[bicepeak]

I had a feeling Toyota would be skipping having any CUV/SUV vehicles in Detroit.

Chicago is confirmed for an appearance of the FT-AC. I am betting there will be an interior at that time.

https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles-on-display/concepts/

https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles-on-display/2018/toyota/ft-ac/

 

[bicepeak]

I assume the interior won't be that far removed from the TJ Cruiser, that interior was made for adventure and Toyota doesn't really need to made all that many changes to an already functional interior. Perhaps a few color accents to match the exterior but that's it.

That would work. I did read somewhere that a Toyota rep in LA said they were getting an interior ready for it. Chicago should be enough time to get that done.

 

[bicepeak]

Toyota has been very quiet about dimensions of the FT-AC , so I hope we get those in Chicago, if not before.

I am regretting not going to LA because I could have gotten a sense of it's size.

 

[bicepeak]

I have been using my drafting ruler and a photo to guess length and wheelbase. I based it off the 20" wheels.

I come up with a 108" wheelbase (same as TJ Cruiser) and roughly a 180" length, or a little less, which is the length of the current RAV4.

It will be fun to see how close, or far off, I am when this info is released.

If I am right, then it seems to me to be an off road ready version of the next RAV4. Perhaps the next Adventure level RAV4.

 

[bicepeak]

Surprised you went through the process, but a length similar to the current Rav4 is more than adequate for me. Recently sat in one and it was proper spacious both in the front and back with a large enough cargo space. Even if they call it the Adventure RAV4, I'd be interested in one if it looks similar to the concept.

I went through that process because strangely Toyota never released any dimension info in LA. I love the spaciousness of my RAV4.

I am still hoping for something smaller than my current RAV4 so I hope the TJ Cruiser is also produced. Since that $20000 price tag has been teased, it can't be the FT-AC, which would go for near the current RAV4 pricing.

TJ Cruiser has that small on the outside, big on the inside principle like the Scion xB I had before my RAV4....but still larger than the xB.

 

[bicepeak]

I bet if someone was to find a picture of the concept next to a common enough car then we can get some perspective on size, but I often like to compare it to what its going to be up against, the Renegade being one of them and probably the only one.

I can't be certain , but from my calculations and comments by reviewers, it is RAV4 sized or bigger. I don't believe this is a Renegade competitor. The TJ Cruiser is because it's known dimensions are identical to the Honda H-RV or close to Renegade.

Another reason I think this is the next RAV4 is that this concept still does not have a real name like the TJ Cruiser does.

Hopefully Chicago gives us some real numbers on the FT-AC and the mystery will be solved.

 

[bicepeak]

Chances are high for the FT-AC to go into production, but we haven't heard much of the Cruiser in a while, so it makes me wonder what's going to happen to that concept. Perhaps Toyota will mention something at the Chicago show. If the Ft-AC turns out to have similar dimensions as the Rav 4, would you take it into consideration?

No, I already have a RAV4 so it wouldn't make much sense for me to trade it in for a new one this soon. The only thing that would interest me would be the TJ or FT-4X sized vehicle. I think the TJ has a good shot at being introduced in Japan. Then the possibility of it coming to the US hopefully.

 

[bicepeak]

Chances are high for the FT-AC to go into production, but we haven't heard much of the Cruiser in a while, so it makes me wonder what's going to happen to that concept. Perhaps Toyota will mention something at the Chicago show. If the Ft-AC turns out to have similar dimensions as the Rav 4, would you take it into consideration?

The FT-AC will be in Chicago and the FT-4X will be in Detroit. No word on the TJ Cruiser being on display in the US ,unfortunately..

 

[bicepeak]

Who knows at this rate it might be something that shows up at some special Toyota event rather than at an offical auto show, not alway do car makers only go to car shows.

Maybe......the FT-4X did unexpectedly show up at the Texas State Fair, so I guess you never know.

 

[bicepeak]

News from the Detroit auto show is in and Toyota seems interested in producing a small off-road SUV. Toyota Motor North America CEO Jim Lentz spoke with MotorTrend and said “There’s room for an authentic small off-road SUV. Everyone moved out of that segment because of truck CAFE ratings. But we’re getting a lot of requests from folks who want another FJ or some variant.”

Toyota May Bring Back Small FJ Cruiser to Challenge Jeep Wrangler - Motor Trend

Thanks! I completely missed that article. Just posted under Detroit thread my disappointment at no news. Glad there is some news!

 

[bicepeak]

To me thats just a bunch of noise because with products like the reneagade already doing well enough on the market what more proof do we need that Toyota will come out with one especially when most of their concepts have serious intentions behind them. Rarely have concepts like the TJ come out from Toyota/Lexus with no production model to follow.

They do talk in circles. I think Toyota above all needs something first in the Renegade class....around $20,000. They are way behind in getting one out. I just don't see a real push or hurry for a body on frame off roader. Maybe some day, but first things first.

 

[bicepeak]

Very true and it fits their motto which has been based around high volume products. Even as nice as the Renegade is I still see people skeptical about it. Doesn't help that it seems like a random move for Jeep (to me at least). But then again it comes at a time where Jeep is getting a lot of R&D time from FCA

I would never consider a Renegade because of poor reliability, but I would love something like it in a Toyota!

