Toyota Compact Cruiser EV previews retro-styled future SUV

Toyota has previewed its Compact Cruiser EV, which is an off-road-focused, retro-styled SUV. The all-electric SUV was one of the 15 new concepts that were showcased by Toyota recently.

• Front-end styling similar to the J80 Land Cruiser
• Could feature a dual-motor set-up with AWD
• Toyota India to launch Hilux pickup in January 2022

Toyota Compact Cruiser EV: what we know so far

The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV – as the name suggests – is a compact, off-road focused SUV that takes inspiration from the brand’s legendary Land Cruiser models. While Toyota didn’t reveal any dimensions, the Compact Cruiser EV appeared to be about the same size as the C-HR-based concept that was parked next to it at the reveal event.

At first glance, the Compact Cruiser EV is reminiscent of the Toyota FJ Cruiser from 2006. Up front, the Compact Cruiser EV features a retro grille with Toyota lettering that is flanked by horizontally arranged LED headlights, which lends it a J80 Land Cruiser-style face. Then there’s also the unpainted bumper and large, silver skid plate upfront which announces its off-road intent.

At the sides, Toyota has used generous amounts of cladding around the wheel arches and there’s a prominent kink in the window line. The Compact Cruiser EV also gets a blacked-out A-pillar and retro-styled wheels shod in all-terrain tyres. Interestingly, there’s also a different coloured body panel behind the rear doors. Meanwhile, at the back, it gets squarish LED tail-lights, Toyota lettering on the tailgate and, peculiarly, an extension of the roof rack into the tailgate itself.

While Toyota didn’t publish any images showing the interior, the video presentation did provide a glimpse into the Compact Cruiser EV’s cabin. The SUV gets a high-set dashboard with a free-standing touchscreen taking centre stage. It also features a digital instrument cluster and a squared-off steering with the Toyota lettering in the centre.

While no official details are out yet, the Compact Cruiser EV could be based on an electrified variant of the TNGA platform and have a dual-motor set-up with standard all-wheel-drive. Even though it might be just a concept for now, the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV will most likely enter production sometime in the coming years. When launched, the Compact Cruiser EV could be an electric rival to the Ford Bronco Sport and the next-gen Jeep Renegade in international markets.

Toyota in India

Toyota is yet to announce any plans to bring down the production version of the Compact Cruiser EV to India in the future. However, the Japanese carmaker will introduce the Hilux pickup in India in January 2022. In terms of current products, Toyota India retails the Glanza hatchback, Urban Cruiser compact SUV, Innova Crysta MPV, Fortuner SUV, Camry Hybrid sedan and Vellfire luxury MPV.

What do you think about the cool and quirky Toyota Compact Cruiser EV SUV? Let us know in the comments section.

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