Toyota Land Cruiser

Origin

In 1936, the Imperial Japanese Army introduced the Kurogane Type 95 Four Wheel Drive reconnaissance car. However, in a separate development, in 1941, the Japanese government asked Toyota to develop a light truck for the military. And after the Empire of Japan occupied the Philippines, then a self-governed American colony, during 1941–1942, a captured Bantam GP (or Willys MB) was sent to Japan for assessment and testing. Japanese military authorities subsequently requested that Toyota produce a similar vehicle, albeit with an altered external appearance.

The prototype Model AK led to the Yon-Shiki Kogata Kamotsu-Sha (四式小型 貨物 車 type 4 compact cargo-truck). The half-ton truck featured an upright front grille, flat front wheel arches that angled down and back (like the later FJ40), headlights mounted above the wheel arches on either side of the radiator, and a folding windshield.

Production AK10 vehicles were powered by the 2,259 cc (2.3 L), 4-cylinder Type C engine from the Toyota Model AE sedan coupled to a three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer gearbox. Unlike the U.S. Jeep, the AK10 had limited use and photographs of it in the battlefield are rare.

In June 1954, responding to claims of trademark violation by the Willys Company that produced the original Jeep, then Director of Technology Hanji Umehara renamed the vehicle "Land Cruiser."

The postwar Toyota "Jeep" BJ is completely different from the AK10 and inherits no mechanical parts from it. However, a lot of lessons learned while developing the AK10 were applied when developing the BJ.

Lineage

Toyota divided the Land Cruiser family into four series. The most basic version is the "heavy-duty" series, which prioritizes functionality, durability and off-road capabilities over comfort or technology. It is also characterised by flatter steel body panels and a near vertical greenhouse. Models considered as "heavy-duty" by Toyota are the BJ, FJ, 20, 40 and 70 series.

The "station wagon" series of the Land Cruiser has more emphasis on comfort and interior space. The "station wagon" series first appeared in 1967 as the 55 series Land Cruiser Station Wagon, which was conceived as a four-wheel drive vehicle for recreational use with sufficient space to carry an entire family – a format that was popular with customers in the U.S., and later commonly known as sport utility vehicles. Models considered as part of the 'station wagon' series are the 55, 60, 80, 100, 200, and 300 series.

Since the 70 series, the "light-duty" series has been offered. Primarily tuned for the European market, it was intended to be a more comfortable version of the "heavy-duty" series by adopting coil spring suspension, while being smaller and more affordable than the 'station wagon' series. Since 1990, the "light-duty" series gained an additional moniker for some markets, Prado, coinciding with the release of the 90 series Land Cruiser that was designed to be more comfort oriented. "Light-duty" models included the 70 wagon, 90, 120, 150 and 250 series.

The fourth series, named Land Cruiser FJ, is a model slotted below the Prado. It was unveiled in October 2025 and went on sale in 2026.

Availability of these series varies by market. Until 2021, the U.S. and Canada received the "station wagon" model, but switched to the smaller "light-duty" model with the release of the 250 series in 2023. Most of Europe received the "light-duty" model, while only several European countries also received the "station wagon" model.

Heavy Duty series

BJ and FJ (1951)

In 1950, the Korean War created demand for a military light utility vehicle. The United States government ordered 100 vehicles with the then-new Willys specifications and tasked Toyota to manufacture them. The Toyota "Jeep" BJ prototype was developed in January 1951. This came from the demand for military-type utility vehicles, much like the British Land Rover Series 1 that was developed in 1948. The Jeep BJ was larger than the original U.S. Jeep and more powerful courtesy of its Type B 3.4-litre six-cylinder OHV Four-stroke petrol engine which generated a power output of 63 kW (84 hp; 85 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) of torque at 1,600 rpm. It had a part-time four-wheel drive system like the Jeep. However, and unlike the Jeep, the Jeep BJ had no low-range transfer case. In July 1951, Toyota's test driver Ichiro Taira drove the next generation of the Jeep BJ prototype up to the sixth stage of Mount Fuji, the first vehicle to climb that height. The test was overseen by the National Police Agency (NPA). Impressed by this feat, the NPA quickly placed an order for 289 of these off-road vehicles, making the Jeep BJ their official patrol car.