 

[bicepeak]

Something like a Renegade built by Toyota is pretty much a dream come true for me. The Jeep car looks like it can handle most things you throw at it, but man are there problems with build quality and reliability. If Toyota comes out with their own similar vehicle, they could poach some Renegade owners and it's even better if it's priced perfectly.

I found this little tidbit.

Agree. However I just don't see a frame based vehicle being a priority right now. Too exclusive to a few vehicles when a TGNA platforn is so adaptable for any type of vehicle.

Toyota needs a "Renegade" first and soon!

 

[bicepeak]

At the Detroit Auto Show just past Toyota announced the new 2019 Avalon, which was great news for luxury sedan aficionados.

Will Toyota announce any new vehicles at next month's Chicago Auto Show?

At the 2017 Chicago show, Toyota announced the 2018 Rav4 Adventure trim package. So one can hope that Toyota will take the occasion of this year's Chicago Auto Show to reveal the all-new TNGA-based 2019 Rav4 revision. Of course, with the Rav4 Toyota's current best-selling vehicle, the company may hold off the TNGA Rav4 reveal a while longer to not dip 2018 sales too early.

As for the FT-4X, FT-AC and TJ Cruiser(?) concept vehicles, although Toyota lacks a CUV in its current lineup, I would be shocked if Toyota announces any of these as 2019 production vehicles.

What do you expect or hope to see from Toyota at the Chicago Auto Show Feb 10-19?

The FT-AC is scheduled to be on display there. I think they will have an interior for it then.

I think it is too soon for any announcements on production of any new crossover/SUV model.

 

[bicepeak]

I wonder what this is about? Sounds like more than just the presence of the FT-AC in Chicago. Will it be the announcement that the FT-AC is the new RAV4?

New Toyota Off-Road Rigs Ready to Rock the Windy City | Toyota

Teaser photo looks like conventional existing vehicles.

The excitement builds!

 

[bicepeak]

At worst I hope FT-AC was just some design philosophy we finally got to see. Sharing that design slightly with the new Rav4, a next generation 4runner and then in full with a FJ and TJ is really the way to go.

I studied all the bumps and grooves around the disguised vehicle and it IS the FT-AC that will be the next RAV4. Toyota was just creating buzz about it being a concept. It was the RAV4 all along.

Now that that is settled, it is time for a sub-compact CUV to come forward. C'mon TJ !

 

[bicepeak]

It's the FT-AC? That's perfect because it's suppose to be the hardier concept out of the two when it come to off road handling, so it's what I would prefer, though that TJ interior is mighty appealing and very unique.

Yep......FT-AC = RAV4.

However, the concept is probably the toughest version (probably called "Adventure") and more "normal" de-trimmed levels will also be on sale. Basically all the levels we have in 2018. All levels will have the same basic styling, of course. Expect to pay something like $27,700 for the Adventure, which is the current price for this model.

As for me, I am wanting the H-RV / Renegade class of vehicle. :wink:

 

[bicepeak]

I wonder what this is about? Sounds like more than just the presence of the FT-AC in Chicago. Will it be the announcement that the FT-AC is the new RAV4?

New Toyota Off-Road Rigs Ready to Rock the Windy City | Toyota

Teaser photo looks like conventional existing vehicles.

The excitement builds!

Here is more on the teaser from Toyota......

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...d-ahead-of-2018-chicago-auto-show-122969.html

I hope this statement from the article is accurate....

"Also in the pipeline is an indirect successor to the FJ Cruiser. Toyota took the decision to offer a retro-style crossover for the adventure-focused customer after the FT-4X received lots of thumbs up at the 2017 NYIAS."

 

[bicepeak]

Here is more on the teaser from Toyota......

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...d-ahead-of-2018-chicago-auto-show-122969.html

I hope this statement from the article is accurate....

"Also in the pipeline is an indirect successor to the FJ Cruiser. Toyota took the decision to offer a retro-style crossover for the adventure-focused customer after the FT-4X received lots of thumbs up at the 2017 NYIAS."

That sounds very hopeful because if they didn't mention the FT-4X, I would have assumed they were referring to the Rav4. But by claiming it's successor to the FJ Cruiser then I can only assume it'll be based off the FT-4X. To me, this is pretty much the green light I've been hoping for.

Not surprising to hear that the FT-4X is the next generation of the FJ cruiser. Those trucks are extremely difficult to find as most people have held on to theirs. I have a good feeling this redesign will attract a lot of new buyers, suppose its a matter of time before we see what's changed in the production model .

Assuming the article I quoted is accurate , of course. Even direct quotes from Toyota don't always tell the full story.
For example Hollis spoke of the FT-AC as a new model, when all along it was decided to be the next RAV4 before any shows.

I still think the FT-4X is the biggest question mark to me. I hope it is something like what we get in the US. I am pretty certain Europe and Asia will see the TJ Cruiser. Van-like vehicles are very popular there.

FT-4X looks closer to US tastes. New York is coming up March 30th which will make it a year since it was unveiled in New York. Wonder if we will get some solid information then.

 

[bicepeak]

Maybe whoever is Toyota's rep at the upcoming Chicago show mention something about the FT-4X's future. I assume they're planning something if they're willing to lug the concept to the show.

Hope so !