Toyota is reportedly working on strengthening its lineup of hardcore SUVs, as it is secretly developing a smaller version of the Land Cruiser SUV. The new Toyota Land Cruiser Mini was first hinted at through an all-electric concept vehicle in late 2022 and was recently teased during the global premiere of the Land Cruiser Prado. These indications suggest that Toyota’s new off-roader is approaching the final stages of development.
Recent reports from Japan suggest that the new Toyota Land Cruiser Mini might be unveiled in early 2024, with production for global markets expected to commence in mid-2024. This premium off-roader from Toyota will have a smaller footprint than the Land Cruiser Prado but will share Toyota’s versatile GA-F ladder-on-frame platform with the latter. This platform is already used in other global Toyota products, including the Land Cruiser 300, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra.
As the Land Cruiser Mini is based on the rugged and premium GA-F platform, it will be a premium midsize off-roader, directly competing with SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, rather than compact off-roaders like the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The new Land Cruiser Mini is expected to offer 2.7-liter petrol and 2.8-liter diesel engines, with each engine featuring a different state of tune to suit the Land Cruiser Mini’s characteristics.
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Styling elements inspired by Land Cruiser Prado
Regarding design, the new Toyota Land Cruiser Mini may borrow exterior and interior styling elements from the larger Land Cruiser Prado. The SUV will initially be introduced in global markets such as the USA, Europe, and Japan, with the possibility of later expansion to ASEAN markets. However, the likelihood of the Land Cruiser Mini being introduced in India is low, given Toyota’s approach to its global products in the Indian market.
Currently, Toyota is focusing more on Suzuki-derived products to increase its market share and volumes in the Indian car market. Leveraging the success of models like the Glanza, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Rumion, Toyota is preparing to launch a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, rumored to be named the Toyota Taisor. Meanwhile, Toyota continues to enjoy substantial success with its premium offerings in India, including the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, Fortuner, and Vellfire.
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Via Drive