For the first two years, manufacture was exclusively to order and in small volumes. In 1953, however, regular production of the "Toyota Jeep BJ" began at the Toyota Honsya Plant (rolling chassis assembly). The body assembly and painting were done at Arakawa Bankin Kogyo KK, later known as ARACO (now an affiliate of Toyota Auto Body Company). The "Toyota Jeep BJ" Series was introduced in the following variants:

BJ-T (Touring),

BJ-R (Radio),

BJ-J (Cowl-chassis for a fire-engine).

In June 1954, the name "Land Cruiser" was coined by the technical director Hanji Umehara. "In England we had another competitor – Land Rover. I had to come up with a name for our car that would not sound less dignified than those of our competitors. That is why I decided to call it "Land Cruiser", he recalls. The name had already been used on the Studebaker Land Cruiser which was produced from 1934 to 1954. The 92 kW (123 hp; 125 PS), 3.9 L Type F petrol engine was added to the Land Cruiser range for the first time, originally only in the fire-engine chassis. The models were renamed:

BJ-T (Touring),

J20 (1955)

1955 – The second generation of the Land Cruiser called the 20 Series was introduced. It was designed to have a more civilian appeal than the BJ for export reasons. It also had more stylish bodywork and a better ride courtesy of longer four-plate leaf springs which had been adapted from the Toyota Light Truck. It had a more powerful 99 kW (135 PS; 133 hp) 3.9 L six-cylinder Type F petrol engine, but adopted the previous generation's three-speed gearbox. The interior of the vehicles were made more comfortable by moving the engine 120 mm (4.7 in) forward. The 20 Series still had no low range transfer case, but had synchromesh on the third and fourth gears.

1958 – FJ25 production commenced in Brazil; this being the first Toyota vehicle built outside Japan. These were sold as the "Toyota Bandeirante" from January 1962 when the Toyota petrol engine was replaced with a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine. The word "bandeirante" means "flag carrier" in Portuguese. The FJ25 models were built until August 1968 in Brazil. Production numbers were fairly low; in 1965, the production total was 961 vehicles.

1959 – The Land Cruiser first imported into Australia by B&D Motors as the FJ25/28 cab chassis with Australian made bodies. The Land Cruiser was the first Japanese vehicle to be regularly exported to the country. A small number of Land Cruisers were initially used in the Snowy Mountains Scheme by contractor Thiess Constructions.

1959:

FJ25 – Short open (topless) bush-drive car – Toyota F engine (May 1959 to 1960/61) – new in 1959 (also referred to as FJ251)

1960/1961:

FJ25L – Short soft top bush-drive car – Toyota F engine (1960/1961 to 1960/1961) – new in 1960/1961 (also referred to as FJ251L)

FJ151L – Short soft top bush-drive car – Toyota 2F engine (1960/1961 to December 1961) – replaces the FJ25/FJ251 and the FJ25L/FJ251L (there are few mentions in literature and no preserved ones known; it could be even doubted if it is ever been actually built)

1962:

J30

The J30 was only produced for 9 months from February to October 1960. The full model code is FJ35-V (a left hand drive LV also exists). It is built on a J20 chassis with the main difference being a 4-door wagon style body (today known as a SUV) built by Gifu Auto Body Co. The vehicle has an overall length of 4615mm (181.8 in), a wheel base of 2650mm (104.3 in), and sits 5 people. All FJ35s come equipped with the Toyota F engine and a 4 speed manual transmission with selectable 4 four wheel drive. The J40 based wagon is called the FJ45-V/LV and uses the exact same Gifu built body as the J30. It is thought only 60 were built and none are publicly known to have survived.

J40 (1960)

1960 – The 20 Series was upgraded to the now classic 40 Series. Toyota made many production changes by buying new steel presses. Mechanically, the FJ40 was given a new 93 kW (126 PS; 125 hp), 3.9 L F engine and the Land Cruiser finally received low-range gearing, but continued the three-speed main gearbox.

