Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the compact Land Cruiser, but reports suggest this may be the new FJ Cruiser. While we await the official reveal, the patent image offers a first glimpse at the boxy SUV.
First previewed in 2023 during the Land Cruiser 300’s debut, Toyota submitted the design in a patent filing with the Philippine Patent Office in January 2024. As previously reported, additional details have emerged about the compact Toyota Land Cruiser, including a more detailed rendering, dimensions, and potential engine options.
However, this more basic patent image shows a boxy SUV with a utilitarian design. The large wheel arches and black cladding add to the off-road-focused stance. A tailgate-mounted spare wheel is also present. The profile largely resembles the previous-generation FJ Cruiser.
As we wait for Toyota to officially reveal the production version of the compact off-roader, we can only speculate whether it will reach local shores. Given the strong appetite for SUVs in South Africa and other markets, it’s likely that a compact SUV capable of manoeuvring around city streets and loose surfaces would perform very well here.
New Toyota FJ Cruiser: Exterior Leaked
Posted September 26, 2025
By: Cale Nuttall
The patented image of what’s believed to be the new FJ Cruiser offers a closer look at what the production model may look like.
Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the compact Land Cruiser, but reports suggest this may be the new FJ Cruiser. While we await the official reveal, the patent image offers a first glimpse at the boxy SUV.
First previewed in 2023 during the Land Cruiser 300’s debut, Toyota submitted the design in a patent filing with the Philippine Patent Office in January 2024. As previously reported, additional details have emerged about the compact Toyota Land Cruiser, including a more detailed rendering, dimensions, and potential engine options.
However, this more basic patent image shows a boxy SUV with a utilitarian design. The large wheel arches and black cladding add to the off-road-focused stance. A tailgate-mounted spare wheel is also present. The profile largely resembles the previous-generation FJ Cruiser.
As we wait for Toyota to officially reveal the production version of the compact off-roader, we can only speculate whether it will reach local shores. Given the strong appetite for SUVs in South Africa and other markets, it’s likely that a compact SUV capable of manoeuvring around city streets and loose surfaces would perform very well here.
