Forget the Prado, this will be Toyota's ultimate off-road bargain! Price shock for Toyota LandCruiser FJ as launch timing revealed: Reports

The Toyota LandCruiser FJ will be priced at the equivalent of $35,000 in key international markets, suggesting the long-awaited mini Prado or Fortuner could be the brand's ultimate off-road bargain in Australia, at least according to new reports.

A reminder — while Toyota here has remained relatively tight-lipped on the LandCruiser FJ, it has moved to secure the name here, having lodged a trademark application with Australia's Office of Intellectual Property.

The reports, from Japan's credible Best Car, suggest the model will be priced from 3.5m Yen in Toyota's home market — translating to $35,000 AUD.

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While we wouldn't expect the model to be priced quite so sharply in Australia — our demands for included technology and safety equipment are higher than most — the news does lend credibility to reports that the LandCruiser FJ will be priced below the Fortuner.

In Australia, Toyota's HiLux-based SUV is $53,775, suggesting a price point in the $40k bracket would be on the table for the LandCruiser FJ.

The other news to come out of Best Car's reporting is a launch date, with the model expected to be revealed in December this year.

There is still much confusion circling the FJ. We've now seen the HiLux Champ Rangga, revealed in concept form in Indonesia in October, leading to speculation that it could be the LandCruiser FJ we've been waiting for.

But reports have continued to circulate that another 4WD is coming, suggesting the Rangga and the FJ could coexist in different markets.

Toyota LandCruiser FJ render (Image: PoloTo)

Those reports point to it sharing the HiLux's 2.8-litre diesel engine – with a petrol variant, too – and slotting in below the Fortuner.

In fact, some reports point to the model being billed as a "lifestyle" vehicle that would essentially play in the same (albeit more rugged) space as the Toyota Corolla Cross, suggesting that markets that gave one won't get the other.

As for Australia? That's a mystery we're still waiting to be solved. But one of the company's most senior executives hasn't entirely ruled it out.

"Look, it may [happen] in the future. Because you know… we're going through a great transition in the automotive industry. You never rule stuff out," said Toyota Australia's VP of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley.

“Is there a product plan for it that I'm aware of in Australia? No.”