First Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Buyers Will Have a Hard Time

The Return of the FJ

By now, everyone is aware that Toyota’s beloved FJ nameplate has officially returned. The new Land Cruiser FJ, shown publicly for the first time at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, was easily one of the event’s most crowded displays. Automotive journalists from other countries (myself included) flocked around the compact off-roader, a clear sign that the nostalgia for the FJ Cruiser still runs deep.

It’s easy to see why. The FJ is smaller, more approachable, and designed to bring back that sense of freedom and fun that defined its predecessor. But there’s a catch – when the FJ launches in Japan in the first half of 2026, getting hands on one might not be easy. Even local dealers are bracing for what could be one of the toughest vehicle allocations Toyota has ever managed.

Inside the Ordering System

According to Creative Trend, a local publication with dealer connections, ordering the first units of the Land Cruiser FJ won’t be a cinch. One of the source Toyota dealers said that only eight units will be available through their specific sales channel for the remainder of 2026. That number could represent the total initial lot, and as with other high-demand Toyota models, priority will go to existing customers.

It’s not yet clear if the FJ will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis or if dealers will hold lotteries to determine who gets to order – similar to when the Honda Prelude arrived months ago. Toyota has also not finalized the grade lineup – meaning those eight early units might all share one configuration, or they could be divided among multiple trims. Either way, the outlook is the same: if you’re in Japan planning to buy one, expect a waiting list or a lucky draw.

What About Other Markets?

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is not coming to North America, so buyers there will have to admire it from afar. However, for countries where the FJ is expected to launch – mainly in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America – the situation might be similar. Early allocations could be tight, and demand will likely exceed supply. Remember the bigger Land Cruiser 300’s four-year wait list?

That said, things could change once production ramps up beyond 2026. For now, if you happen to live in a market where the FJ will be sold, it might be worth talking to your favorite Toyota dealer early. Even if you can’t secure one yet, at least you’ll be on their radar when the compact Land Cruiser finally hits showrooms.