Among the 16 EVs Toyota revealed a couple of days ago, there was a crossover SUV with unmistakable FJ Cruiser looks. A new short video sheds some light on this intriguing off-roader.
Simon Humphries, Senior General Manager of Toyota Design, talks about the upcoming all-electric lineup of vehicles and briefly shows us the driver’s cockpit of the FJ lookalike, which is apparently named “Compact Cruiser EV Concept”. There are two displays – dashboard and infotainment – a bulky-looking steering wheel of an unusual shape, and a raised center console. The pedestal-like arrangement houses a gear selector, some hardware buttons and a niche that could be a wireless device charge slot.
A small scale model sits in front of the passenger seat resembling the iconic Land Cruiser FJ40. Other than that, the interior as a whole looks rather edgy and rugged, making us think of the Ford Bronco and the Land Rover Defender.
Due to all the exterior similarities, many reporters were quick to conclude that the Compact Cruiser EV would pave the way for the successor to the much-loved FJ Cruiser. These similarities stretch as far as the paint scheme, the (fake) radiator grille, the upright c-pillars and the overall utilitarian aura.
Elsewhere, the prototype has C-shaped headlights and an expedition rack extending to the tailgate.
Whether the car ever makes it to the market is a good question, however. It would surely make a good rival to the Bronco Sport and the Jeep Renegade, especially since the latter also looks like it go all-electric in the near future.