The letters “FJ” in the Toyota FJ Cruiser model name are an homage to Toyota’s iconic FJ40 series Land Cruisers. Specifically, “F” designates the Toyota F engine used in the original Land Cruiser, while “J” refers to the “Jeep” designation common to early four-wheel-drive vehicles and also used by Toyota to denote its four-wheel-drive models. The FJ designation, therefore, historically links the modern FJ Cruiser to its rugged, off-road heritage.
This historical connection is important because it represents Toyota’s commitment to building vehicles capable of traversing challenging terrains. The FJ40 Land Cruiser established a reputation for reliability and durability, attributes that Toyota aimed to emulate in the design and engineering of the FJ Cruiser. The “FJ” designation thus serves as a branding element that communicates a legacy of off-road capability and adventurous spirit.
