“The TJ Cruiser represents the harmonious balance between the space of a commercial van and the powerful design of an SUV” — that's how Toyota defines this concept. It's like the descendant of a torrid relationship between a Land Cruiser and a Hiace.
The result could not be more brutalistic. And it's no wonder when we realize that Toyota wants us to use the TJ Cruiser as a toolbox. It's even part of the name: "T" is for toolbox (toolbox in English), "J" for joy (fun) and "Cruiser" is the connection to the brand's SUVs like the Land Cruiser. Indicated for those who, according to Toyota, have lifestyles where work and leisure are perfectly intertwined.
Tool box
Like a toolbox, the TJ Cruiser is defined by straight lines and flat surfaces — essentially a box on wheels. Because it is so square, the use of space benefits. Showing its utilitarian side, the roof, bonnet and mudguard use a material with a special coating, resistant to scratches and earth.
If it looks big in the pictures, be wrong. It occupies an area similar to that of a Volkswagen Golf. It's just 4.3 meters long and 1.77 meters wide, fitting perfectly into the C-segment. It seems to be the perfect antithesis to the Toyota C-HR, which has similar dimensions.
The interior is modular and very flexible and can be quickly converted into a space for cargo or passengers. For example, seatbacks and floor have multiple attachment points for hooks and straps to better secure the load.
The front passenger seat can be folded down, allowing you to transport objects up to three meters in length, such as a surfboard or a bicycle. The doors are wide and the rear ones are of the sliding type, facilitating the loading and unloading of objects, as well as the access of the occupants to the interior.
Take a good look. Somewhere there is a Prius
Of course the TJ Cruiser is not a Prius. But underneath the “box” that is its body, we find not only the TNGA platform, debuted by the latest generation of the Japanese hybrid, but also its hybrid system. The difference lies in the internal combustion engine, which is 2.0 liters instead of the 1.8 of the Prius. According to Toyota, an eventual production model may come with two or four drive wheels.On the way to production?
The design may not be to everyone's liking, but according to TJ Cruiser designer Hirokazu Ikuma, the concept is close to reaching the production line. It will go through an assessment process by diverse focus groups globally before a final decision is made.
Let's hope it doesn't happen like the S-FR concept, the small rear-wheel-drive sports car presented at this same show in 2015. It also looked close to production, and even the concept looked more like a production car than a true concept and so far, nothing.
The TJ Cruiser, to be produced, would be sold in the main global markets, which also includes the European market.
