The Japanese multinational automaker, Toyota Motor Corporation, in a highly anticipated move, is gearing up to introduce a new addition to its iconic Land Cruiser family, named the “Land Hopper.” This compact SUV has been reported to be a baby Land Cruiser and has generated a lot of buzz. As per reports, the company could be launching this compact SUV with off-roading capabilities to compete with the highly successful Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Recently, a video showcasing what could be this upcoming Land Hopper or baby Land Cruiser has piqued the interest of many people on the internet. The video has been shared on YouTube by PoloTo on their channel. It shows a white-colored compact off-roader SUV that combines design cues of the top-of-the-line Land Cruiser models and the recently showcased Toyota Compact Cruiser concept.
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The Land Hopper
As per numerous reports online, the baby Land Cruiser or the Land Hopper could be making their debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. The motor show will be held later this month. This compact off-roader is set to be the most affordable entry in Toyota’s expanding array of off-road-ready SUVs. With its smaller size and accessible price point, the Land Hopper aims to attract new adventure-seeking drivers to its brand.
Design and Styling
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Land Hopper will be its design. The compact SUV will draw its inspiration from the larger Land Cruiser 250, boasting a square body and rugged over fenders. This distinctive styling gives the Land Hopper a bold and robust appearance. It is believed that the compact SUV could measure approximately 4,490 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,850 mm in height.
Powertrain Options
In terms of the powertrain options for this upcoming compact off-roader SUV, Toyota could be offering it with a range of drivetrain options. The Land Hopper could come equipped with a 1.8L gasoline NA engine, possibly coupled with a hybrid system, similar to the Corolla Cross. Additionally, it could also offer a hybrid variant with a 2L gasoline engine and a 2.5L hybrid system, similar to the RAV4.
Apart from these powertrain options, there are reports that have also suggested a 1.5L turbo hybrid engine. Lastly, while it is not confirmed, there is speculation about the possibility of an electric version of this baby Land Cruiser in the future.
The Compact Cruiser EV Connection
It’s worth noting that alongside the Land Hopper, reports have stated that the Japanese carmaker Toyota is also planning to introduce the Compact Cruiser EV. The concept design of this particular SUV was shown by the company a while ago. It also managed to win the 2022 World Car Design award.
The Compact Cruiser EV, previously previewed as a concept in December 2022, also aligns with Toyota’s commitment to electrification. This vehicle could also be launched in the near future to showcase Toyota’s dedication to providing eco-friendly mobility options. Now, whether it will be at Toyota’s booth this year at the Tokyo Motor Show is unknown.
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