Toyota Unveils Black Land Cruiser FJ as India Set to Get 2.8L Diesel ‘Baby Cruiser’
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ debuts in black with expected 2.8L diesel engine for India. Launch slated for 2028 with ₹30–35 lakh pricing.
Toyota has unveiled the Land Cruiser FJ in a new black colour with it already being produced in Thailand. The India-bound model will be missing the 6-litre VW (12V in India) 2GD-FTV turbo-diesel, which delivers 204 PS and 500 Nm, and may have a 48V mild-hybrid model. As the entry-level option, a 2.7-litre petrol engine can be offered. The SUV is constructed on top of IMV 0 ladder-frame platform, with a length of 4,575 mm and a 215 mm ground clearance. It should be launched in India by the end of 2028 and may cost between 30 and 35 lakh.
2.8L Diesel Power to Anchor India-Spec Model
The largest change that is anticipated in favour of the Indian buyer is the inclusion of the familiar 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine of Toyota 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque. This engine which is already available in the Fortuner will be an indication that Toyota is planning to focus on performance and reliability over experimenting. It is also reported that a 48V mild-hybrid system might allow fuel efficiency and help start-stop operations better.
It is also probable that it has an entry-level 2.7-litre petrol engine with an output of 163 hp and a torque of 246 Nm. The two engines will have a 6-speed auto and part time 4WD system, which strengthens its off-road ability. Toyota diesel-first strategy could make the FJ have a sensible edge over its competitors in the Indian torque-conscious SUV sector where diesel is still popular in the long-range and off-road applications.
Vintage Design Meets Hardcore Platform DNA
The Land Cruiser FJ adopts a retro-boxy, vintage look of the legendary FJ Cruiser, with nostalgia and new-millennium engineering. It is based on the IMV 0 ladder-frame platform and has structural DNA in common with the Fortuner, Hilux, and Innova Crysta, giving it durability.
The FJ has a length of 4,575 mm, which is approximately 220 mm shorter than the Fortuner, and this makes the car to balance between the city and trail capability. There is a 2,580 mm wheelbase and 215 mm ground clearance that improves off-road preparedness. Exterior features are a thicker cladding, flared arches, and a spare wheel on the tailgate. The cabin is all-black with a functional theme with a 12.5-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Toyota seems to be in the lifestyle ruggedness and not the luxury excess, a strategic positioning action.
The Strategy and Competitive Positioning of India Launch
Toyota will release the Land Cruiser FJ in India by the end of 2028 and the local manufacturing will probably take place in its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) plant. The plant will become a hub of global exports that will enhance the manufacturing presence of Toyota.
It is estimated to cost 30-35 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be expensive as compared to mainstream SUVs but cheaper than the flagship Land Cruiser models. This also makes the FJ a luxury lifestyle alternative to other cars such as Mahindra Thar Roxx and Scorpio N. The strategy is an effort by Toyota to appeal to the urban consumer who wants to have the real off-road performance without dropping in to ultra-luxury. Whether the diesel-led formula will stand the test of time through the trend of electrification by 2028 will be the real test.
