21 minutes ago, impulse said:

How long has the Champ been out in LOS?

Bout 2 yrs.

10 minutes ago, impulse said:

How long has the Champ been out in LOS? Admittedly, I only spend about a week each month in Thailand post-Covid, but I can count on both hands the number of Champs I recall seeing. (I haven't seen one in China, but there's not much of a market for pickups here. I'm a big fan of their Bz3 and Bz5 E sedans)

I like to see 100,000 mile vehicles before passing judgement. Lots of cars make it to 50K just fine, but fall apart soon after. Especially if they're thrashing a small engine with a turbo. But that means at least 5 and more like 10 years...

It hit the market in late 2023 and I think it is selling about 10K units a year.

Where do you live? I see quite a few in Bangkok, particularly the drop-side flatbed. I saw a few new ones with dry-boxes being wrapped in Makro livery in the parking lot of our local Mako Club a week or two ago,

Same platform, as the Vigo, Fortuner and the Innova. Same 2.4l diesel as the Vigo

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

It's not a new platform. It's a new model on a proven platform. I like the looks of the Champ, but I did not like the way it sat.

I like to but the second year of a new platform, the bugs have been worked out, but they haven't started the cost-cutting.

I'm an engineer, but I hate when people disparage accounting. If you can't sell it, you might as well stay home.

My greatest ally at my last job was the CFO.

Kind of liked it myself, but ... it's a Toyota 🙄

51 minutes ago, impulse said:

Tell that to all the 'Muricans wishing they hadn't bought a V6 Tundra. When even Scottie Killmer is dissing Toyota, you know something's gone sideways.

Accountants have their place. But it shouldn't be driving design decisions. Ask Boeing about that.

Toyota has also been busted for submitting vehicles for safety tests, that aren't the same specs that come off the assembly line. So much for trust.

Won't mention the disaster of their wheels falling of their first EV entry, and hopefully correct it ... shh

... oops

Edited April 30Apr 30 by KhunLA

Bout 2 yrs.

I recall being all optimistic when someone announced a $10,000 Toyota pickup. Looks like they missed... (Or it may have been an ad in a different market where they do cost $10K). I'm a big fan of the old timey concept of a pickup as a cheap but functional work truck that you can beat up and they keep going. And they looked good- kind of quirky.

Hopefully, if anyone actually buys an FJ, they'll report back how they like it.

Edited April 30Apr 30 by impulse

20 minutes ago, impulse said:

I recall being all optimistic when someone announced a $10,000 Toyota pickup. Looks like they missed... (Or it may have been an ad in a different market where they do cost $10K). I'm a big fan of the old timey concept of a pickup as a cheap but functional work truck that you can beat up and they keep going. And they looked good- kind of quirky.

Hopefully, if anyone actually buys an FJ, they'll report back how they like it.

I believe it is currently only sold in Thailand and the Philippines.

On 4/29/2026 at 6:49 AM, SGD said:

What do you reckon as a non perfect, economical option ?

Or give me some better SUV options at sub Bt2m but related to this Bt1.269m price tag.

https://www.toyota.co.th/en/model/landcruiser_fj

I’d buy it in a minute if the wife wouldn’t hit the roof.

It is a true off-road SUV, just a tiny bit bigger than a Jimmy but smaller than a Fortuner — and cheaper than either. Don’t confuse with AWD or 4WD “SUV” crossovers, even the new Chinese ones that look like true off-road machines but aren’t.

I also like that it comes in only one configuration. For this kind of vehicle, simplicity is your friend.

Thanks for the comments.

First, I don't buy Chinesium anything and never will, so all those options can go out of the window. Yes, it is my window, I appreciate :)

Elsewhere in the world, I have electric and they have a place but if you want convenience and you're not parking it at your place every night, the milk float simply doesn't work.

I might have gone for a different engine but there is only one option here, not a new engine but a proven robust one. As for power, I'm sure I could find a Somchai to release more power if required but I'm not trying to compete with my X5M in power stakes.

