Toyota Land Cruiser Mini could make its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show next month before its Asian market entry in 2024
Toyota is widely reported to be developing a brand new lifestyle compact off-roader to take on the Suzuki Jimny. Japanese media reports indicate that it could be sold in hybrid and electric powertrain options. The Toyota ‘Land Cruiser Mini’ will be introduced sometime next year and it will be the production version of the Compact Cruiser EV concept showcased a couple of years ago.
It may as well be called the Lite Cruiser or Yaris Cruiser. While the concept was electric, the production-spec SUV will be available with a combustion engine as well and we do reckon, a hybrid/petrol mill could be a preferred choice. The debut of the all-new Prado a few weeks ago was associated with a teaser revealing the silhouette of the mini LC.
It replicates that of the Compact Cruiser concept as the tall pillars and a near-flat roofline can be seen. Reports further note that the Land Cruiser Mini will have a similar size compared to the Corolla Cross and it will be longer than the five-door Suzuki Jimny. To compete firmly against the Jimny, it will sit on a body-on-frame chassis as opposed to the previously expected TNGA-C architecture.
It is estimated to have an overall length of 4,350 mm, a width of 1,860 mm and a height of 1,880 mm. It could be as tall as the latest Prado but will be significantly smaller in size. The exterior, as you might expect, will be heavily influenced by the Compact Cruiser concept. But, circular LED headlamps could be employed along with a sparewheel mounted on the tailgate to give an authentic look.
Dubbed internally the “Jimny killer”, it could make its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The reports surrounding its powertrain lineup vary though as a 2.0L petrol engine from Corolla Cross, a 2.5L petrol/hybrid mill from RAV4, and even a 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine found in the Prado and Hilux have been speculated.
The Japanese manufacturer is preparing to add a mild-hybrid system to its GD series diesel engine in the Fortuner and Hilux, and whether it will be available in the Land Cruiser Mini or not is yet unknown. An electric drivetrain for the fourth-gen Tacoma pickup truck could be introduced in the upcoming LC Mini in the near future as well.
Info Source: Bestcarweb.jp, Magazine X