1965 – Global production surpassed 50,000 vehicles. The Land Cruiser was the best selling Toyota vehicle in the United States.

1968 – The 100,000th Land Cruiser was sold worldwide. Brazilian J40 production, as the Bandeirante, commenced in September. The Bandeirante has a Mercedes-Benz built diesel engine generating a power output of 58 kW (79 PS; 78 hp).

1972 – The 200,000th Land Cruiser was sold.

1973 – The 300,000th Land Cruiser was sold. The first diesel Land Cruiser was introduced for export based on a long wheelbase with a six-cylinder H engine.

1974 – A four-cylinder 3.0 L B diesel engine was offered. The introduction of this engine boosted sales in Japan by putting the Land Cruiser in a lower tax compact freight-car category as compared to the 3.9 L petrol version.

Note: the new B diesel engine was different from the B petrol engine used in the original BJ.

1975 – The 3.9 L petrol engine was replaced by a larger, more powerful 4.2 L 2F unit and the FJ55 received front disc brakes. The 3.6 L H diesel engine was optional in some markets in the HJ45.

1976 – FJ40 Land Cruiser (United States version) received front disc brakes like the FJ55. The Toyota Land Cruiser Association was founded in California.

1977 – The Irish Army took delivery of the first of 77 FJ45 Land Cruisers. Although fast, reliable, and with good off-road performance, the vehicle tended to rust excessively in the wet Irish climate. A few which did not succumb to the effects of weather were repainted in gloss olive green and survive as ceremonial gun tractors at military funerals.

J70 (1984)

1984 – J70 was introduced as a soft-top, hard-top, Fibre-reinforced plastic top, utility, cab-chassis, and Troop Carrier (inward facing rear seats). The petrol engine was replaced with a 4.0 L 3F engine. The 70 Light had a four-wheel coil spring solid-axle suspension for better ride quality. This lighter-duty version of the Land Cruiser had the 22R 2.4 L four-stroke petrol engine, which actually were the 2L and 2L-T (turbocharged) 2.4 L diesel engines commonly found in the Toyota Hilux. The 70 Light was sold in some markets as the Bundera or the Landcruiser II, later called 70 Prado. The 70 Prado eventually became popular and evolved into the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J90). An automatic transmission (A440F) was introduced making it the first four-wheel drive Japanese vehicle with an automatic transmission.

1990 – New generation of diesel engines was introduced for the Land Cruiser including a 3.4 L five-cylinder SOHC naturally aspirated engine (1PZ), and a 4.2 L six-cylinder SOHC naturally aspirated engine (designated the 1 HZ).

1993 to 1996 – The KZ 3.0 L turbocharged diesel engine replaced the LJ in the 70 series in European markets where this model was known as the KZJ70.

1993 – An advanced 24-valve, 4.5 L six-cylinder petrol engine, 1FZ-FE was introduced.

1999 – Toyota updated the 70 series in several ways. The solid front axle received coil-spring suspension. The rear leaf springs were lengthened for increased ride comfort and wheel travel. The six-bolt wheels were replaced with five-bolt wheels. Several smaller modifications to the drivetrain provided increased durability. The long-wheel-base models received new designations: 78 for the troop carrier, and 79 for the pickup.

2002 – HDJ79 was introduced to Australia with the 1HD-FTE 4.2 L six-cylinder 24-valve turbo-diesel EFI engine.

2007 – Toyota's first turbo-diesel V8 engine, the 1VD-FTV was introduced in some countries for the 70 Series Land Cruiser. Other modifications include the addition of a 4-door medium-wheel-base model (the 76) and an updated front-end on all models.

Station Wagon series

J50 (1967)

The Land Cruiser 55 was produced from 1967 to 1980. Toyota refers to the FJ55G and FJ55V as the first "real" station wagon (now known as a sport utility vehicle) in the Land Cruiser series, thus marking the beginning of the station wagon body style. It was the first Land Cruiser to have fully enclosed box frame members. Of all the Land Cruiser wagons sold in the U.S., including the FJ45, it is the only one to not have hatch and tailgate in the rear, but rather a tailgate only with an electrically operated window that can be retracted into the tailgate.

