Side-by-Side: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ and Prado Go Head to Head

If you’ve been watching the 4×4 space with interest, you’ll know that Toyota has made a big move: the all-new Land Cruiser FJ has broken cover and the Land Cruiser Prado has been refreshed. While they carry the “Land Cruiser” badge and share DNA, they offer different characters. Here’s a local-market view of both.

What’s the New FJ All About

The Land Cruiser FJ is positioned beneath the Prado in Toyota’s global SUV family. It uses a ladder-frame chassis (from the IMV lineage) and is built for adventure. The key facts are:

• Length: approximately 4,575 mm, making it shorter than many full-size SUVs.

• Wheelbase: 2,580 mm compact enough for tighter manoeuvring.

• It emphasises rugged styling: squared body panels, cladding, exposed spare wheel in some markets.

• Under-hood (in its debut market): a 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (2TR-FE) producing around 120 kW and 246 Nm. Coupled to a six-speed automatic and part-time 4WD.

• Toyota South Africa says it’s “definitely under study” for local introduction, given the strong heritage of the Land Cruiser brand in this market.

This makes it a more compact, adventure-oriented choice appealing to buyers wanting Land Cruiser credibility but perhaps in a smaller package.

What’s New with the Prado

The Land Cruiser Prado has received a full redesign:

• Platform: body-on‐frame GA-F architecture (shared with larger Land Cruiser models in parts) to boost robustness.

• Dimensions: roughly 4,925 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, wheelbase ~2,850 mm.

• Engine line-up (global): includes a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with around 150 kW and 500 Nm, and a petrol 2.4-litre with hybrid option (in some markets) for greater flexibility.

• Design borrows styling cues from the 60-series and 80-series heritage models, including two front-end versions (round vs rectangular headlights) in some markets.

• It remains a solid off-roader with serious capability, but with more passenger comfort, interior refinement and size for families.

Locally, the Prado signature strength is in being the do-everything SUV: daily commute, family duty and off-road when needed.

Why This Matters for South Africa

In South Africa’s SUV-minded market, off-road capable models carry significant appeal. The Land Cruiser name is legendary locally both for durability and resale. These new offerings show Toyota is doubling down on that strength.

For the FJ, local interest is high because it could fill a niche: premium off-roader trimmed down in size. For the Prado, the refresh reinforces Toyota’s commitment to the market and gives buyers fresh tech and styling.

Final Thoughts

Toyota’s two-fold strategy gives consumers choice. The FJ promises a more compact, rugged, heritage-driven Land Cruiser. The Prado gives the size, comfort and capability many families in South Africa still demand. Whether you choose one or wait for the FJ, the important thing is that the Land Cruiser legend continues and this time, it’s branching out.

If you like, I can pull together expected South African pricing, local launch timing and what models compete in the same segment so you can see how they stack up.

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