Toyota Compact Cruiser Is The Preview Of A Future Electric Off-Roader
Toyota is targeting to create an electric vehicle for every single need and segment, and that includes off-roaders
by Isaac Atienza, on LISTEN 02:41You probably know by now Toyota’s electric vehicle (EV) plans for the future, which includes 16 new EVs in the near term. By 2030, Toyota (including Lexus) will have a total of 30 EVs, and that includes this interesting concept that looks like an electric FJ Cruiser.
What we’re looking at right now is the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV, and it seems to be inspired by the FJ Cruiser, which, in turn, was inspired by the FJ generations of the Land Cruiser. However, based on this concept’s name, the Compact Cruiser EV will definitely be much smaller than the FJ Cruiser that we know and love.
We have no clue on the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV’s dimensions, but it’s safe to say it could be the same size as the Ford Bronco Sport compact crossover SUV. We also don’t know whether it will be a unibody design based on the e-TNGA platform, like the Toyota bZ4X, or based on a traditional body-on-frame chassis such as the TNGA-K like in the new Tundra and new Lexus LX, which can accommodate electrification.
Whatever the case, Toyota’s electric crossover SUV definitely looks interesting. Upfront, the boxy fascia gets a pair of LED headlights, while the grille, as expected, is closed off. Its wide fender flares, black bumpers, and black door handles give it a purposeful look that’s also seen in other off-roaders such as the Jeep Wrangler or the Ford Bronco.
Unlike the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which had rear suicide doors, the Compact Cruiser EV gets proper rear doors, which should make this EV off-roader much more practical for daily use.
Toyota did not provide interior photos for the Compact Cruiser EV, but their press conference gives us a glimpse of what it could look like. The interior looks utilitarian but functional, and it comes with two digital screens. That’s pretty much what we can make out of the given material so far.
Back in 2017, Toyota unveiled a similar-looking compact off-roader called the FT-4X. This concept crossover SUV was based on the TNGA-C platform, that’s shared with the CH-R and the Corolla Cross, which means it is not a dedicated EV. The Compact Cruiser EV is in no way related to the FT-4X, despite the two concepts looking similar.
That’s all the information that we know so far. With this in mind, do you think Toyota is on to a winner here in eventually releasing an electric off-roader in the near future?
