[TJ Cruiser News]

When enthusiasts first laid eyes on the FT-4X earlier this year at the 2017 New York Auto Show, hopes for a FJ Cruiser return was high. Then we received word about a trademark Toyota filed for the name TJ Cruiser with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After that, the Japanese automaker was quiet on the matter, but now photos of the TJ Cruiser concept has been released ahead of it debut at this month’s 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

Sticking with the theme of a utility vehicle for weekend warriors, the Tj Cruiser is “designed for drivers with lifestyles where work and play dovetail seamlessly,” said Toyota in their latest press release. From what we’re seeing, the concept certainly fits that bill.

Much though was put into the cabin and all passenger seats can be laid completely flat to accommodate long items up to 3 meters in length, enough to fit the average surfboard. The deck boards and seats even comes with tie down points to secure your cargo. Even better, seat comfort doesn’t seem to have been compromised with a cushy looking ‘u’ design.

Then there’s the exterior with side sliding doors, making entry and exit easier. Of course Toyota expects you to drive on roads less traveled by, thus the scratch resistant hood, roof, and fenders. All of this sits on the next-gen TNGA platform and it’s powered by a hybrid system featuring a 2.0-liter class engine.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show will take place from October 25 through November 5 and those lucky enough to be in Tokyo for this event will have a chance to see the TJ Cruiser concept in person.

 

[NY-TJ]

After seeing the FT-4X concept and now seeing the official TJ Cruiser concept, I don't know what to think, surely not what I was expecting. They just better not make the same mistakes they did with the Scion xB unless there are plans for something more like the FT-4X concept.

 

[HeliDriver]

WOW!!!! Saw that coming.

It didn't make sense to me why Toyota would apply for two patent names for the same vehicle, I suspected this would be the case.

So a used FJ is as good as its going to get for the foreseeable future. Glad I picked one up while the getting was good!!!




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[HeliDriver]

:surprise:

 

[NY-TJ]

Toyota could be on to something, the Minivan isn't exactly dead, look at the Chrysler Pacifica, that's a great example of the response you can get with a van that's built right. Hopefully this will be just as cool in proportion to its segment, pricing, etc.

 

[Backup]

the front looks a tad too beefy for my tastes, maybe angle it a bit more for better aerodynamics instead of a flat piece smack dab in the middle. But the interior seat design is pretty spot on, though it would be nice to have a center seat that folds down on its own instead of a gap.

 

[NY-TJ]

the front looks a tad too beefy for my tastes, maybe angle it a bit more for better aerodynamics instead of a flat piece smack dab in the middle. But the interior seat design is pretty spot on, though it would be nice to have a center seat that folds down on its own instead of a gap.

i like it and think it might be the secret sauce to selling people on something Van like. The Pacifica on the other hand was like having a high trim Tahoe or Cadillac Escalade in the form of a minivan. In a way Toyota is doing that here but with FJ DNA.

 

[Backup]

So a used FJ is as good as its going to get for the foreseeable future. Glad I picked one up while the getting was good!!!

Is it the hybrid system that's putting you off? Seems okay to me if they have a two motors and AWD with low end torque.

 

[ToyoForLife]

Fun fact, the hood, roof, and fenders that are made of scratch- and dirt-resistant materials. Would be handy if the whole vehicle was clad in the same stuff.

 

[ToyoForLife]

I think it's more form a watering down of the FJ's capabilities than the hybrid system itself. The new TJ won't be as off road friendly and we have all come to expect that, unless Toyota offers a more rugged trim though it won't be a cheap option.

 

[Backup]

The FJ was so well equipped with standard features like 17-inch steel wheels, skid plates for off-road protection, water-resistant cloth upholstery and a 6-speaker audio system. Pretty good for what you used to pay before stealerships started raising the prices...

 

[HeliDriver]

Is it the hybrid system that's putting you off? Seems okay to me if they have a two motors and AWD with low end torque.

Not at all, I think all of the smaller crossovers and SUVs should be offered on a hybrid.

I was hoping for an all in purpose built 4X4, something that would compete with the Wrangler down the road. To be honest, when they applied for the name patent I wasn't expecting a micro minivan.

Guess I will be one of those guys that will be sitting on an FJ for a decade or so until Toyota puts out the next Worthy FJ variant. At this rate Jeep will keep eating the largest piece of the pie!! Come on Toyota!!! Get off the pot already!!!



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