Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser family is set to grow once again. Following the global debut of the all-new Land Cruiser FJ at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota is now working on an even smaller Land Cruiser model—one designed for urban use and built on a monocoque platform. This marks a major departure from the traditional ladder-frame architecture that has defined the Land Cruiser name for decades.
A New Monocoque-Based Land Cruiser
Toyota has already previewed this new direction through two concepts showcased earlier:
- Toyota EPU electric pickup
- Land Cruiser Se concept
Both vehicles use a monocoque chassis, signalling a future where select Land Cruiser models focus on comfort, efficiency and modern technology instead of hardcore off-road duty. The production version of the EPU pickup is expected by 2027, with the monocoque Land Cruiser likely to follow in 2028.
This upcoming model will not replace the LC300 or LC250. Instead, it will serve as a more practical, city-friendly SUV while retaining the Land Cruiser’s rugged visual identity.
Smaller Than the Land Cruiser FJ
The recently unveiled Land Cruiser FJ measures around 4.57 metres, and Toyota has already confirmed its India launch for 2028 with local manufacturing.
The new monocoque Land Cruiser will be even smaller—expected to be 4.3 to 4.4 metres long—placing it directly in one of the most competitive SUV segments in India. Rivals would include:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Toyota Hyryder
- Tata Sierra
- Renault Duster (new-gen)
- Nissan Tekton
Toyota is expected to offer a rugged, upright design combined with monocoque comfort, giving the segment something unique.
Design Direction: Rugged Meets Futuristic
Based on the Land Cruiser Se concept, the upcoming SUV will feature:
- Sharper and more aerodynamic body panels
- Sleek, modern LED lighting
- Classic SUV stance with a lower overall height
- Squared-off Land Cruiser-style front end
The concept was notably 165mm lower than the LC250, suggesting a more road-biased setup while still maintaining a tough appearance.
Expected Powertrain Options
Toyota has not confirmed engines, but based on global strategy, the following options are likely:
1. Pure Electric (BEV)
- Dual-motor AWD expected
- High torque outputs
- Likely to feature Toyota’s DIRECT4 torque vectoring system
2. Strong Hybrid (HEV)
Highly probable, especially for India given Toyota’s strong hybrid success and demand in the 4–4.5m SUV segment.
3. AWD / 4WD
Even with a monocoque setup, Toyota is expected to offer an AWD variant to preserve the Land Cruiser’s capability reputation.
A Full Software-Defined Vehicle
The smaller Land Cruiser will run Toyota’s upcoming Arene SDV platform, allowing:
- Over-the-air updates
- Enhanced ADAS capabilities
- Predictive and adaptive drive functions
- Cloud-based feature enhancements
This will make it one of Toyota’s most advanced software-driven SUVs.
India Plans
With the Land Cruiser FJ already confirmed for local production in 2028, Toyota is strongly positioned to expand the Land Cruiser family in India. Given the country’s booming SUV demand, the smaller monocoque Land Cruiser is expected to launch here as well, positioned as a rugged, premium alternative in the 4.3–4.4m category.
check out:Toyota Planning an Even Smaller Land Cruiser – New Monocoque SUV Under Development
