The New Land Cruiser FJ Has So Much Potential, and Toyota Wants You to Know About It With Incredible Concepts

• Meridian Concept gives the new Land Cruiser FJ a serious off-road visual identity.

• Toyota launched Land Cruiser FJ in Thailand with four concepts tied to distinct buyer lifestyles.

• Thailand-built FJ starts at THB 1,269,000 (CDN$53,500) with 2.7-litre gasoline power and 4WD.

Toyota has wisely piggybacked on the new Land Cruiser FJ’s launch to make a second point beyond the vehicle itself: this smaller Land Cruiser is meant to be modified. At the centre of that message is the Meridian Concept, a tougher-looking show build that frames the FJ as a compact off-roader with nearly unlimited personalization options.

The Meridian Concept is the clearest expression of the FJ’s off-road focus. With minimal effort, the FJ becomes an authentic off-road vehicle for adventure-seeking buyers. The concept’s visual treatment pushes the compact SUV toward a very deliberate trail-machine look – one that can’t miss. The Meridian carries itself more aggressively, with larger, all-terrain tires, a snorkel, and a roof rack with an integrated light bar. Trimmed in black with trail-inspired graphics, the package gives the concept plenty of off-road cred.

The Nature Explorer Concept takes the platform in a slightly different direction, one up from the Meridian in many ways. As a “Mobile Basecamp,” the Explorer is aimed at outdoor users looking to leave the grid behind, and is equipped with camping, recreation, and longer-trip features rather than simply for off-roading.

The Legendary Concept works magic as the heritage version in the lineup. Toyota says it continues the Land Cruiser philosophy, making it the concept most closely tied to the nameplate’s legacy and the one with the strongest retro appeal. Be it the wheels, the badging font, or the colour, we absolutely wish an automaker would produce such vehicles.

The Street Cruiser Concept rounds out the group with an urban flair. This FJ concept is designed for active city users, showing that the FJ’s customization pitch is not limited to the backcountry and could extend into appearance, convenience, and lifestyle accessories. The lowered Street Cruiser includes a roof-mounted rear spoiler and larger wheels wrapped in street-biased rubber.

Together, the four concepts illustrate the many ways the ultra-cool Land Cruiser FJ can be customized.

The production Land Cruiser FJ enters the Thai market as a five-seat 4WD model priced from THB 1,269,000 or about CDN$53,500 (4Runner starts at $58,275 and Land Cruiser, $74,560 in Canada). And no, it won’t be coming to Canada or North America anytime soon, if ever, because Toyota doesn’t like us.