According to Autocar India quoting insiders, the Japanese automotive giant is working on a body-on-frame SUV with retro-inspired looks that would cost less than the latest Fortuner when it debuts at the end of 2024.
According to the source, Toyota bases the car on the same platform as its affordable Hilux Champ pickup. The latter is based on the company’s IMV 0 Concept and is already on sale in select countries in Asia.
We are told that the interior layout will also carry over from the pickup. The company will allegedly use higher-quality trimming materials all around and ship the SUV with an advanced infotainment system featuring a large display.
For the powertrain options, the baby Cruiser will use four-cylinder diesels found in many other Toyotas, including the Hilux lineup. The 2.7-liter, 166-PS (164-hp / 122-kW) petrol engine powering the Fortuner may also be made available.
Thailand will be the first market for the new SUV. Autocar India speculates that the company may revive the FJ nameplate for it, naming it “FJ Cruiser” or possibly “Land Cruiser FJ”. Toyota first hinted about wanting to release such a car when it introduced the next-gen Prado last August. Back then, the media had supposed that it was an all-electric SUV based on the Compact Cruiser EV Concept seen in the gallery below. With the EV market in slow decline, this no longer seems relevant.