1967 – Production of the FJ55 began. The FJ55 was a 4-door station wagon version based on the FJ40's Drive-train, replacing the 4-Door FJ45V (I). It was colloquially known as the "Moose". It has also been referred to as a "pig" or an "iron pig". The FJ55 had a longer wheelbase (at 2,700 mm (106 in)) and was mainly designed to be sold in North America and Australia. Fire engine versions were also available, using the regular front clip but with open bodywork and no doors.

1975 – January 1975 saw the F series engine being replaced by the 2F engine. Unusual for Toyota, the model designation (e.g. FJ55) did not change, except in Japan, where it was changed to FJ56.

July 1980 – Production ends.

J60 (1980)

The Land Cruiser 60 series was produced from 1980 through 1990, for most markets but the Cumana Plant in Venezuela continued production until 1992 for their local market. It is a front engine, four-door wagon which can seat five to eight people. The 60 series was available in the following exterior colours: Alpine White, Brown, Desert Beige, Freeborn Red, Royal Blue; and in the following metallic exterior colours: Charcoal Gray, Cognac, Gray-Blue, Rootbeer, Sky Blue, Stardust Silver.

1980 – The 60 series was introduced. While still retaining the rugged off-road characteristics of previous Land Cruisers, the 60 was designed to better compete in the emerging sport utility vehicle market. The 60 was given a variety of creature comforts like air conditioning, a rear heater and an upgraded interior. The FJ60's "2F" petrol engine was left unchanged from the "40" series while the six-cylinder 4.0 L 2H and the four-cylinder 3.4 L 3B diesel engines were added to the lineage. Less equipped versions were also available in many markets. In Europe this model was sold as the Land Cruiser Wagon Van.

1981 – Land Cruiser sales surpassed 1 million and a high-roof version was introduced. The 60 series was introduced to South Africa when a stock Land Cruiser competed in the Toyota 1000 km Desert Race in the punishing wilds of Botswana.

1982 – 5-speed gearbox introduced.

1984 – This was the final year for the 40 series.

1984 – Alongside the 60 series, the 70 series was introduced.

1984 – The petrol engine was upgraded to the 4.0 L 3F (carburettor) in all markets but North America, which kept the 2F until the release of the 3F-E (injection) in 1987.

1985 – The direct-injection 12H-T turbo-diesel engine was introduced.

1987 – The petrol engine 4.0 L 3F-E EFI was introduced alongside the 4.0 L 3F carburettor engine. The FJ62G VX-Series was introduced, allowing the Land Cruiser to be sold in Japan as a passenger vehicle. In US-specs, the 3F-E produces 155 hp (116 kW).

J80 (1990)

The Land Cruiser 80 series was unveiled in October 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show and launched in early 1990. It was offered with a choice of swing-out back doors or a lift-up tailgate. The Land Cruiser was nicknamed the Burbuja (Bubble) in Colombia and Venezuela due to its roundness. The J80 was initially offered in two versions in these countries: the fully loaded VX and an entry-level model that included a vinyl interior with optional air conditioning. In 1996, the entry model was upgraded to a medium-equipped model named Autana, including cloth upholstery, standard air conditioning and power driver seat. The name is a reference to the Tepui mesa Autana, a spectacular plateau and cave system along the Guiana Shield craton. Land Cruiser sales reached 2 million vehicles.

1990 – The 80 series station wagon was introduced, replacing the 60 series. All 80s sold in North America and Europe now have a full-time four-wheel drive system. In Japan, Africa, and Australia, a part-time system was still available. 80s produced between 1990 and 1991 had an open centre differential which was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO. From 1992 onward, vehicles with anti-lock brakes had a viscous coupling that sent a maximum of 30% torque to the non-slipping axle. The differential was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO.

1990 – A new generation of diesel engines was introduced, adding to the engines available in the 80 series. The 80 series came with either a (3F-E) six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, a six-cylinder SOHC naturally aspirated diesel engine, (1HZ), or a 1HD-T direct injection turbo diesel.

