[NY-TJ]

The more I look into what may be my next vehicle, the more i'm fascinated by how much of a lifestyle product it is. A big departure from everything else we've been used to (Honda Element, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, etc.).

Making up part of its lifestyle features is how versatile the rear cargo area is. Although this is a concept there's a level of practicality we have here for real-world application.

Let me know what you think!

When it came time to pen the FT-4X, we discovered that the rear is the new front. It’s where you store your gear, and where you drink your hot cocoa.

With this in mind, we incorporated one of my favorite features: The versatile
Multi-Hatch rear door.

Sarah here is going to show us how this works.

It opens two ways, horizontally in Urban Mode for easier curbside gear loading when clearance is limited, and vertically in Outdoor Mode, creating an impromptu shelter from the elements -- perfect for any tailgate party.

On the inside of the Multi-Hatch are twin boxes: One warm, the other cold, perfect for stowing snacks or warming gloves.

The Rear Cargo Zone’s floor hides a deep weatherproof storage compartment underneath, and can be accessed both by lifting the floor up or by sliding it out, transforming the floor into a tray or seating area.

 

[NY-TJ]

I think I read somewhere that those black panels can be removed and replaced with a glass piece of some sort. Not too sure why you would want to put a piece of glass there but I mean... at least you can?

Someone using it for food on a long trip could find that to be a good idea since its easier to see what you want before getting it, helping you to maintain temperature. But if you can provide a source to that information it would be great, hard to believe they would do that.

 

[NY-TJ]

Toyota's FT-4X Concept is designed for casual adventures | cleveland.com

@NY-TJ

That's not the same as what you originally mentioned, completely different. Glass used in the way they mentioned isn't replacing anything cargo area related.

 

[NY-TJ]

For what the production rear cargo will be like, I don't think we have to look any further than the CH-R and FJ. Rarely has Toyota done anything different. And being less of a utilitarian vehicle that the FJ is, CH-R-like might be it.

 

[NY-TJ]

If Toyota is going to stick with what they know, then we'll see a sideways opening cargo door with a spare tire mounted to it. Fine with me because I'd rather get a spare tire than a fancy trunk door.

That was nice on the FJ and probably better off only on the FJ, but the TJ is going for mass appeal, a dual setup will go a long way in catering to a lot of people. Plus their design was simple, not much to it. Its that simplicity that makes it possible.

 

[NY-TJ]

Wouldn't a spare tire on a swing out tailgate appeal to more buyers? It's a more familiar system to those who already own an FJ cruiser and it's a kind of retro feature that'll appeal to millennials.

Actually it would indeed, much to the same extent it does with the Wrangler and even the FJ, but one thing different that might happen is we get or have the option of a cover.

 

[NY-TJ]

Not really a huge concern for me, if the FJ aftermarket guys can come out with a variety of spare tire covers, I'm sure they can do the same for the TJ cruiser too.
Something simple that does the job, like this:

Aftermarket is always an option but its still very common for car makers do it themselves even if that means getting it as an option. But the only thing I can see being an option is a body-colored cover, standard should be hard plastic.

 

[NY-TJ]

a hard cover is preferable, but it just needs to be covered to protect from the sun. Tires have a shelf life and aging is one thing, aging while being exposed to UV is another. The tires on the ground may get hit by the sun, but they do get shaded by the car itself and it rotates whereas your spare stays in the same position all the time.

part of regular servicing is checking the spare tire for pressure, aging, etc.
most owners manuals I have seen mention you should check the spare tire when checking regular tires
as long as you do that with keeping it protected there's not much to worry about.