He's been saying for a long time that it won't come to the US because it's based on the Hilux Champ pickup.. Probably the views can keep coming in for YouTubers if there is ongoing "uncertainty". The Hilux Champ is now sold in Mexico, and its lthis mini LC could be sold alongside it as the SUV variant, like the new North American Tacoma and 4Runner,. Most likely we will see the mini LC FJs running around the USA next year with Mexican plates, just like mini sized Suzuki Jimny 4x4.
They showed a silhouette of it when they announced the new Land Cruiser, so it’s not really unannounced. Automotive press in Japan has been talking about it ever since, and it’s looked like the the plan has always been Land Cruiser, then 4Runner, then FJ — in other words, most expensive to least expensive. With the 4Runner getting delayed it makes sense the FJ would also be pushed out. I haven’t kept up with the most recent updates, there is so much AI generated junk out there about it now.
With 12 trim levels of new 4Runners + Land Cruiser+ Sequoia , Toyota didn’t leave a lot of room in North America for even more body on frame 4x4s. Many also want Toyota to forget the 5th generation 4Runner dominated FJ Cruiser sales quickly after it was introduced in 2010.
