[Roadrunner]

I read posts here suggesting the TJ is a replacement for the FJ -- I think most of you see that as wide of the mark.

I'm here to assert that the TJ is a revived Scion xB, updating 4WD and CVT from the Japan-market variant (Toyota Corolla Rumion 1.8S 4WD CVT), and employing an engine commensurate with the xB's 158 horsepower.

The Scion xB was designed by Toyota's US Calty Design and the FT4X/TJ is also by Calty.

The young, urban Casualcore consumer, the stated FT4X audience, was Scion's bread and butter market, and the xB was Scion's longest running product before Toyota EOL-ed it for 2016.

The xB and TJ will be compete in roughly the same price segment.

To wit, Toyota has called upon Calty Design to refresh the Scion xB -- the box on wheels -- to once again appeal to young, urban Causualcore automotive consumers.

Will you buy a ticket for the 'Return of the Scion xB' show? :devil:

Tell me why I'm wrong about this. :smile:

 

[HeliDriver]

I read posts here suggesting the TJ is a replacement for the FJ -- I think most of you see that as wide of the mark.

I'm here to assert that the TJ is a revived Scion xB, updating 4WD and CVT from the Japan-market variant (Toyota Corolla Rumion 1.8S 4WD CVT), and employing an engine commensurate with the xB's 158 horsepower.

The Scion xB was designed by Toyota's US Calty Design and the FT4X/TJ is also by Calty.

The young, urban Casualcore consumer, the stated FT4X audience, was Scion's bread and butter market, and the xB was Scion's longest running product before Toyota EOL-ed it for 2016.

The xB and TJ will be compete in roughly the same price segment.

To wit, Toyota has called upon Calty Design to refresh the Scion xB -- the box on wheels -- to once again appeal to young, urban Causualcore automotive consumers.

Will you buy a ticket for the 'Return of the Scion xB' show? :devil:

Tell me why I'm wrong about this. :smile:

You make a valid argument here, I find myself wandering why Toyota would introduce two newly designed crossovers into the same market only one or two years apart.


.

 

[ToyoForLife]

Didn't know the TJ Cruiser concept was designed by the same guys as Scion xB, though they seem to be built for different purposes even though their target demographic is similar.

I'm a bit confused, is Toyota refreshing the Scion xB and considering the TJ Cruiser on top of it?

 

[Backup]

I always did think Scion cars were generally odd looking, never a fan aside from the FRS. The badge has since died and the XB with it, so there's still space for the TJ cruiser even if the crossover's refresh is very close to the TJ concept's debut.

 

[NY-TJ]

I always did think Scion cars were generally odd looking, never a fan aside from the FRS. The badge has since died and the XB with it, so there's still space for the TJ cruiser even if the crossover's refresh is very close to the TJ concept's debut.

thats because models like the xB was a test to see if what worked in Japan will work in North America and now we know that answer sadly, this whole time toyota was better off keeping all models under toyota and repeating what they did in the 90`s.... which funny enough is returning now... its the 90`s all over again

 

[ToyoForLife]

Scion proved that people like quirky cars, their odd cube one was a success, but they didn't manage to repeat it. After a few years of seeing the same few design elements, guess we're all just tired of it and want something different and that's where the FJ came in. Too bad it was so short lived and now Toyota is channeling its inner Scion, literally since the brand was absorbed into the parent company, and came out with the C-HR. Maybe the TJ is next.

 

[Backup]

The thing with the Scion XB is ow limiting its body seems. Sitting so close to the ground with such an oddly large looking body. If it was more compact like the TJ Cruiser concept and sat a bit higher, it could have been a success.

 

[NY-TJ]

The thing with the Scion XB is ow limiting its body seems. Sitting so close to the ground with such an oddly large looking body. If it was more compact like the TJ Cruiser concept and sat a bit higher, it could have been a success.

Well the TJ is based off Toyota's whole idea of off roaders which the FJ line up consisted of all these years. It will have to serve entirely different purposes

 

[Backup]

Just had a thought, Toyota is basing a lot of their new cars on the Toyota New Global Architecture and it wasn't used for the Scion. So it's not really a return when the new platform is more rigid to boosts vehicle performance and ride quality.

 

[NY-TJ]

Just had a thought, Toyota is basing a lot of their new cars on the Toyota New Global Architecture and it wasn't used for the Scion. So it's not really a return when the new platform is more rigid to boosts vehicle performance and ride quality.

Even it it used the same platform the TJ is still a very different product. Scion xB was more of a very basic CUV, meanwhile the TJ is set out to be a true off roader. Its like comparing a Wrangler to a Chrysler Caliber

 

[Backup]

So it's not really a return of the Scion XB. If Toyota does come out with the TJ Cruiser, I hope Calty Design can separated the Scion's styling with the cruiser since they worked on both of those quirky looking models.

 

[HeliDriver]

Even it it used the same platform the TJ is still a very different product. Scion xB was more of a very basic CUV, meanwhile the TJ is set out to be a true off roader. Its like comparing a Wrangler to a Chrysler Caliber

Negative, it's like comparing a TJ to a Wrangler.

