Toyota Land Cruiser FJ may get diesel engine option, India launch expected in 2028

Toyota's new Land Cruiser FJ, a rugged SUV, could get a diesel engine option in future, according to expectations. The vehicle currently has no diesel engine, which has left off-roading enthusiasts disappointed. Discussion on the SUV's engine options began after senior company officials in South Africa spoke about the possibility of diesel. Off-roading fans are eager about the new option. If a diesel engine is added to the SUV, which currently has a 2.7-litre petrol engine, torque and the driving experience could change.

Andrew Kirby, president and CEO of Toyota South Africa, said in an interview that there is a "good chance" of a diesel engine for the FJ. However, he said the option could take a few years to reach the South African market. Kirby also said a diesel engine could make a big difference to the vehicle's performance.

The Land Cruiser FJ is a rugged C-segment SUV built on a body-on-frame platform. It will be positioned below the Toyota Fortuner. Its features include a strong build, a design suited to off-roading and a 4WD system. Diesel engines are preferred in such SUVs because they are expected to offer good torque at low RPM and better fuel economy.

In global markets, the FJ currently comes with the 2TR-FE 2.7-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 164 hp at 5,200 RPM and 245 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time 4WD system.

The performance of this engine has drawn criticism in markets such as South Africa and Australia. If a diesel option arrives, the vehicle could therefore be more useful for off-roading and for low-speed driving.

In India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is said to be bringing the vehicle in petrol, petrol-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. These variants could use an updated version of the current petrol engine. If a diesel engine arrives globally, it could also come to the Indian model. The company has not given any official information on this.

The SUV's ex-showroom price in India is estimated to start at around Rs 30 lakh. Production is likely at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra, and it could launch in the Indian market in 2028.