is back circulating in the news, and while it has the potential to be awesome, I think it won’t happen, and here’s why.

A Look Back at the Concept’s Origins

This "2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser " was first showcased in a 2021 press briefing that highlighted Toyota’s future EV plans. The company announced an ambitious goal of launching 30 electric vehicles (EVs) across its lineup and transitioning Lexus into an all-electric brand in most markets by 2030. Among the prototypes unveiled at this event was the Compact Cruiser EV, an off-road-inspired SUV that instantly generated excitement among enthusiasts.

Alongside this concept, Toyota also revealed other notable models, including a sports car reminiscent of the MR2, an electric version of the Tacoma, and several other EVs targeting various segments. The Compact Cruiser EV’s rugged styling and promise of electric capability positioned it as a spiritual successor to the beloved FJ Cruiser, which was discontinued in the U.S. after 2014 but continued in some international markets until 2022.

Toyota's 2021 Press Conference on the plans for the brand's EV Future. Credit: Toyota

Speculation and Platform Possibilities

While initial reports suggested the Compact Cruiser EV was on track for production, it was later reported in 2022 that the model might not remain an EV after all. Instead, there were claims that Toyota was considering using the TNGA-F platform, a body-on-frame architecture that currently underpins models like the Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser (Both LC300 & LC250 Prado), Tacoma, and Tundra. This move would make sense from a cost and engineering perspective, as Toyota could leverage existing powertrains and components, such as the widely used 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

However, despite the feasibility of this approach, Toyota already has an extensive SUV lineup. The inclusion of another body-on-frame SUV could risk internal competition, potentially cannibalizing sales from models like the 4Runner and Land Cruiser. With this in mind, Toyota wouldn't likely introduce a new vehicle that could disrupt the sales performance of its current offerings.

The IMV Platform Rumors

Another theory that emerged is that the new FJ could be based on Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) platform. This ladder-frame chassis serves as the foundation for the Toyota Hilux Champ, a budget-friendly and utilitarian pickup truck that has gained popularity in markets outside North America. If you exist in the truck-offroad-Toyota side of social media, you already know that the Hilux Champ is celebrated for its bare-bones affordability and practicality—qualities that many off-road enthusiasts in the U.S. have long wished to see in a domestic offering.

Between U.S. safety, emissions, importation regulations, and the chicken tax, it would nearly be impossible to bring a vehicle with those capabilities, at the price point to the United States. This IMV-based FJ would likely require significant modifications to bring the vehicle into compliance. These changes would inevitably drive-up costs, making it difficult to retain the affordability that makes the Hilux Champ so appealing in other regions.

The Hilux Champ, produced in the Philippines, is the no-frills workhorse that has no road legal comparison here in the states. Source: Toyota

What Enthusiasts Really Want

We can probably agree that what we'd want in a compact, off-road-oriented SUV from the brand. The ideal modern FJ Cruiser would feature a body-on-frame construction, diff lock of some sort, a solid rear axle for durability (despite the original FJ Cruiser’s independent front suspension), a true 4WD system with low-range gearing, and a naturally aspirated gas engine—though many would dream of a diesel variant as well. The ultimate goal? A starting price under $30,000, making it an accessible option for adventure seekers who crave a capable yet affordable off-road vehicle. I believe if Toyota could produce a vehicle much like Suzuki's present day Jimny (that also only exists in foreign markets) which checks off many of the traits mentioned above, the brand would have a market dominating vehicle that balances capability with value.

The Harsh Reality for the 2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the idea of a new FJ Cruiser, I believe there are several reasons why Toyota is unlikely to bring it to life in a way that truly satisfies its core audience. Whether the company has maintained its shift toward electrification or not, Toyota’s SUV portfolio is already packed with established models, whether EV, hybrid, or gas-powered. This leaves little room for another body-on-frame vehicle that might overlap with existing offerings.

Even if Toyota does revive the FJ Cruiser nameplate, it is unlikely to take the form that enthusiasts desire. The U.S. model would likely prioritize fuel efficiency, safety, and marketability over rugged simplicity. As a result, the dream of a truly affordable, stripped-down, off-road-ready Toyota SUV may remain just that—a dream.