Toyota’s New Land Cruiser FJ Already Banned From Another Major Market

A Crowd-Puller That Many Won’t Get

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has had no trouble drawing attention. It surfaced about a week before the Japan Mobility Show and immediately stirred interest as the entry-level sibling to the global Land Cruiser lineup. During the show itself, the model was such a magnet for visitors that getting a clean look at it during press days became difficult. Toyota leaned heavily into a simple, functional design that resonated with enthusiasts who miss the discontinued FJ Cruiser.

But just because everyone wants a closer look doesn’t mean everyone will get the chance to buy one. The compact off-roader is already off the table for the US and Europe, and now Australia – one of Toyota’s biggest markets for rugged vehicles – has been added to the Land Cruiser FJ’s no-fly list.

Australia Shuts the Door

According to CarExpert, Toyota Australia has no plans to offer the Land Cruiser FJ in its current form. Sean Hanley, the brand’s sales, marketing, and franchise operations chief, said the issue isn’t pricing or positioning but emissions compliance. The 2.7-liter gasoline engine used in the FJ does not meet Australia’s Euro 6 emissions requirements.

Hanley was direct in noting that the vehicle was developed primarily for Asian markets, where regulations are less strict. As a result, he said the FJ is a “no-go zone” under its present specifications.

An Old Engine Meets Modern Rules

The crux of the Land Cruiser FJ’s limited reach is its 2TR-FE 2.7-liter gasoline engine. This four-cylinder has been a workhorse for Toyota, powering everything from the Hilux Surf and Tacoma to the Innova, Fortuner, Hiace, and multiple generations of the Prado. But time has caught up with it. Some of those models are already history, and the engine itself wasn’t built to meet the tough emissions standards that are now the norm in places like the US, Europe, and Australia. That’s the main reason the FJ is being kept out.

There’s still hope if Toyota decides to give the FJ a cleaner, more modern engine. According to Hanley, a Euro 6-compliant powertrain could open the door for markets that have shut it out. For now, though, the Land Cruiser FJ stays parked outside the borders of countries with stricter emissions rules.