A thorough explanation of the 7 disappointing flaws of the new Land Cruiser FJ [Scheduled for release in 2026]

The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ was announced on October 21, 2025, and is scheduled for release around mid-2026. Based on the concept of “Freedom & Joy,” it is attracting a lot of attention as a new entry model in the Land Cruiser series. It is expected to be priced at around 3.8 million yen, even more affordable than the current Land Cruiser 70 (4.8 million yen), aiming to appeal to a wider range of customers.

However, immediately after the announcement, social media has been flooded with voices of anticipation, as well as various criticisms and comments. In this article, we will take a closer look at the “seven disappointing flaws” that have been pointed out about the new Land Cruiser FJ. If you are considering purchasing one, please read on.

Disadvantage 1: Surprisingly large! Not compact

The gap between expectations for the “Land Cruiser Mini”

The new Land Cruiser FJ was also called the “Land Cruiser Mini” by some and was expected to be a compact Land Cruiser. However, the actual body dimensions are as follows:

Body size of the new Land Cruiser FJ:

• Total length: 4,575mm
• Overall width: 1,855mm
• Overall height: 1,960mm
• Wheelbase: 2,580mm
• Minimum turning radius: 5.5m

This size is comparable to the Toyota RAV4 or Harrier, which are D-segment SUVs, and is by no means “compact.” This will be a big disappointment for those hoping for a compact off-roader like the Suzuki Jimny Nomad.

Concerns about handling in urban areas

With an overall length of 4,575 mm and a minimum turning radius of 5.5 m, it may be difficult to maneuver on narrow urban roads or in parking lots. Although it is smaller than the Land Cruiser 250’s minimum turning radius of 6.0 m, many people have said that they wish it was a little more compact, given its image as the “youngest Land Cruiser.”

Size Comparison

Model	full length	Overall width	Overall height	Wheelbase	Minimum turning radius
FJ	4,575mm	1,855mm	1,960mm	2,580mm	5.5m
70	4,890mm	1,870mm	1,920mm	2,730mm	6.3m
250	4,925mm	1,940 to 1,980 mm	1,925 to 1,935 mm	2,850mm	6.0m
300	4,965mm	1,980mm	1,925mm	2,850mm	5.9m

If maneuverability is important,  the Land Cruiser FJ is the overwhelming winner. With a minimum turning radius of 5.5m, it’s easy to handle even in urban areas.

Engine and drive system comparison

Model	engine	Engine displacement	fuel economy	Drive system	transmission
FJ	gasoline	2.7L	Approximately 13.0km/L	Part-time 4WD	6AT
70	diesel turbo	2.8L	10.1km/L	Part-time 4WD	6AT
250	Diesel turbo/gasoline	2.8L/2.7L	11.0km/L 7.5km/L	Full-time 4WD	8AT/6AT
300	Twin turbo	3.5L/3.3L	9.7km/L 7.9km/L	Full-time 4WD	8AT/6AT

If fuel economy is your priority:  the Land Cruiser FJ is the most economical. Its compact body and 2.7L engine achieve a fuel economy of approximately 13km/L.

If power is your priority:  The Land Cruiser 300’s twin-turbo engine is overwhelming.

Price range comparison

Model	Price range	Number of Grades
FJ	Approximately 3.8 million yen and up	Small number (details not yet announced)
70	4.8 million yen	1 grade (AX)
250	5.2 million yen to 7.35 million yen	3 grades + special edition vehicle
300	5.25 million yen to 8.13 million yen	5 Grades

If cost-effectiveness is your priority:  The Land Cruiser FJ is the most affordable car, making it the perfect entry-level model for the Land Cruiser brand.

Comparison of passenger capacity and usage

Model	Passenger capacity	Main uses	Recommended users
FJ	5 people	Everyday use, outdoor, custom	Those who want to enjoy their first Land Cruiser and its unique character
70	5 people	Commercial use, full-scale off-road	Professional use, emphasis on practicality
250	5 people/7 people	Everyday use, family, outdoor	Balanced, family-oriented
300	5 people/7 people	Premium SUV, long drive	Luxury-oriented, status-oriented

Toyota’s definition of “compact”

Toyota has not officially called the new FJ a “compact Land Cruiser,” but has instead positioned it as the “youngest member of the Land Cruiser series.” It is relatively compact compared to the Land Cruiser 70, 250, and 300, but it is by no means small in absolute size.

