What if Toyota Built This Electric Off-Roader Concept?
Remember late in 2021 when Toyota showed over a dozen EV concepts that could become a reality in the coming years? One of the most intriguing in our opinion was undoubtedly the Compact Cruiser EV.
A jury of international auto journalists agrees with us, having recently bestowed this vehicle with the 2022 Car Design Award for best concept—ahead of other remarkable finalists such as the Polestar O2, Volvo Concept Recharge, Porsche Mission R, Audi Sky Sphere and Lexus Electrified Sport.
Not bad for an automaker that doesn’t have a reputation for exciting designs. A lot more rugged and more adventurous than the FT-4X concept presented in 2018, the Compact Cruiser EV hints at what an FJ Cruiser successor could look like in the EV era.
Imagined by a team of designers at Toyota Europe, it’s obviously inspired by the iconic off-roader that was sold in North America up until 2014, though a bit smaller, boxier and more futuristic.
The massive bumpers are each capped by a skid plate (the front one ends with a pair of tow hooks) and flow into the large plastic fender flares. The rocker panels have a similar finish. Two different sets of wheels are shown, and we’re pretty fond of the old-school one that emulates white steelies.
Another highlight of the Compact Cruiser EV is the built-in ladder that provides easier access to the cargo system on the roof—a convenient solution given the vehicle’s tall profile. Unlike the FJ Cruiser, however, the rear hatch opens vertically instead of sideways since there’s no spare tire to carry.
Toyota has not shared any specs or revealed the interior, so all we have at this point are shots of the exterior (which you can find in the photo gallery at the top of the page). We hope the company will greenlight this cool concept, ideally sooner rather than later. If not for the next-generation 4Runner, a new addition to the lineup that would take on the Bronco Sport would be sweet.