Toyota’s Got a Baby Land Cruiser in the Works — and It’s Based on the Suzuki Jimny

If you’ve ever looked at a Suzuki Jimny and thought, “This thing’s basically a mini Land Cruiser,” you’re not alone, and it turns out, Toyota agrees. The Japanese giant has officially confirmed that it's developing a new, entry-level Land Cruiser, and it’s going to be based on none other than the beloved Jimny.

Let’s take a look at what we know so far.

A new direction for the Land Cruiser family

The Land Cruiser name has always stood for big, tough 4x4s — the kind you take across deserts or up into the mountains. But Toyota's looking to make that legacy a little more accessible. The idea is to introduce a smaller, more affordable Land Cruiser without losing the rugged, go-anywhere attitude the badge is known for.

And what better base than the Jimny - a pint-sized off-roader that’s already earned its stripes around the world?

Toyota and Suzuki’s growing collaboration

This isn’t the first time Toyota has borrowed from Suzuki’s playbook. We’ve already seen models like the Starlet (based on the Baleno) and the Urban Cruiser (a cousin of the Vitara) roll out as part of their growing partnership.

Until now, though, the Jimny has stayed exclusive to Suzuki. That’s changing. Toyota plans to put its own spin on the Jimny platform and give it a proper Land Cruiser badge - adding it to a lineup that already includes the 79 Series, Prado, and the flagship LC300.

What to expect from the new model

At this stage, there aren’t many confirmed details, but we can make some educated guesses.

The Jimny’s tough little 1.5L petrol engine will likely carry over, paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Expect a similar footprint, proper 4x4 ability, and that classic, boxy shape. What Toyota will bring to the table is its own styling tweaks, interior finishes, and of course, its branding.

Think of it as a Jimny with a Toyota twist, and possibly a few extras thrown in to justify the Land Cruiser name.

Mark your calendars for 2025

Toyota hasn’t said exactly when the new model will hit the streets, but word is it could be ready in time for the Suzuki Jimny Gathering in 2025, an event that celebrates everything Jimny, from modded builds to off-road adventures. Launching a Toyota variant there would definitely turn heads, and it makes sense given the audience.

Why this matters

The idea of a baby Land Cruiser is more than just fun, it’s smart. As off-roaders get more expensive and high-tech, there’s a growing demand for simple, capable, affordable 4x4s. If Toyota nails the balance, this little Land Cruiser could be a hit, especially in markets like ours where rugged practicality is still a big deal.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Land Cruiser but didn’t want to spend six figures, this could be your moment.