Toyota’s new age: Electric ute, sports car, and four-wheel-drive previewed

Toyota has teased its next generation of vehicles overnight, with more than a dozen battery-electric models set to be introduced by 2025.

Among them, Toyota showed off a dual-cab pick-up, a LandCruiser Prado-sized SUV, a small four-wheel-drive Bronco competitor, and a mysterious GR sports car – all with what are believed to be zero-emission powertrains.

The Japanese carmaker looks to be drawing inspiration from its past, as well as providing electric alternatives to its current line-up.

12

“Each electric vehicle should be unique and special. Not only those on dedicated platforms, but also those related to existing models,” Toyota Design's Senior General Manager, Simon Humphries, said at the event.

“Now whether that means building on Toyota’s off-road heritage to create new and exciting recreational experiences, or finding new ways to combine versatility with dynamic driving.”

While full details have yet to be revealed, here’s what we know so far about the electric vehicles.

12

Toyota LiteCruiser

Following the success of the company’s FJ Cruiser, Toyota has unveiled the Compact Cruiser EV, which marries rugged retro design with a smaller body.

However, a glimpse of the concept's interior shows what appears to be the LiteCruiser name on the dash.

Styling has been heavily influenced by LandCruiser models of the past, with the rear quarters borrowing elements from the FJ Cruiser, and featuring a ‘TOYOTA’ logo on the front grille.

12

Inside, the rugged theme continues, but with the addition of a large panel encompassing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen. A hexagonal-shaped steering wheel also features the Toyota name spelled out – a feature normally reserved for off-roaders – rather than the more typical Ellipses symbol found on most models.

Given the LiteCruiser’s tough looks – and the brand’s extensive history of celebrated four-wheel-drives – expect the electric powertrain to provide a high level of off-road capability.

The model is expected to provide a modern alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco when it launches in the coming years – and possibly even steal sales away from the much-rumoured five-door Suzuki Jimny Long.

12

Toyota electric dual-cab pick-up

A name has not been given to this electric concept, but the model is clearly an electric version of the Toyota Tacoma pick-up – North America’s equivalent to the HiLux ute, albeit slightly larger.

With the current Tacoma expected to be replaced in roughly 2023, some recent reports suggest the next-generation model will be based on the company’s TNGA-F platform, which underpins the LandCruiser 300 Series and the Tacoma’s larger sibling, the Tundra full-size pick-up.

While we know the TNGA-F architecture can accommodate electrification – with a hybrid Tundra unveiled in September – this would be the first time Toyota has previewed a fully-electric version of the platform.

12

Toyota GR Sports Concept

The presentation showed off what could be the first fully-electric model from the company’s high-performance arm, Gazoo Racing.

Unnamed, but adorned in GR badges, the concept could be the source of the many Toyota MR2 rumours in recent years. Its shape is not dissimilar to a mid-engined sportscar, leading some to suggest this is the spiritual successor to the MR2.

Japanese publication Best Car recently reported Toyota was working with Daihatsu and Suzuki to develop an MR2 successor.

12

Given Suzuki and Daihatsu’s history of producing compact ‘kei’ sports cars, and the GR concept’s smaller size, we could be looking at a new model designed to compete with the Mazda MX-5 RF.

However, Toyota could be looking at pitching the GR concept against the Porsche Cayman.

Leaked dealer information has the next-generation Cayman and Boxster siblings moving to battery power in 2025, and providing Toyota with an opportunity to offer an electric competitor.

Japanese outlet Spyder7 recently reported Toyota had approached both Porsche and Lotus to help with engineering the MR2 successor.

12

Toyota Beyond Zero family

A number of new models will join the recently-unveiled Toyota bZ4X SUV, with the line-up appearing to mirror the wider Toyota range.

While the sedan could offer an electric alternative to the Corolla, a large SUV could be positioned as a battery-powered Kluger or LandCruiser Prado stablemate.

The model – which may end up being named the bZ5X – offers three rows of seating, but isn’t expected to be pitched as an off-road model. It’s more likely the Toyota is put up against the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9 in the coming years.