Toyota is rumored to introduce the “Land Hopper,” a compact SUV that may echo the spirit and design of the discontinued FJ Cruiser.
Toyota teases a potential successor to the FJ Cruiser, named “Land Hopper”.
The SUV is expected to be based on a shortened version of the GA-F architecture.
Toyota may reveal the Land Hopper at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
Toyota’s FJ Cruiser, a favorite among off-road enthusiasts, ceased production in the North America a decade ago, lasting globally for 17 years. As fans mourned its departure, recent buzz hints at a potential successor that could carry forward the FJ Cruiser’s essence.
Toyota FJ Cruiser – Toyota
During a presentation showcasing the 2024 Land Cruiser, Toyota revealed silhouettes of potential additions to the Land Cruiser lineup. Among them was a compact, boxy SUV design reminiscent of both the FJ Cruiser and the new Prado-based Land Cruiser 250. This sparked speculation, further fueled when Toyota secured the “Land Hopper” name patent in Japan after the event. This compact SUV’s name fittingly encapsulates the spirit of Toyota’s iconic off-roading lineage in a smaller package.
2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser | Photo: Toyota
Rumors suggest that the Land Hopper will align in size with the Toyota Corolla Cross, potentially competing with the likes of the Ford Bronco Sport. Intriguingly, this vehicle is rumored to be developed on a shortened GA-F architecture, the same foundational structure for notable models like the Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GX, and Toyota Tundra. Such a design choice implies a body-on-frame construction, akin to the original FJ Cruiser.
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Engine options remain speculative, though reports indicate two possible choices for the Japanese market: a conventional four-cylinder or a hybrid. This could translate to engines from the Corolla Cross or the RAV4, with an additional possibility of a 1.5-liter turbocharged hybrid variant. While an all-electric version is under discussion, it’s unlikely to be available immediately upon release.
2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser | Photo: Toyota
With anticipation building, the automotive community looks to the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, commencing October 25th, where Toyota might unveil the Land Hopper. The vehicle’s release is projected for late 2024. Pricing remains unofficial, but estimates place it as an affordable entry into the Land Cruiser lineup, ranging between $20,100 and $25,500 in Japan.
