We reported earlier that Toyota is working on a new mini Land Cruiser SUV, which is scheduled to be launched sometime in 2024. Toyota is currently 3 different variants of the Land Cruisers – the 300 Series, Prado (to be replaced by the 250 Series), and the Classic 70 Series. The company will soon unveil an all-new 7-seater Land Cruiser Se electric concept at the Japan Mobility 2023.
Toyota had previously hinted about a smaller, off-road focused vehicle at the reveal of the Land Cruiser 250 in early 2023. If media reports are to be believed, the new mini Land Cruiser could be launched by the end of 2024. It is expected that the new mini Land Cruiser could be called the “Land Hopper”, as the name was trademarked by Toyota. Moreover, the new compact off-roader could be called the “FJ Cruiser” or the “FC Cruiser”.
The new model is likely to draw inspiration from the Land Cruiser’s off-road capabilities and will be based on a new smaller platform. The new mini Land Cruiser will directly rival the Ford Bronco Sport. At the unveiling of the 2024 Land Cruiser 250, Toyota shared a teaser image of an all-new Compact Cruiser EV concept. It is expected that the production model will be inspired from the concept as well as the new Land Cruiser. The mini Land Cruiser will have a boxy design, rugged bumpers and massive body cladding, and the tailgate mounted spare wheel.
The new mini Land Cruiser will be offered with both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. The new off-roader SUV could be offered with an electric powertrain at a later stage. The new mini Land Cruiser is expected to share the powertrains from globally popular Toyota models including the Corolla Cross, RAV4 and the Prius. It is expected to get a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder hybrid gasoline engine that produces 194bhp, and with a plug-in hybrid variant the powertrain offers 220bhp. All-wheel drive setup will be standard across the range.
Previous reports claim that the new compact Land Cruiser will measure around 4351mm in length, 1854mm in width and 1880mm in height. It will be around 127mm shorter than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross; however, the off-roader will be around 51mm wider and 254mm taller. Despite being smaller than the Land Cruiser, the new vehicle will have real off-road credentials and will be capable of climbing over most of the obstacles.
Source – Carscoops