The TJ is designed to be a crossover, not a true off road platform. I'm with you though, the TJ looks pretty capable in its current form but with only about 7 or 8 inches of ground clearance it may compare better with the Chrysler Caliber.

 

[NY-TJ]

Negative, it's like comparing a TJ to a Wrangler.

The TJ is designed to be a crossover, not a true off road platform. I'm with you though, the TJ looks pretty capable in its current form but with only about 7 or 8 inches of ground clearance it may compare better with the Chrysler Caliber.

I guess you might be right, depends on what we see come time for production along with price since that will dictate a lot. If the current trend of form > function continues then it could mean that we get something that looks like an off-roader that is just capable enough to be called an off-roader.

See the same thing playing out with so called sporty sedans.

 

[Backup]

It's essentially a more rugged SUV that can handle a bit more than average, which is what people want these days. A do everything vehicle and the TJ Cruiser can deliver that. Utility is important to the current marker, that's why people aren't clamoring for sedans and coupes, they want SUVs and crossovers.

 

[ToyoForLife]

These days, it's either high performance or utility models. Those in the middle ground like mediocre sedans/coupes are being left in the dirt and it's somewhat sad but understandable.

After driving a variety of vehicle in various segments (coupe, garnd coupe, sedean, hatchback, etc), I find SUVs and Crossovers to be the best.

 

[NY-TJ]

These days, it's either high performance or utility models. Those in the middle ground like mediocre sedans/coupes are being left in the dirt and it's somewhat sad but understandable.

After driving a variety of vehicle in various segments (coupe, garnd coupe, sedean, hatchback, etc), I find SUVs and Crossovers to be the best.

Tell me about it, there's just nothing better to get when no requiring sports car performance is in your books. After having a few sports cars of my own i have come to that realization. Thankfully the TJ and other Toyota like it fit the bill for me.

 

[bicepeak]

I had a 2004 xB for 11 years and loved it!....especially for how much stuff you could pack into the "box" and the higher than sedan seating.

So I am glad for a new square design, a little bigger and close to the HR-V's dimensions. I had hoped for good cargo space in the C-HR and was disappointed in the final result.

Hope Toyota actually builds this.

 

[Fremont]

Scion xB?

Well, I've owned a 2005 Honda Element, my wife currently owns a 2005 Scion xB, and I currently own a 2014 Scion xB. Here's my thought:
I dislike SUVs. I'm a hiker and a mountain biker and a rock climber. My car stops at the parking lot. If I lived in Colorado, I would own a Jeep. Everywhere else, in my opinion, SUVs are unnecessary. And in backcountry Colorado, you need a real off road vehicle, not an SUV. My Honda Element was in way over its head out there.
That said, since station wagons are pretty much a thing of the past (although I did own a 2010 Jetta station wagon for 4 years. Too bad about the diesel gate thing...), boxy vehicles are useful to carry bikes, backpacks, my gear for my sailboat...
I've driven a few SUVs. They are ok. I prefer a lower car, and the xBs fill that niche. For me, a minivan is overkill. My perfect car would be my 2014 xB plus about half a foot longer length. Hmm, that might be the TJ...
Unless VW does actually come out with the ID Buzz. Then I'm all in for that!

 

[Roadrunner]

My perfect car would be my 2014 xB plus about half a foot longer length. Hmm, that might be the TJ...

The TJ Cruiser and FT-4X are competing concepts to be the successor to the Scion xB (gen 2) (North America) / Corolla Rumion (Japan) / Toyota Rukus (Australia).

TJ Cruiser by Tokyo Design Center (Japan) / debut 2017 Tokyo Auto Show / length: 169.3 in (4300 mm) / https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/19008721

FT-4X by Calty Design Research (USA) / debut 2017 New York Auto Show / length 167.3 in (4,250 mm) / http://pressroom.toyota.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5986

Scion xB (gen 2) by Calty Design Research (USA) / debut 2005 New York Auto Show / length 167.3 in (4,249 mm) / https://www.toyoland.com/scion/scion-xB.html

Can anyone see Toyota releasing both the TJ Cruiser and the FT-4X in North America? I just don't see that as the vehicles are similar in intent.

 

[bicepeak]

The TJ Cruiser and FT-4X are competing concepts to be the successor to the Scion xB (gen 2) (North America) / Corolla Rumion (Japan) / Toyota Rukus (Australia).



Can anyone see Toyota releasing both the TJ Cruiser and the FT-4X in North America? I just don't see that as the vehicles are similar in intent.

Great data! Thanks!

I was unaware that Calty took part in the xB design since the xB was sold in Japan first (Bb), then re-badged for the US. You could actually tear off the wheel cover badges and see the Japan name underneath.

Having owned an xB, I would be happy for the extra inches in length with the TJ Cruiser. But still would be OK with the FT-4X.

You may be on to something about selling both models. I have been suspecting that the TJ will be a Japanese market car that COULD come to the US, but what you say could very likely be the case.

(side note.....the xB is lower than the both concepts, but was the right height for me.)