If you are considering purchasing one, we recommend that you test drive it to see how it actually fits.

Disadvantage 2: No electric parking brake (EPB)

Criticism of the use of manual handbrakes

The new Land Cruiser FJ does not have the electric parking brake (EPB) or auto brake hold (ABH), which have become standard equipment on new vehicles in recent years . Instead, it uses an old-fashioned hand brake.

Regarding this, the following criticism has been received on social media:

• “The manual method is outdated these days.”
• “Without auto brake hold, it’s inconvenient when stuck in traffic.”
• “It’s a car worth nearly 4 million yen, but the equipment is too old.”

Is it the right choice for an off-road vehicle?

On the other hand, some say that a manual handbrake is more suitable for vehicles designed for off-road driving.

Advantages of a manual handbrake:

The Land Cruiser 70 also uses a manual pull system, reflecting its design as a full-fledged off-road vehicle.

Evaluations vary depending on the user’s purpose

Ultimately, opinions on this matter will differ depending on what is important to you. Those who plan to use it mainly for daily use or on-road will find it inconvenient, while those who want to enjoy serious off-road driving will find it a reassuring piece of equipment.

Disadvantage 3: No seat air conditioning (seat ventilation)

Issues with comfort during hot seasons

The new Land Cruiser FJ does not come equipped with seat air conditioning (seat ventilation) . Front seat heaters and a heated steering wheel are standard equipment, but there is no seat cooling function.

During the hot summer months, especially when driving off-road, it can be uncomfortable to have your back and buttocks get sweaty. Recently, more and more mid-class SUVs are equipped with seat ventilation, so many people find this a disappointment.

Impact of cost reductions

This is likely the result of equipment selection to achieve the expected price of around 3.8 million yen. Seat heaters were prioritized due to their high demand in cold regions, but seat ventilation was shelved.

Hoping for retrofit options

At the time of release, there is a possibility that dealer options or aftermarket options will be available. If you really want seat ventilation, keep an eye out for information after the release.

Disadvantage 4: It feels inferior when compared to the Land Cruiser 250 and 300.

The difference in appearance and texture is obvious

When the new FJ is displayed side by side with the Land Cruiser 250 or 300 at a dealer’s showroom, the difference in the quality of the exterior and interior is immediately obvious.

The visual difference:

• Headlight design and texture
• Wheel design and size
• Body color variations and paint quality
• Interior materials and finishes

In particular, when compared to the VX and ZX grades of the Land Cruiser 250 and the ZX grade of the Land Cruiser 300, many people will feel that the difference goes beyond the price difference.

The psychological conflict of “It’s the same Land Cruiser…”

Although the new FJ is affordable, it’s understandable that some people might feel that “if it’s going to be called a Land Cruiser, it should have a bit more quality.” In particular, for those who are buying their long-awaited Land Cruiser for the first time, being confronted with the difference between it and the higher-end model can be a complicated experience.

“Division” is necessary

You need to come to a compromise on this point before purchasing. The new FJ is an entry-level model that inherits the Land Cruiser’s DNA of off-road capability and reliability, but is offered at an affordable price. Rather than comparing it with higher-end models, you should find value in the fact that you can get a full-fledged off-road vehicle at this price range.

Flaw 5: The interior feels cheap and cheap

The overall plastic feel is noticeable

The most common complaint about the interior of the new Land Cruiser FJ is that it feels “cheap.” Specifically, the following points have been raised:

• Excessive use of hard plastics : Many of the visible parts, such as the dashboard and door trim, are made of hard plastic, giving the impression of lacking texture.
• The entire interior is black : The entire interior is black, which gives off a sense of luxury and warmth.
• Few decorative parts : There is almost no decorative element to enhance the texture, such as plating, soft padding, or stitching.

