If you have been waiting for Toyota to bring back the spirit of the original FJ40 in a package that fits in a modern driveway (and a modern budget), stop scrolling. The rumors were true. After years of teasing us with the “Compact Cruiser EV” concepts and the IMV 0 platform, the Toyota Mini FJ Cruiser Pickup 2026 has finally broken cover in the rumor mill, and it is shaping up to be the most exciting launch since the 70 Series.
As someone who has spent the last 25 years testing everything from the mighty Mega Cruiser to the nimble Suzuki Jimny, I can tell you this isn’t just another crossover. This is a legitimate, body-on-frame truck that shrinks the Land Cruiser’s legendary durability into a pint-sized pugilist. It’s the Toyota truck we’ve all been begging for.
Quick Specs: The Numbers Behind the Hype
Here is the raw data on what makes this mini-truck tick. Toyota has kept it simple, reliable, and incredibly capable.
| Feature | Toyota Mini FJ Cruiser Pickup 2026 |
| Engine | 2.7L 4-Cylinder Petrol (2TR-FE) |
| Power | 163 HP @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 246 Nm @ 3,900 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic (Super ECT) |
| Drivetrain | Part-Time 4WD with Low Range Transfer Case |
| Platform | IMV 0 (Ladder-Frame Chassis) |
| Towing Capacity | ~2,500 kg (Est.) |
| Bed Length | Modular Deck (approx. 1.5m – 1.7m) |
| Ground Clearance | 220mm |
| Fuel Economy | ~9-10 km/L (Combined Est.) |
Design: Retro Charm Meets Modular Utility
The first thing that hits you is the look. Toyota didn’t overthink this. They went straight to the history books, grabbed the best bits of the FJ40 and the FJ Cruiser, and bolted them onto a rugged pickup chassis.
The “Mini” FJ Aesthetic
The front fascia is pure nostalgia. You get the classic round LED headlights set into a mesh grille with the block-letter “TOYOTA” badge. The bumper is high and tight for a killer approach angle, and—crucially—it’s segmented. That means if you bash a corner on a rock, you can replace just that piece, not the whole bumper. The upright windshield and flat hood give you excellent visibility, a trait often lost in modern trucks.
The Business End: The Pickup Bed
This is where the magic happens. Built on the IMV 0 architecture (shared with the Hilux Champ), the rear bed is a blank canvas. It’s a flat deck with drop-sides, designed to be modular. Overlanders can bolt on a canopy or tent rack in minutes. Tradespeople can configure it with toolboxes. It’s utilitarian chic at its finest—no unnecessary curves, just maximum cargo space.
Performance: Old School Reliability
In an era of complex hybrids and twin-turbos, the Mini FJ Cruiser Pickup zags. It uses the 2.7L naturally aspirated petrol engine (2TR-FE).
Why This Engine Matters
Critics might say 163 HP sounds low. But as an off-road veteran, I’ll tell you: this engine is bulletproof. It’s the same block found in the base Prado and Hilux. It won’t win drag races, but it will run for 500,000 miles with basic maintenance. It pairs with a 6-speed automatic that holds gears when you need it to, specifically when crawling up a steep incline.
Off-Road Chops
This is a proper 4×4. You get a mechanical transfer case lever (thank goodness) to shift between 2H, 4H, and 4L. The wheelbase is shorter than a Tacoma, which means the breakover angle is fantastic—you won’t be high-centering on ridges. It feels nimble, eager, and surprisingly planted on gravel. It’s not trying to be a luxury cruiser; it’s a mechanical mountain goat.
Comfort: Spartan but Smart
Inside, the Mini FJ Pickup is “wash-down ready.” The floor is rubberized, and the seats use durable, water-resistant fabric. The dashboard is flat and vertical, featuring a modest touchscreen for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but retaining big, chunky physical knobs for climate and volume—perfect for when you’re wearing gloves. It’s tight inside (it is a “Mini,” after all), but there’s enough headroom for a tall driver.
Price: The Real Game Changer
This is the section that will have dealers sweating. Toyota is positioning this as an entry-level utility vehicle.
- Base Model (RWD): Expected to start around $25,000 – $28,000.
- 4WD Adventure Trim: Expected around $32,000 – $35,000.
At this price point, it undercuts the Ford Maverick Tremor and obliterates the used truck market. You are getting a brand-new, body-on-frame Toyota 4×4 for the price of a mid-spec crossover.
Summary
The Toyota Mini FJ Cruiser Pickup 2026 is the antidote to the bloated, overpriced trucks of today. It’s honest, rugged, and dripping with character. It combines the modular utility of the Hilux Champ with the iconic style of the Land Cruiser family. If you want a truck that turns heads on the boulevard but can still haul lumber (or camping gear) up a mountain, start saving your deposit now. This little rig is going to be a massive hit.