Toyota Land Cruiser mini revealed, compact but "powerful" offroad

From a glimpse at the launch of the new Prado in mid-2023, Toyota's small off-road SUV, dubbed the mini Land Cruiser.

Recently, the Land Cruiser mini continues to attract attention when a patent drawing believed to be a pre-production design suddenly appeared in the database of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

According to the leaked drawings, the new SUV has a compact design, 5-door configuration, square and sturdy lines, which are typical of real off-road vehicles. The car has classic round headlights combined with high front wheel arches, thick C-pillars and an almost vertical rear end, with a large spare tire, creating a bold and powerful appearance.

Details like the black plastic cladding on the front bumper, wheel arches, and side steps further emphasize the off-road nature of the model. Although the rendering uses standard wheels, it’s not hard to imagine a production version with dedicated off-road tires and impressive ground clearance.

Overall, the design is seen as a continuation of the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept, which won an international design award, but the pre-production version will be significantly larger. According to some sources in Japan, the overall length of the model will be around 4,500 mm, approaching the C-size SUV segment, equivalent to models such as the Toyota RAV4 or Ford Bronco Sport.

Unlike the Land Cruiser or Prado which use the high-end TNGA-F platform, the Land Cruiser FJ will be developed on the IMV-0 platform, which is currently used by Toyota for the Hilux Champ pickup truck in Thailand. This is a ladder frame chassis, simpler but more durable and efficient when operating on bad terrain.

This chassis is also being prepared by Toyota for use in the next generation of Hilux and Fortuner, showing that IMV-0 is playing an important role in the company's global product strategy.

Compared to competitors using unibody platforms such as the Ford Bronco Sport or Jeep Compass, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has superior potential in terms of chassis stability, load-bearing capacity and flexibility in complex terrain.

Although Toyota has not officially confirmed the specifications, it is likely that this small "off-road warrior" will be equipped with traditional internal combustion engine options, suitable for practicality and target market. Expected options include: 2.7L Dual VVT-i gasoline engine, familiar on many Toyota models.

The 2.4L or 2.8L GD turbocharged diesel engines are known for their durability and high torque, making them especially suitable for difficult terrain. Regardless of the engine choice, Toyota will almost certainly equip the car with a standard 4WD system.

According to plan, Toyota can launch this model in early 2026. In the context of many car manufacturers following the urban SUV trend towards convenience, the appearance of a compact SUV with a ladder chassis and a true off-road orientation is a breath of fresh air.

The Land Cruiser FJ is expected to reach young, adventurous customers who cannot afford to own large Land Cruisers but still want to experience the true "jungle car". In addition, with a length of 4.5 meters and a 5-door design, this model is also flexible enough for daily use in the city.

Video : Revealing the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser mini.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/toyota-land-cruiser-mini-lo-dien-nho-gon-ma-co-vo-offroad-post1544835.html