The FJ and BJ designations refer to different generations and variants of the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Here are the key differences between them…
- BJ Land Cruiser – The BJ Land Cruiser was the original model introduced by Toyota in 1951. It was Toyota’s first mass-produced four-wheel-drive vehicle. The “BJ” designation stands for “B-series engine” and “Jeep”. The BJ Land Cruiser was powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six diesel engine, which was known for its durability and torque output. The early BJ models had a more utilitarian design and were primarily intended for off-road use and utility purposes.
- FJ Land Cruiser – The FJ Land Cruiser succeeded the BJ model and was introduced in 1955. It represented the second generation of the Land Cruiser lineup. The “FJ” designation stands for “F-series engine” and “Jeep”. The FJ Land Cruiser was powered by a 3.9-liter inline-six gasoline engine, which was later upgraded to larger displacement engines in subsequent years. The FJ series gradually evolved to offer more comfort and amenities, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road use. It became popular worldwide and established the Land Cruiser nameplate as a rugged and reliable vehicle.
While both the BJ and FJ Land Cruisers have similar origins and share the same rugged and durable reputation, they differ primarily in their engine configurations and the era in which they were introduced. The BJ Land Cruiser was the original model, powered by a diesel engine, while the FJ Land Cruiser succeeded it with a gasoline engine and evolved to offer greater comfort and versatility.