1991 – By mid-1991, the 3F-E engine was introduced to the Australian market, a fuel injected version of the 3F engine.

1993 – An advanced 24-valve, 4.5 L six-cylinder petrol engine, 1FZ-FE was introduced. Larger brakes were added from October 1992 and the total wheelbase was made slightly longer. Front and rear axle lockers (code k294) were available as an option. The High Pinion Electric Locking front differential became available in the US models. In May 1993, Toyota began using R134 refrigerant in the air conditioning system. Serial numbers lower than JT3DJ81xxxxx38947 use the R12 refrigerant.

1994 – A limited edition called the Land Cruiser Blue Marlin (FZJ80) was introduced to the Australian market. They have 4.5 L straight-6 petrol engines with double-overhead cams, an automatic or manual transmission and 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) at 4,600 rpm. The car is blue from the Blue Marlin fish and they have the Blue Marlin logo throughout the car. Some of the features that the Blue Marlin included were altimeters, power windows, disc brakes, leather gear knob and steering wheel, central locking, leather trim, chrome handles and sidesteps, 16-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, anti-lock brakes (ABS), power steering, CD or cassette players, fender flares, and a limited edition bull bar. Only 500 were made.

J100 (1998)

In January 1998, the 100 series Land Cruiser was introduced to replace the eight-year-old 80 series. The 100 series was previewed in October 1997 as the "Grand Cruiser" at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show. Development began in 1991 under code name 404T, with the final design being frozen in mid-1994.

There are two distinct versions of the 100-series, the 100 and the 105. The two versions look very similar, but there are significant differences under the bodywork. Despite these differences and official model names, both the 100 and 105 are collectively known as the 100 series.

The 105 carried over the majority of its chassis and power train from the 80-series with coil suspended solid axles front and rear, and straight-6 petrol and diesel engines. These models were only sold in African, Australian, Russian, and South American markets.

In 1998, a suspension system combining Active Height Control (AHC) and Skyhook TEMS Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension on the Land Cruiser J100 was introduced.

The 100 models were fitted with a slightly wider chassis, independent front suspension (IFS) and two new engines. The change to IFS was a first for a Land Cruiser, and was made (in combination with rack-and-pinion steering) to improve on-road handling. However, it also limited the vehicle's off-road capability and durability; hence, the decision to offer the solid-axle 105 models alongside the IFS 100 models in some markets was made.

Despite the 100 and 105 bodies being very similar, there are some exterior visual indications between both models. The most obvious is the front end of the vehicle often appearing lower than the rear on the 100 models, due to the IFS. The other indicator is the design of the wheels: the 100 models have almost flat wheel designs, while the 105 models have dished wheels. This difference allows both versions to retain similar wheel tracks, despite the 100 having a relatively wider axle track to allow for the IFS system.

The introduction of a V8 engine was also a first for a Land Cruiser, and was specifically intended to improve sales in the North-American market, where it was the only engine available. In Australia, the 100 V8 was initially only available in the range-topping GXV model, while entry and mid-range models were the 105 powered by the 1FZ-FE I6 petrol, or 1HZ diesel engines. The new 1HD-FTE turbo-diesel 100 was added to the Australian range in October 2000 after being available in Europe and the UK since the vehicle's launch in 1998. The automotive press in Australia was critical of Toyota's decision to offer the acclaimed 1HD-FTE engine only in combination with IFS. Australian 4WD Monthly magazine stated "We will never forgive Toyota for going independent at the front with the mighty 4.2 turbo-diesel".

J200 (2007)

In 2002, a five-year development plan on a successor to the 100-series platform commenced under Sadayoshi Koyari and Tetsuya Tada. By 2004, ten years after the design selection of its predecessor in 1994, a final production design was settled on for the 2008 J200. Prototype related tests were conducted for over two years between 2004 and early 2007.

The redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser was introduced in late 2007. Known as the 200 Series, it is also sold alongside the platform-sharing Lexus LX 570 in some markets. The frame and platform is newly developed, bigger brake rotors and calipers were added and the front suspension was strengthened. The underbelly is also protected by skid plates. The roof pillars were redesigned to better protect occupants in a rollover.

The vehicle entered production in September 2007 and was available for sale from September or November, depending on country. It became available in Venezuela for sale in early November of the same year under the local nickname of "Roraima" (taken from Mount Roraima).

The 200 Series offered numerous features and upgrades over its predecessor not limited to the cosmetic changes made to the body and interior, including:

Smart Entry – A sensor is triggered when the remote is brought near the vehicle, allowing the user to simply touch the door handle to open it.

Smart Start – Start/Stop push button for ignition; a key is not required.

4-zone climate control on Sahara models, with outlet vents increased from 18 to 28

10 airbags (VX & Sahara)

A stronger and lighter frame

Various driver assist technologies not offered on previous models are included as standard, including:

J300 (2021)

The J300 series Land Cruiser was unveiled on 9 June 2021. Its development was led by Toyota chief engineer Takami Yokoo. Built on the body-on-frame GA-F platform, the frame itself was redesigned to reduce weight and increase rigidity. The total weight of the vehicle was reduced by 200 kg (441 lb) compared to its predecessor. Other improvements claimed include lowered center of gravity, weight distribution, and an improved suspension structure.

Exterior dimensions including the total length, total width, and wheelbase, as well as both the departure and approach angles have been kept largely same as the previous model to retain its off-road performance. It carries over the approach angle of 32 degrees from its predecessor. The departure angle can reach up to 26.5 degrees depending on the version, while ground clearance measures 230 mm (9.1 in). Toyota has equipped the vehicle with an adaptive variable suspension (AVS), an upgraded Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), a more advanced Multi-Terrain Select system with Deep Snow and Auto modes, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor system which incorporates an underbody camera.

For this generation, Toyota ceased to offer V8 engine options in favour of a 3.4-litre V35A-FTS twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 305 kW (409 hp; 415 PS) and 649 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft), and a 3.3-litre F33A-FTV twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine producing 227 kW (304 hp; 308 PS) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft). A 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine is carried over from the previous model.

A GR Sport/GR-S variant is also available for the first time. It is 5 mm (0.2 in) shorter than the standard model, and uses more body adhesive to enhance structural rigidity. The GR Sport model also offers front and rear differential locking, as opposed to only centre locking in the standard 300 Series.

The Japanese model went on sale on 2 August 2021. It was available in four 7-seat petrol grades: AX, VX, GR Sport and ZX, one 5-seat petrol grade: GX and two 5-seat diesel grades: GR Sport and ZX.

Toyota introduced the updated Land Cruiser 300 series and introduced a hybrid model for Japanese market on 1 October 2026. The available variants for the 3.5 L hybrid model are ZX and GR Sport. For the 3.3-litre diesel engine option, available variants are ZX, GR Sport and GX. The hybrid model has 7 seats, while the diesel engine model has 5 seats.

Land Cruiser FJ

The Land Cruiser FJ is a model slotted below the Prado. This model was introduced in October 2025, and went on sale in 2026. It is built upon the IMV platform shared with the Hilux.

Land Cruiser Se Concept (2023)

The Land Cruiser Se is a monocoque-based three-row battery electric concept SUV using the Land Cruiser nameplate showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

Use by military forces and militant groups

Owing to its durability and reliability, the Land Cruiser, along with the smaller Toyota Hilux, has become popular among military forces and used as a military light utility vehicle. The vehicles are also popular with militant groups in war-torn regions. U.S. counter-terror officials enquired of Toyota how the extremist group Islamic State had apparently acquired large numbers of Toyota Land Cruisers and Hiluxes. Mark Wallace, the CEO of the Counter Extremism Project said, "Regrettably, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux have effectively become almost part of the ISIS brand."

The Toyota Land Cruiser chassis is used on the KrAZ Cougar armoured truck, designed jointly by the Ukrainian company KrAZ and Emirati company STREIT Group.