4 wheel drive is a necessity if you go anywhere off a main road. I do, so 4x4 is a prerequisite.

I won't be here all year and I won't pay the taxes on a proper European 4x4 and I don't want a truck and I don't want second hand either as I simply don't trust Thais and most westerners to take care of things.

I really just want something moderately priced which will have reliability, can be fixed easily if broken and has some limited off road capability. If not this, then avoiding milk floats and Chinese stuff, what is there at this price point ?

Just now, SGD said:

Thanks for the comments.

First, I don't buy Chinesium anything and never will, so all those options can go out of the window. Yes, it is my window, I appreciate :)

The device your are using to post on this forum, country of origin ?

Just now, SGD said:

First, I don't buy Chinesium anything and never will, so all those options can go out of the window. Yes, it is my window, I appreciate :)

Dinosaurium

Just now, SGD said:

Thanks for the comments.

First, I don't buy Chinesium anything and never will, so all those options can go out of the window. Yes, it is my window, I appreciate :)

Elsewhere in the world, I have electric and they have a place but if you want convenience and you're not parking it at your place every night, the milk float simply doesn't work.

I might have gone for a different engine but there is only one option here, not a new engine but a proven robust one. As for power, I'm sure I could find a Somchai to release more power if required but I'm not trying to compete with my X5M in power stakes.

4 wheel drive is a necessity if you go anywhere off a main road. I do, so 4x4 is a prerequisite.

I won't be here all year and I won't pay the taxes on a proper European 4x4 and I don't want a truck and I don't want second hand either as I simply don't trust Thais and most westerners to take care of things.

I really just want something moderately priced which will have reliability, can be fixed easily if broken and has some limited off road capability. If not this, then avoiding milk floats and Chinese stuff, what is there at this price point ?

I had similar requirements, needed a new vehicle for work, long distance travel plus off road capability on muddy tracks. The Toyota FJ was not yet available and while an Everest was my first thought, the price was too high.

I went for a Nissan Terra VL 4x4 twin turbo. While Nissan has some corporate financial challenges, they're still releasing new models and I reckon they will manage to keep going in some form, plus the Terra is an outgoing model so there's some great deals available if you can find a new one at a dealer.

Has it almost a year now, it has the best ride in the class, steers and handles surprisingly well (better than my unibody X-Trail), has a pleasant 'luxury' interior and plenty of safety features and a handy 360' camera system, and does very well off road with it's four wheel drive, locking diff and good ground clearance. Reasonably economical too and has a 1000 km range.

While it's list price is more than the FJ, there's good deals available if you can find a dealer with stock. I was able to choose mine from four new ones they had in their covered multi storey car park, so it had not been sitting in a field like so many other 'new' cars.

I hear what you said about your thoughts on Chinese, but the GWM Tank 300 and 500 were also an option, but at the time they were hybrid, although now they have diesel. But I've been very happy with the Terra, and I do prefer 'made in Thailand' vehicles.

The Terra is good looking. We have Fortuner, more because of the wife than me. I'd have gone with another Isuzu. I have to say, the Fortuner has held it's looks pretty well, ten years on and it still does not look old.

I assume the gen 3 Fortuner get the boxy look of the FJ, which I like.

The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is no on sale in Thailand -

It looks like a Chery 23 only twice the price and a legacy drive train.

Edited May 4May 4 by JBChiangRai

On 5/2/2026 at 11:10 AM, JTPR1 said:

I’d buy it in a minute if the wife wouldn’t hit the roof.

It is a true off-road SUV, just a tiny bit bigger than a Jimmy but smaller than a Fortuner — and cheaper than either. Don’t confuse with AWD or 4WD “SUV” crossovers, even the new Chinese ones that look like true off-road machines but aren’t.

I also like that it comes in only one configuration. For this kind of vehicle, simplicity is your friend.

There are actually four configurations: Base, Adventure, Urban, and Retro. I believe they are mainly cosmetic changes but not 100%. I also don't know if they'll all be sold in Thailand but I do know they are making four different variants.

