The FT-4X concept could be an inspiration.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was a highly capable off-roader, but it suffered poor sales which forced the Japanese manufacturer to end its production. We’ve heard only rumors of a successor to the vehicle. But now, we have confirmation from a high-ranking Toyota official.
Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America CEO, suggested that the FJ Cruiser could be resurrected in the form a proper 4×4 vehicle. Lentz stated that there is room for an authentic small-off-road SUV. Because of the truck CAFE ratings, everyone moved out of that section. We’re still getting many requests from people who want another FJ, or some variant.
Toyota has already shown off a few rugged off-road concepts like the FT-4X or the FT-AC. These might be used as a basis for the design of the future production model. It will likely be very different from the new RAV4.
Lentz stated that there is still room for an off-road frame-based SUV at the lower end of the price spectrum. This would be for those who go outdoors but really going off-road. For safety reasons, it would not be all-wheel drive. This would be four-wheel drive with ground clearance.
Toyota is determined to make a vehicle that can be used on the roads. To do this, it requires a chassis design. Lentz explained that the difference between an AWD vehicle and a frame-based SUV is in its wheel travel.
The vehicle will be smaller than the FJ Cruiser if it is given the green light for production. This is what the top manager believes enthusiasts want.
The FT-4X concept is a good example of a Toyota small turbocharged engine that sends power to a four wheel-drive system with a selectable lower-range and then releasing it as an official production model. This sounds like the perfect recipe for a brand new off-roader.