Why did Toyota stop making the FJ Cruiser?

Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser, a retro-styled off-road SUV, in 2014 after a decade-long production run. The FJ Cruiser was known for its distinctive boxy design, rugged capabilities, and nod to Toyota's iconic FJ40 Land Cruiser from the 1960s. However, declining sales and changing consumer preferences ultimately led Toyota to end production of the FJ Cruiser.

Declining Sales and Shifting Market Trends

The FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2006 as a modern interpretation of the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser. It was marketed as a capable off-road vehicle with a unique, retro-inspired design. 1 However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more practical, family-oriented SUVs, the FJ Cruiser's niche appeal began to wane. 2 Sales of the FJ Cruiser peaked in 2007 and steadily declined in the following years, leading Toyota to discontinue the model in 2014.

Changing Regulatory Environment

In addition to declining sales, the FJ Cruiser also faced challenges due to changing regulatory environments. As fuel efficiency and emissions standards became more stringent, the FJ Cruiser's relatively poor fuel economy and higher emissions made it less appealing to consumers. 3 Toyota likely determined that the cost of updating the FJ Cruiser to meet these new regulations would not be justified by the declining sales, leading to the decision to discontinue the model.

Shift Towards Crossovers and SUVs

The discontinuation of the FJ Cruiser also reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry towards more practical, family-oriented crossovers and SUVs. 4 As consumers increasingly prioritized features like fuel efficiency, cargo space, and seating capacity, the FJ Cruiser's niche appeal as a rugged, off-road-focused vehicle became less compelling. Toyota likely saw greater opportunities in developing and marketing SUVs and crossovers that better aligned with these changing consumer preferences.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Toyota FJ Cruiser was a result of declining sales, changing regulatory environments, and shifting consumer preferences in the automotive market. While the FJ Cruiser had a loyal following and a distinctive design, it ultimately could not maintain its niche appeal in the face of these broader market trends. Toyota's decision to end production of the FJ Cruiser reflects the company's need to adapt to the evolving demands of the SUV and crossover market.

Why did Toyota get rid of the FJ Cruiser?

However, despite its initial popularity, the FJ Cruiser faced a challenging market landscape shaped by evolving consumer preferences and stringent safety rules. Over time, these pressures impacted its viability, leading Toyota to make difficult choices regarding its production.

Will the 2026 FJ Cruiser be available in the USA?

No, the 2026 Toyota FJ Cruiser will not be available in the USA, as Toyota has confirmed there are no plans to bring it to the North American market. The vehicle is intended for other global markets and its unavailability in the U.S. is due to factors like import tariffs and strategic positioning for emerging markets.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the new Toyota FJ Cruiser and its features: 52sUntamed MotorsYouTube · Oct 22, 2025

• No official plans: A Toyota spokesperson confirmed there are no current plans for the North American market, a sentiment echoed by the chief engineer. 
• Strategic positioning: The vehicle is positioned as an affordable off-roader for emerging markets, not for the U.S. market where larger SUVs are more common. 
• Import tariffs: Importing the vehicle from its production location in Thailand would be subject to a 19% import tariff, making it too expensive for the intended markets. 
• Market focus: The vehicle's target markets are Asia, the Middle East, and potentially South America. 

Is Toyota going to bring back the FJ Cruiser?

Yes, Toyota is bringing back a version of the FJ Cruiser, but it is a new, smaller model called the Land Cruiser FJ and it is not expected to be sold in the United States at this time. It will launch in Japan around mid-2026 and is also planned for markets in Asia and the Middle East. The new model shares design elements with the original, but with a more modern and cartoony look.
 
You can watch this video to see a walkaround of the new Land Cruiser FJ: 52sTFLnowYouTube · Oct 20, 2025
Key details about the new Land Cruiser FJ

• Launch: Mid-2026 in Japan. 
• Markets: Asia, the Middle East, and potentially South America. Not currently planned for the U.S. 
• Size: Smaller than the original FJ Cruiser, with a shorter wheelbase. 
• Design: Features a boxy silhouette with design cues from the original, but with a new, modernized look. It includes round headlights, chunky cladding, and removable bumpers. 
• Powertrain: A 2.7-liter engine is announced for Japan, with other options likely for different markets. 
• Capabilities: Expected to have off-road capabilities with body-on-frame construction, part-time four-wheel drive, and other features like a skid plate and rock rails. 

Why it might not come to the U.S.

• Toyota may be concerned about market saturation with larger SUVs. 
• Tariffs could make the vehicle too expensive for the American market. 
• The compact size might not appeal to American consumers who prefer larger SUVs. 

What year is the most reliable FJ Cruiser?

The most reliable Toyota FJ Cruiser years are generally considered to be the later models, particularly 2013 and 2014, as Toyota had more time to refine the vehicle and iron out early issues. However, many owners report that years like 2008 and 2011 also have excellent reliability ratings, often due to the vehicle being used primarily for regular maintenance and basic replacements. 
You can watch this video to learn about the FJ Cruiser's model year changes and common issues: 1mFJX2000 ProductionsYouTube · Jul 29, 2021
Reliable years and their pros and cons

• 2013 and 2014: These late-production models are often cited as the most reliable, with the added benefit of having any potential kinks worked out. 
  • Pro: They represent the most refined version of the FJ Cruiser. 
  • Con: They may be harder to find and command a higher price on the used market. 
• 2008: This model year is frequently mentioned for its high reliability scores, both from owner reviews and organizations like J.D. Power. 
  • Pro: High reliability ratings and a lower average price on the used market compared to newer models. 
  • Con: Some owners reported issues that were addressed in later years, such as rear differential problems. 
• 2011: This model year is known for having a very high reliability rating and is praised for its excellent build quality and engine. 
  • Pro: High reliability and excellent build quality. 
  • Con: Like all years, it can be susceptible to frame rust if not properly maintained in salty environments. 

This video provides an in-depth buyer's guide for the FJ Cruiser: 1mHakosanYouTube · Mar 5, 2023
Important considerations for all model years

• Frame rust: All FJ Cruisers are susceptible to frame rust, especially if driven in areas with snow and salt. A thorough inspection of the frame is crucial before purchasing, regardless of the model year. 
• Rear differential: Some early models had weaknesses in the rear differential, but many of these vehicles have already had the issue addressed or broken, so it's less of a concern for many buyers now. 
• Maintenance history: The reliability of any vehicle is heavily dependent on its maintenance history. Look for a well-maintained vehicle, and prioritize any with service records, regardless of the model year.