I feel inferior compared to the Land Cruiser 250 and 300.

The difference in interior quality is particularly clear when compared to the higher-end Land Cruiser 250 and 300. The VX and ZX grades of the Land Cruiser 250 feature soft padding, leather seats, and a high-quality instrument panel design, making it hard to believe they are both part of the Land Cruiser series.

When comparing the actual cars at the dealership, many buyers will feel inferior, thinking, “Even though it’s the same Land Cruiser…”

Some say it’s reasonable considering the price

On the other hand, some say that this interior is reasonable considering the expected price of around 3.8 million yen. It can also be seen as a “tough interior” that can be used without worrying about dirt or scratches in a vehicle that prioritizes practicality and is designed for off-road driving.

However, many new cars in recent years have high-quality interiors even at around 4 million yen, so it is true that some people have said, “I wish the quality was a little better.”

Disadvantage 6: Possible delivery delays and purchasing restrictions

Land Cruiser series delivery issue

The Land Cruiser series has been plagued by chronic delivery delays in recent years.

Current model delivery status (as of October 2025):

The new FJ is likely to face a similar situation once it is released, and it is quite possible that it will take more than a year from ordering to delivery.

Risk of introducing purchase restrictions

For the Land Cruiser 300 and 250, the following purchase restrictions have been put in place to prevent purchases for the purpose of resale.

Examples of past purchase restrictions:

The new FJ is also expected to be a popular model, so similar purchase restrictions may be imposed. The situation of “wanting to buy it but not being able to buy it right away” will be a major source of stress for potential buyers.

Early booking is important

Once the release date is confirmed, we recommend that you make a reservation with a dealer as soon as possible. The order in which pre-orders are made may significantly affect the delivery time.

Con 7: Headlight design is controversial

Opinions are divided on circular headlights

The most distinctive feature of the new Land Cruiser FJ’s exterior is its circular LED headlights . The design is an homage to previous Land Cruisers such as the FJ40, but the headlight design has received mixed reviews.

Positive comments:

• “Retro and cute”
• “It’s unique and good”
• “Feel the origins of the Land Cruiser”

Negative opinions:

• “It looks old-fashioned.”
• “A more modern design would have been better”
• “It looks cheap compared to the Land Cruiser 250 and 300.”

Points that divide preferences

Headlight design is an important factor that greatly affects the impression a car leaves. Opinions about the new FJ’s circular headlights are split evenly between those who think they’re “cute” and those who think they’re “ugly,” so it’s important to see the actual car before purchasing to make sure it suits your taste.

Customization possibilities

After the release, there is a possibility that custom parts such as aftermarket headlights and covers will be available. If you don’t like the original design, you may have the option of customizing it to suit your preferences.

Still, the new Land Cruiser FJ has its appeal.

The seven strengths that outweigh the weaknesses

So far, we have explained the shortcomings of the new Land Cruiser FJ, but this model still has great appeal.

Strengths of the new Land Cruiser FJ:

Who is the car suitable for?

The new Land Cruiser FJ is especially recommended for the following people:

On the other hand, it may not be suitable for the following people:

Summary: Understand the drawbacks before considering a purchase

The new Land Cruiser FJ certainly has some unfortunate flaws. There are many points you should be aware of before purchasing, such as the interior quality, size, lack of equipment, and delivery issues.

However, these drawbacks can be seen as compromises made to realize a full-fledged Land Cruiser at a price of around 3.8 million yen . If you add all the equipment, the price will rise to 5 million or 6 million yen, and in the end it will be the same as the Land Cruiser 250.

The important thing is to understand these drawbacks and decide whether it suits your intended use . For those who are primarily interested in off-road driving, those who have always admired the Land Cruiser brand, and those who want to use it as a base for customization, the new FJ should be an attractive choice.

More detailed information is expected to be released as the car approaches its release in mid-2026. If you are considering purchasing one, we recommend that you make a comprehensive decision after checking out the actual car at a dealership and taking a test drive.

Related articles:

• Complete guide to the new Land Cruiser FJ
• A thorough comparison of the Land Cruiser FJ series