Highlights

• Toyota will build the Land Cruiser FJ at its Maharashtra plant for export only
• Annual output slated at 40,000 units from the Indian facility
• Powertrain: 2.7‑litre petrol engine, 163 hp, 245 Nm torque, with turbo, diesel and hybrid options hinted
• Model debuted at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show with a 4.57‑metre SUV silhouette
• No sales in India, but Toyota already ships other models such as Land Cruiser LC 300 and LC 250 to Nepal
• Export plan signals Nepal’s strategic importance despite its modest market size
• First deliveries could start late 2025, subject to homologation and dealer network readiness

Why Toyota is eyeing Nepal with the new FJ

Toyota has a long‑standing habit of using India as a production hub for models that never see a domestic showroom. The Land Cruiser FJ follows that pattern. The company’s internal report, filed by AutoCar India, states the Maharashtra plant will churn out roughly 40,000 units a year, all destined for overseas markets. Nepal sits at the top of that export list.

The logic is simple. Nepal’s off‑road demand outstrips its population size. The country’s rugged terrain, border‑crossing routes and growing tourism sector keep a steady appetite for durable SUVs. Toyota already supplies Land Cruiser LC 300, LC 250, Hilux, Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross to Kathmandu. Adding the FJ would deepen the brand’s foothold and give dealers a fresh flagship to showcase.

That matters because a new model can shift dealer negotiations, financing packages and even spare‑parts logistics. It also reinforces Toyota’s image as the go‑to brand for high‑altitude, high‑load use.

What the FJ brings to the table

The concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show is a 4.57‑metre long SUV with a boxy, muscular profile. Its design cues – short overhang, squared wheel arches and a thick beltline – scream off‑road capability.

Key powertrain data released by Toyota:

Spec	Value
Engine	2.7 L inline‑four petrol
Power	163 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	245 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission	6‑speed manual or 6‑speed automatic
Drivetrain	Full‑time 4WD with low‑range
Fuel options	Petrol, Turbo‑petrol, Diesel, Hybrid (rumoured)

The engine will sit behind a robust ladder‑frame chassis, paired with a high‑ground‑clearance suspension that can handle 250 mm of wheel travel. Inside, Toyota promises a utilitarian cabin with durable upholstery, a 12‑inch infotainment screen and optional leather‑trim for the premium variant.

Production plan and export strategy

Toyota’s decision to keep the FJ off Indian showrooms is not a surprise. The model competes directly with niche players like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, segments that still carry high import duties in India. Export‑only production sidesteps those tariffs while keeping the unit cost low.

A concise timeline outlines the rollout:

Phase	Date	Status
Tooling & pilot run	Q3 2024	Completed
Mass production start	Q1 2025	On track
Export shipments to Nepal	Late 2025	Pending homologation
Dealership deliveries	Early 2026	Planned

Toyota will ship the first batches by sea to the port of Biratnagar, then move them inland via road. The company has already signed a logistics agreement with a local freight forwarder, ensuring a smooth handover to Nepalese dealers.

Market impact and competitor landscape

Even with a modest population, Nepal’s SUV market grew by 12 % in 2023, according to the Nepal Automotive Association. The Land Cruiser FJ lands in a segment populated by the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU‑X, and the newer Toyota Hilux Revo SUV variant.

A quick look at the competitive matrix:

• Power: 163 hp puts the FJ ahead of the Ford Everest (155 hp) but behind the Isuzu MU‑X (170 hp).
• Torque: 245 Nm is comparable to the Hilux Revo (240 Nm).
• Price: Exact pricing is undisclosed, but Toyota usually positions new SUVs 10‑15 % above the LC 300 in Nepal, suggesting a starting price near NPR 12 million.
• Hybrid option: If confirmed, the hybrid variant could out‑shine the diesel‑only rivals on fuel economy, a key selling point for fleet buyers.

That matters because price‑sensitive operators in Nepal often base purchase decisions on total cost of ownership. A hybrid FJ could tilt the balance in Toyota’s favour, especially as the government pushes for lower emissions.

Looking ahead – timelines and expectations

The next few months will determine whether the FJ becomes a staple on Kathmandu’s mountain roads. Key milestones include:

1. Homologation with the Department of Transport, which typically takes six months.
2. Dealer training on the new powertrains and off‑road systems.
3. Financing packages from local banks, many of which already offer favourable terms for Toyota’s existing lineup.
4. Customer reception during the first test‑drive events slated for late 2025.

If all goes well, the Land Cruiser FJ could start seeing registrations by early 2026, adding a fresh chapter to Toyota’s long‑standing relationship with Nepalese motorists. The move also underscores how the brand leverages India’s manufacturing capacity to serve niche markets without diluting its domestic strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Land Cruiser FJ be sold in India at any point? A: Toyota has confirmed the model will be produced in India for export only, so Indian customers will not see it in showrooms.

Q: What engine options will be available in Nepal? A: The base offering is a 2.7‑litre petrol unit delivering 163 hp and 245 Nm. Toyota has hinted at turbo‑petrol, diesel and hybrid variants, but official confirmation is pending.

Q: When can Nepali buyers expect deliveries? A: Export shipments are slated for late 2025, with dealer deliveries projected for early 2026 after homologation.

Q: How does the FJ compare price‑wise to the Land Cruiser LC 300? A: Exact pricing is not released yet, but industry analysts expect the FJ to start around NPR 12 million, roughly 10‑15 % above the LC 300 price in Nepal.

Q: Will there be a hybrid version for the Nepal market? A: Toyota has mentioned a hybrid powertrain as a possibility. If launched, it would likely carry a premium price but offer better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Q: Which dealerships will handle the FJ in Nepal? A: Toyota’s existing network – including Toyota Kathmandu, Toyota Pokhara and Toyota Biratnagar – will be trained to sell and service the new model.