Reportedly to be called the Land Hopper, the upcoming Toyota mini Land Cruiser is expected to be launched sometime in 2024
The Japanese automaker, Toyota is reportedly working on a mini Land Cruiser that is likely to be unveiled sometime in 2024. In fact, Toyota Japan has trademarked the name “Land Hopper” in Japan. Adding to it, one of the images contains the silhouette of a new SUV that is reportedly to be the the new Compact Cruiser.
Japanese media reports that Toyota is working on a new downsized version of the Land Cruiser, which is expected to be introduced sometime next year. The new mini Cruiser is reportedly to be called the Toyota Land Hopper. The report reveals that the new Land Hopper could be offered with an electric powertrain along with petrol and diesel engines. It is also likely to receive a hybrid powertrain.
The new compact Land Cruiser is designed and developed on a shortened version of the GA-F body-on-frame chassis that underpins the 300- and 250-Series Toyota Land Cruisers, the Sequoia SUV, the Tundra and the Tacoma pickups, and the new Lexus GX. The ladder frame chassis would receive significant changes to accommodate an all-electric powertrain.
The mini Land Cruiser is reportedly to feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre hybrid, the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines that powers the global Corolla Cross. The SUV could get a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid engine from the RAV4, and the turbocharged 2.8L diesel from the Hilux pickup. Toyota is also developing a new 2.7-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which could also power the new Land Hopper.
It is reportedly to measure around 4351mm in length, 1854mm in width and 1880mm in height. The Land Hopper will be around 127mm shorter than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross; however, it will be around 51mm wider and 254mm taller.
If reports are to be believed, Toyota could showcase the new Land Hopper at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show that is scheduled on October 26, 2023. The new model could impact the sales of the iconic Suzuki Jimny.
Source – Autoblog
