Who: Toyota
What: FJ Cruiser successor
When: 2024 or ‘25
Why: The brand is expanding its LandCruiser range
Car companies don’t do anything by accident when they reveal a new model. Which is why the sillouhette of a boxy and compact SUV during the presentation of the new-generation Prado is such a big deal.
This shadowy image is the best tease yet that we’re getting an all-new replacement for the FJ Cruiser – the short-lived but cult-favourite retro off-roader the brand offered here until 2016. The FJ Cruiser only just finished production for other markets in 2022, so a replacement is still timely in Toyota’s mind.
The image of the chunky-looking SUV appeared as Simon Humphries, Toyota’s chief branding officer, was explaining the future potential for the new LandCruiser family.
“Our customers trust in us to keep LandCruiser relevant and thriving toward the future,” Humphries said. “This could mean anything from carbon neutral approaches to ensuring that the LandCruiser brand is more affordable, and within reach of even more people around the world.
“Or it may even mean exploring new approaches to mobility that enhance not only the LandCruiser experience, but also further people’s freedom in motion. Suffice it to say, there are lots of exciting paths to changing the future of cars.”
That’s quite the loaded comment from Humphries, suggesting both electric and other variants could arrive soon to extend the appeal of the LandCruiser family.
However, it’s the possibility of an FJ Cruiser that’s both most exciting to Toyota fans and also more likely to happen. That’s because this is only the latest tease of the FJ Cruiser replacement and comes less than two years after the company included the Compact Cruiser EV Concept in its armada of electric possibilities at the end of 2021.
Back then it was overlooked as it was one of more than 20 EV concepts but it appears the company is pushing forward with plans to turn it into a production reality. The nature of the tease, during the Prado presentation, hints that Toyota is likely to revive the FJ Cruiser using a shortened version of the TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis that sits underneath the Prado.
As for what would power it, either an internal combustion engine or electric motors, that remains to be seen.
But it’s clear that Toyota is very seriously considering adding a compact member of the LandCruiser family soon.
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