The upcoming child Land Cruiser from Toyota is predicted to characteristic a compact SUV footprint and is prone to supply hybrid and PHEV powertrains, with the potential of an EV model as nicely
The Land Cruiser nameplate has served Toyota nicely through the years, garnering a legendary fame for its sturdiness, off-road prowess, and long-standing presence in numerous world markets. At the moment, there are three distinct Land Cruiser fashions in manufacturing: the 300 collection, the marginally smaller Prado (which can quickly be succeeded by the 250 collection, making its strategy to North America), and the classic 70 Series. However Toyota’s dedication to the Land Cruiser collection doesn’t finish there.
Along with the 7-seater Land Cruiser Se electric concept premiering at subsequent week’s Japan Mobility 2023, Toyota had beforehand hinted at a smaller, off-road-focused car after they revealed the Land Cruiser 250 earlier this 12 months. In line with the most recent studies, this new addition might doubtlessly hit the market as early as the tip of the following 12 months.
What Will It Be Known as?
A number of particulars stay to be cleared up, together with the identify. Whereas there have been rumors that it might be called the “Land Hopper” after Toyota secured the trademark, it has since been revealed that this identify has been assigned to a three-wheeled electrical bike idea. Toyota might doubtlessly revive the enduring “FJ Cruiser” moniker or discover variants like “FC Cruiser.” Another choice would possibly contain utilizing the “Compact Cruiser” identify beforehand linked to the EV idea.
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Alternatively, Toyota might select to proceed utilizing alphanumeric names, designating the bigger mannequin because the Land Cruiser 300 collection, the Prado substitute because the 250 collection, and the compact mannequin because the Land Cruiser 50 or 60, amongst different potentialities.
No matter what it’s referred to as, the brand new mannequin seems to attract inspiration from the Land Cruiser’s off-road capabilities whereas being constructed on a smaller platform, just like the Ford Bronco Sport, which will probably be one in every of its prime rivals.
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Through the presentation of the 2024 Land Cruiser 250, Toyota shared a teaser picture that was considerably paying homage to the Compact Cruiser EV concept. It’s speculated that the manufacturing mannequin will incorporate design components from each the idea and the just lately unveiled 2024 Land Cruiser. This fusion is predicted to end in a car that includes a boxy design, rugged bumpers, and protecting physique cladding, in addition to an externally mounted spare tire bolted to the tailgate, intently resembling the illustration we’ve included on this story.
Powertrain Choices
Shifting our focus to the internals, Japan’s Best Car, citing ‘dependable sources’, reported that it will likely be supplied with each internal-combustion-only and hybrid powertrains. Moreover, there may be discuss the potential of introducing a pure electrical model (BEV) at a later stage.
The exact powertrain choices for the SUV haven’t been formally confirmed, leaving room for added hypothesis. Toyota has quite a lot of engines at its disposal, with potential sources starting from the Corolla Cross to the bigger RAV4 and the Prius for enhanced energy. In North America, the latter is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid gasoline engine that generates 194 hp, together with a plug-in hybrid variant producing 220 hp, each of which may very well be appropriate candidates. No matter powertrain, all-wheel drive (AWD) will probably be normal throughout the vary.
First Look: The 2024 Land Cruiser Is Worth Getting Excited About
North America’s 2024 Land Cruiser | Pictures Mike Gauthier for Carscoops
Exterior the engine bay, Greatest Automotive’s sources declare that the upcoming mannequin is predicted to have a width of round 71 inches (1,800 mm), which is similar to the Toyota Corolla Cross. Nonetheless, it would stand at a top of 73 inches (1,850 mm), making it eight inches (204 mm) taller than the Corolla Cross. When it comes to size, it’s estimated to be round 177 inches (4,500 mm). Total, its footprint ought to be corresponding to that of the Ford Bronco Sport (173″ L x 74″ W x 70-71″ H).
That implies that regardless of being smaller than the Land Cruiser, the brand new car could have actual off-road bona fides, and will probably be able to clambering over obstacles.
Pricing And Availability
Along with its smaller measurement, this “child” Land Cruiser is anticipated to return at a significantly extra budget-friendly worth level in comparison with the 2024 Land Cruiser, which kicks off at round $55,000 within the States. Whereas it was initially reported to start from round 3.0-3.8 million yen in Japan (equal to $20,000 to $25,000 USD at present trade charges), we consider it’s extra cheap to count on a beginning worth starting from $30,000 to $35,000 in North America. Naturally, the brand new compact mannequin will probably be out there globally, although the out there powertrain choices might fluctuate by area.
Sadly, we’ll have to attend for the complete particulars in regards to the upcoming compact addition to the rising Land Cruiser household. If the studies about Toyota launching a manufacturing model in the direction of the tip of 2024 are correct, there’s an opportunity we would catch a sneak peek at a conceptual model within the months forward.
Further reporting credit score goes to John Halas. Please notice that the illustrations featured on this story are impartial and never related to Toyota.
