Toyota unveils new FJ Cruiser – how does it stack up against the Prado?
10 October 2025 – 13:22 pm | By Marius Boonzaier
Toyota has finally dropped the curtain on its newest Land Cruiser, the compact F‑J Cruiser (officially the Land Cruiser FJ). After a flood of rumours and speculation about its design, the “baby” Land Cruiser made its debut in October 2025.
So, how does this pint‑size 4×4 measure up against its bigger sibling, the Land Cruiser Prado? We’ve lined up the two side‑by‑side and compare the key dimensions, styling cues and what you can expect from each.
Quick facts
| Feature | Land Cruiser FJ | Land Cruiser Prado |
|---|---|---|
| Size (length) | ~4.9 m | ~5.0 m |
| Body style | 5‑door SUV | 5‑door SUV |
| Engine range | 3.5‑L V6 | 3.5‑L V6 |
| Ground clearance | 0.27 m | 0.27 m |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
(The figures above are rounded off from the official spec sheets released by Toyota in 2025.)
Design & aesthetics
The Land Cruiser FJ carries the rugged signature of the family – a boxy profile, tall roofline and the iconic “bumper” style that fans expect. But it’s tweaked for a more compact frame, with a slightly lower front end and a shorter rear overhang. The Prado, meanwhile, sticks to the classic Land Cruiser look but with a more modern twist: sharper LED strips and a slightly higher stance.
Performance & capabilities
Under the hood, both models share Toyota’s 3.5‑L V6. The FJ offers a simpler, more lightweight package that’s easier to manoeuvre in tight off‑road trails, while the Prado delivers a few extra centimetres of wheelbase and a more robust suspension set‑up for longer, more demanding journeys.
Verdict
If you’re after a Land Cruiser that feels cozy yet still commands respect on gravel or mud, the new FJ Cruiser is a solid choice. For those who need a little more room and can handle a slightly larger vehicle, the Prado remains the bigger, more capable side‑kick.
Toyota’s latest addition gives drivers another option to enjoy the Land Cruiser legacy without stepping up to a full‑size adventure rig. Which one would you take for a spin? Let us know in the comments!
Gallery
- Front view of the Land Cruiser FJ (image courtesy of Toyota)
- Front view of the Land Cruiser Prado (image courtesy of Toyota)
(All images are provided by Toyota and accompany the article for visual reference.)
