It’s been a while since Toyota offered a truly unforgettable off-roader. The funky FJ Cruiser was among the most identifiable cars on the road and won a cult following, but it was canceled in the United States in 2014. Since it left, Toyota hasn’t had the kind of rugged weekend fun machine identifiable by its silhouette alone. But a growing buzz in the auto industry says a new one is coming.
Hints and Silhouettes
The rumors started when Toyota showed off 16 future electric car concepts in 2021. The concepts were just that — design studies hinting at possible future cars, not necessarily headed for production. But one of the most head-turning was a small, boxy SUV that looked almost built from LEGO blocks, labeled “compact cruiser EV.”
It reappeared as a silhouette used in a backdrop when Toyota showed off its reborn Land Cruiser this summer. The design was singular enough to win the Car Design Award for Concept Vehicles at last year’s Design Week in Milan.
A translated report from Japan’s BestCarWeb says that was no coincidence. Toyota sees the model as a “Land Cruiser Mini, the youngest brother of the Land Cruiser series,” the site reports.
Land Hopper Name?
The magazine notes that Toyota recently trademarked the name Land Hopper in its home market of Japan.
Australia’s Drive reports, “Although the Compact Cruiser concept was electric, the production version is tipped to use a petrol or diesel engine to broaden its appeal in markets where electric cars are not as widespread, particularly in rural areas.”
Still Unclear If It’s US-Bound
Sadly, there’s no guarantee the rugged little guy will come to the U.S. Drive speculates that it’s targeted at the Suzuki Jimny on the worldwide market, which would suggest it’s not headed stateside.
But we can’t help but notice that Toyota’s publicity shots of the model borrow the color scheme from the FJ Cruiser, which was a success here. And Toyota’s American lineup could use a dose of character.
With the relentless growth of the Jeep Wrangler in recent redesigns, there’s a Jimny-sized hole in the market waiting for a truly compact vehicle that looks more at home on sand than on tarmac. Let’s hope the Land Hopper makes it to U.S. dealerships to fill it.