And yes, as others have said it is build on the IMV platform (Champ, Hilux, Fortuner).

Retro:

43 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I assume the gen 3 Fortuner get the boxy look of the FJ, which I like.

Look at the new Hilux, that's what the new Fortuner will look like (at least the front end).

Just now, josephbloggs said:

Look at the new Hilux, that's what the new Fortuner will look like (at least the front end).

No it won't

Edited May 4May 4 by Yellowtail
photo

Just now, Yellowtail said:

No it won't

That's not a Fortuner.

Not sure why you want to argue about this, it's already been spotted testing and there are renders of it all over the internet. It is 100% based off the latest Hilux. And I have mentioned it here before but I do a lot of commercial work globally for Toyota through my company and work on forthcoming new model releases.

But, up to you, no skin off my nose.

Here it is, in camouflage, testing right here in Thailand.

And here are renders.

Like I said, up to you.

Edited May 4May 4 by josephbloggs

Just now, josephbloggs said:

That's not a Fortuner.

Not sure why you want to argue about this, it's already been spotted testing and there are renders of it all over the internet. It is 100% based off the latest Hilux. And I have mentioned it here before but I do a lot of commercial work globally for Toyota through my company and work on forthcoming new model releases.

But, up to you, no skin off my nose.

Here it is, in camouflage, testing right here in Thailand.

That's a facelift, not the gen 3

I did not say it was a Fortuner, that's what the gen 3 Fortuner will look like.

Edited May 4May 4 by Yellowtail

Just now, Yellowtail said:

That's a facelift, not the gen 3

I did not say it was a Fortuner, that's what the gen 3 Fortuner will look like.

Sigh.

What I posted IS the Gen 3.

Do you like arguing just for the sake of it?

Just now, josephbloggs said:

Sigh.

What I posted IS the Gen 3.

Do you like arguing just for the sake of it?

So the gen 3 is just a gen 2 with a new front clip? That's hilarious.

Let me guess, it has a hybrid option...

Just now, Yellowtail said:

So the gen 3 is just a gen 2 with a new front clip? That's hilarious.

Let me guess, it has a hybrid option...

Take it up with Toyota if you are not happy.

And of course don't admit you were wrong or anything.

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

So the gen 3 is just a gen 2 with a new front clip? That's hilarious.

Let me guess, it has a hybrid option...

Hilux will be "all new" before a tuna...

New hilux aint "all new"!

Just now, josephbloggs said:

Take it up with Toyota if you are not happy.

And of course don't admit you were wrong or anything.

I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. Toyota would not tell me, they want me to buy the facelift thinking it's new.

I have a gen-two Fortuner that is ten years old, and but for the front clip, it looks exactly like the pictures you posted.

But you could be right. No doubt call it "all new" when it comes out. 😊

I hope you're right, it you are, I can put a new front clip on my gen 2 and have it re-painted, it will look like new.

Just now, Yellowtail said:

I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. Toyota would not tell me, they want me to buy the facelift thinking it's new.

I have a gen-two Fortuner that is ten years old, and but for the front clip, it looks exactly like the pictures you posted.

But you could be right. No doubt call it "all new" when it comes out. 😊

I hope you're right, it you are, I can put a new front clip on my gen 2 and have it re-painted, it will look like new.

The BIL has a Gen2 and is also following the many Toyota Fortuner clickbait stories.

Summary from a deep AI dive.

In short, if you buy one today, you are getting the most polished "final form" version of the second generation. If you are waiting for a totally new chassis possibly TNGA platform and a radical departure in tech, that is likely a 2027 model year launch.

As of May 2026, the sightings in Thailand have caused a bit of confusion in the enthusiast community. Here is the technical breakdown of what is actually happening behind the scenes:

The "Heavy Facelift" Trap

The test mules currently being spotted are what the industry calls a "Major Model Change" (MMC) rather than a "Full Model Change" (FMC).

The Shell: Toyota is keeping the existing Gen 2 body shell, pillars, and glasshouse. This is why the silhouette and doors look identical to the car you know.

