Toyota has revealed not one, but two, stunning electric concept cars that could turn its two most successful nameplates on a new path. The LandCruiser Se and EPU pickup have been showcased ahead of their public debut later this week at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show.
This pair are a crucial part of the brand’s transition to electrification, taking the company’s famous models and swapping diesel power for electric – but neither is quite what they appear to be. The LandCruiser Se is likely to be an extension of the famous SUV family, rather than a replacement for the Prado or the LC300 itself. Meanwhile, the EPU concept is a compact ute that would sit beneath the HiLux and act as a rival to the popular Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in the US market.
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LandCruiser Se
Toyota was light on detail about the SUV concept, perhaps keeping some things secret until the public reveal. What the company did reveal were dimensions and this is clearly not the rumoured compact LandCruiser/FJ Cruiser revival.
Instead, the Se measures 5150mm long with a 3050mm wheelbase, which means it’s 36mm longer overall and has an extra 102mm in the wheelbase compared to the US-only Grand Highlander (a long-wheelbase version of the Kluger).
Aside from that, Toyota has indicated that it is an all-electric model, rather than a hybrid of any sort, and is built using a monocoque construction; instead of the ladder-frame chassis of the LC300 and Prado. That means it likely sits on a new EV platform for Toyota’s larger models, so don’t be surprised to see several electric SUVs roll-out over the coming years.
EPU Concept
There was an equally scarce amount of intel on the EPU concept too. But, again, Toyota said it featured an electric powertrain and monocoque construction. Given the similarities and shared timing, it’s likely these two models sit on the same EV platform.
Toyota officially refers to it as a “next-generation mid-size pickup truck concept” but hasn’t confirmed any plans to push it into production.
Like the LandCruiser, Toyota has revealed how big the concept is, measuring 5070mm long and with a 3350mm wheelbase. That puts it directly in the same category as the Maverick and Santa Cruz.
Inside, Toyota has opted to fit a steering ‘yoke’ rather than a conventional steering wheel. It’s also a high-end cabin design, with large screens and a more premium finish than your usual working ute.
Whether or not Toyota decides to add this ‘baby’ HiLux to its ute range remains to be seen, and just because the concept is electric doesn’t guarantee any production version would be. The company has been known to be considering a smaller ute for markets in south-east Asia and South America for several years.
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