Toyota could be working on a boxy little off-roader to serve as an entry point for the LandCruiser line.
The company recently previewed the silhouette of a small, upright SUV in the background of the new-generation LandCruiser Prado livestream and now it has reportedly received a name.
Japanese publication Best Car Web reports this new Corolla Cross-sized LandCruiser model will be called the Land Hopper, at least in Japan. It could have different names in different markets, like the new LandCruiser Prado.
Toyota lodged a trademark filing for the Land Hopper name with the Japanese Patent Office on August 8, 2023 which can be used for “power machinery and appliances for land vehicles”.
This new Toyota Land Hopper will slot under the LandCruiser Prado and form as a new entry point for the growing lineup of LandCruiser vehicles.
It’s unclear when this rugged compact off-roader be revealed at this stage, though Toyota previously said it will present concept vehicles at this year’s Japan Mobility Show. It runs from October 26 to November 5.
The Japanese carmaker hasn’t revealed any more photos or details about the Land Hopper though the shadowy example shown in the LandCruiser Prado livestream closely resembles the Compact Cruiser EV concept originally unveiled at the end of 2021.
The teased car has a similarly boxy side profile, LED headlight signature, as well as a thick C-pillar as the Compact Cruiser EV. Some notable changes, however, included a tailgate mounted-spare wheel and a higher ride height.
Best Car Web reports the Land Hopper will be available with a range of petrol engines at launch, however an all-electric version may be added in a “few years”.
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Compact Cruiser EV concept
Potential powertrain options could include the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, a 1.8-litre hybrid, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 2.5-litre hybrid, or a 1.5-litre turbo hybrid.
The Toyota Land Hopper will reportedly be a similar size to the Corolla Cross and measure in at 4490mm long, 1800mm wide, and 1850mm tall.
“Our customers trust in us to keep LandCruiser relevant and thriving toward the future,” said Toyota Motor Corporation chief branding officer Simon Humphries during the LandCruiser Prado livestream.
“And this future could mean anything from carbon neutral approaches, to ensuring the LandCruiser brand is more affordable and within reach of even more people around the world.
“What it may even mean exploring new approaches to mobility that enhance not only the LandCruiser experience but also further people’s freedom in motion.
“Suffice it to say there are lots of exciting paths to changing the future of cars.”
As previously reported, Toyota Motor Corporation (including Lexus) confirmed it will launch 10 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026, by which time it aims to be selling 1.5 million pure-electric vehicles globally.
Toyota says the upcoming EVs will be launched “mainly” in the United States and China.
It says all vehicles scheduled for launch in 2026 will use new chassis, electronic and software platforms and will be developed and produced under the newly established BEV Factory division.
Toyota hasn’t announced plans to transition its eponymous brand to an all-electric lineup, though Lexus will go EV-only by 2035 and aims to be selling one million EVs annually by 2030.
MORE: Cheaper Toyota LandCruiser, electric Toyota LandCruiser on the horizon