The "Cyber Sumo" Face: The camo hides a new front end inspired by the 2026 Hilux (the "Cyber Sumo" design language). It’s a more squared-off, aggressive look, but it’s still bolted onto the old frame.

Just now, Fruit Trader said:

The BIL has a Gen2 and is also following the many Toyota Fortuner clickbait stories.

Summary from a deep AI dive.

In short, if you buy one today, you are getting the most polished "final form" version of the second generation. If you are waiting for a totally new chassis possibly TNGA platform and a radical departure in tech, that is likely a 2027 model year launch.

As of May 2026, the sightings in Thailand have caused a bit of confusion in the enthusiast community. Here is the technical breakdown of what is actually happening behind the scenes:

The "Heavy Facelift" Trap

The test mules currently being spotted are what the industry calls a "Major Model Change" (MMC) rather than a "Full Model Change" (FMC).

The Shell: Toyota is keeping the existing Gen 2 body shell, pillars, and glasshouse. This is why the silhouette and doors look identical to the car you know.

The "Cyber Sumo" Face: The camo hides a new front end inspired by the 2026 Hilux (the "Cyber Sumo" design language). It’s a more squared-off, aggressive look, but it’s still bolted onto the old frame.

So new front clip, on the old platform. And probably a new engine from the gen-3 platform.

On 4/29/2026 at 9:43 AM, Kinnock said:

I think it will be robust and will retain value well (as it's a Toyota), but it's so obviously based on a Hilux Champ I wish they'd put more effort into the styling of the front end.

Also feel it should be a diesel. The Tank 300 is probably a better option.

About the EV comments - agree if you don't need to go off road or need a long range, but a 4X4 diesel SUV is currently still the best option for some people, me included.

Saw one of these on the road today. Smaller than expected, looked kind of cool and chunky but I think they are definitely aftermarket wheels.

It is, however, unmistakably Champ from the front. Something slightly Nissan Cube about it too.

The obvious Champness is a total turn off though.

On 5/5/2026 at 2:26 AM, Isan Farang said:

The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is no on sale in Thailand -

Some similarities, slightly smaller.

On 4/29/2026 at 7:03 PM, impulse said:

Getting back to the OP, I'm not confident that Toyota has enough of the Hilux Champ based FJ's out there to really know whether it's a good car, or a future lemon. I'm not a big fan of new cars anyway, but especially when they're still in the teething phase.

I generally love Toyotas, but they've recently been guilty of enshattification on a few configurations. Their bean counters trumped the engineers...

I traded in my 07 fj after 350,000 trouble free miles yes I did do a few brake jobs and replaced 1 rear wheel bearing and seal….still on the original clutch as well….Nothing extraordinary on the maintenance end just oil and filters….I took it off road many times towed trailers with it….all in all I felt it was an extraordinarily well made dependable fun little suv……finally traded it off because it wouldn’t pass smog anymore.The engine was fine it just needed new catylitic components and the clutch was starting to chatter.Now I’m driving a jeep gladiator max tow it fits my needs better but I know it will never be as dependable as any of my Toyotas.

I traded in my 07 fj after 350,000 trouble free miles yes I did do a few brake jobs and replaced 1 rear wheel bearing and seal….still on the original clutch as well….Nothing extraordinary on the maintenance end just oil and filters….I took it off road many times towed trailers with it….all in all I felt it was an extraordinarily well made dependable fun little suv……finally traded it off because it wouldn’t pass smog anymore.The engine was fine it just needed new catylitic components and the clutch was starting to chatter.Now I’m driving a jeep gladiator max tow it fits my needs better but I know it will never be as dependable as any of my Toyotas.

Was your 2007 FJ based on the new chassis that seems to be available only in SEA?

6 minutes ago, impulse said:

Was your 2007 FJ based on the new chassis that seems to be available only in SEA?

The new FJ sits on Toyota's IMV platform, Old FJ Cruiser was modified Prado chassis.

Edited June 6Jun 6 by Ralf001