What Does “FJ” Mean in the FJ Cruiser Name?

In the Toyota FJ Cruiser name, “FJ” is a nod to the classic Toyota Land Cruiser models from the mid‑20th century, particularly the FJ40. It reflects both the vehicle’s design inspiration and its place in Toyota’s off‑road lineage.

The Origin of “FJ”

• F – Refers to Toyota’s F‑series inline‑six gasoline engines that powered early Land Cruisers.
• J – Stands for “Jeep” in early Toyota internal naming, dating back to when the Land Cruiser was developed in the 1950s as a military and utility vehicle.

When Toyota launched the original FJ40 Land Cruiser in 1960, the “F” indicated the engine family, and the “J” identified it as part of the Land Cruiser series.

Why It Was Used for the FJ Cruiser

The FJ Cruiser, introduced in 2006, was designed as a modern tribute to the FJ40. Using “FJ” in the name linked it directly to the rugged heritage, styling cues, and off‑road capability that made the earlier model legendary.