New Toyota rugged SUV to enter production by year end

Toyota’s next rugged SUV, set to be positioned below the Fortuner, will enter series production by November this year. Expected to be named the FJ Cruiser, this new model is likely to go on sale in Thailand first.

In October 2023, Autocar India exclusively reported that Toyota was developing a rugged SUV, and that it will be based on a modified version of the IMV platform, which also supports the Hilux, Fortuner, and Innova Crysta. This platform is currently used in the Hilux Champ pickup in Thailand.

The new Toyota SUV will get an all-new top hat with boxy styling cues and chunky wheel arches. It will have a 2,750mm wheelbase, identical to the Fortuner and the Innova Crysta, and will be around 1,830mm wide and 1,850mm tall, similar to the Fortuner. But, will be shorter in length, under 4,500mm, compared to the Fortuner’s 4,795mm.

This SUV comes with multiple powertrain options: The IMV 0 platform accomodates diesel engines ranging from 2.4 to 2.8 litres as well as a 2.7-litre petrol engine, which is currently used in the Fortuner in India.

Although there seems to be a business case for an affordable Toyota rugged SUV below the Fortuner in India, it remains to be seen if Toyota will bring it here in the future. More details will emerge as the global debut approaches.