2024 Toyota Land Hopper: Everything We Know About the New Ford Bronco Sport Rival

It appears that the Japanese automaker wants to expand the legacy of the Land Cruiser with a smaller model. And by legacy, we mean some styling traits and perhaps some buttons and knobs. Otherwise, the two will probably not share anything else – not even the same off-road prowess, as the smaller model is likely to feature a unibody construction and not a body-on-frame.

A recent report coming from Japan states that the model may be christened the Toyota Land Hopper. Proof might stand a recent trademark registration with the local office dating back to August 8. It can be used for land vehicles, engines, motors, transmission components, and other stuff. As we have learned over the years, securing a moniker does not necessarily mean that a new car is coming. This is where the 'but' part comes in because Japanese outlets believe it might be due as early as this month.

Rugged Styling and Boxy Proportions?

Everything seems to indicate that the alleged Toyota Land Hopper will look like a smaller Land Cruiser. And we all know what that means, especially since it will reportedly go after the likes of the Ford Bronco Sport, right? Yep, a boxy overall appearance, likely with a front end reminding of its larger sibling. We expect it to sport a straight roofline engine abruptly above the tailgate, and the usual plastic cladding wrapped around the lower parts of the bumpers, fenders, and side skirts to emphasize its rugged-y nature.

But how do we know that? We don't, actually, and by the "everything seems to indicate" reference made above, that would be the occasional rumor coming from outlets based in the Land of the Rising Sun. Nonetheless, it would be logical to launch it with sharp styling and boxy looks in a vein similar to the bigger Land Cruiser, especially since it needs to set itself apart from other compact crossovers made by Toyota. But we will get back to this part in a moment, as it deserves its own paragraphs.

Of course, we could be wrong about the Land Cruiser-like design, as Toyota could also make it look like a tiny FJ Cruiser. After all, they previewed it with a concept almost two years ago that was christened the Compact Cruiser EV – with the EV part being an obvious reference to its powertrain. We should also note that the Land Hopper nameplate might be reserved for Japan, as it could wear other monikers in outside markets if the company plans to make it a global model.

Familiar Unibody Underpinnings and Power?

As far as Toyota's compact crossover family is concerned, it has been reported that the Land Hopper could share its platform with the Corolla Cross. The TNGA-C construction is also used by the normal Corolla, as well as the C-HR, Prius, and Lexus UX, among others. Therefore, it supports multiple powertrains. Certain outlets speak of the possible adoption of the gasoline and hybrid units found on the Corolla Cross, which wouldn't be a surprise if it ended up using this architecture.

A pure EV option is also said to be on the cards, and while it would be a logical move, one that would make it futureproof, we don't think the Japanese car manufacturer would go through the lengths of giving it such an assembly. After all, the Land Hopper is supposed to be a smaller and much more affordable alternative to the Land Cruiser. Then again, the concept that previewed it in 2021 featured battery-electric power, so we cannot rule it out entirely.

Conclusions?

Suppose this model is indeed coming, either marketed as the Land Hopper or using a different nameplate. In that case, it is clear that it will target people who only want a simple crossover, albeit with a more rugged design. It won't be an off-roader as the platform would not allow it, so it will likely take on the roles of a school bus and grocery getter.

Still, it should be a bit more potent off the beaten path than the Corolla Cross, even if it is said to adopt the same architecture, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn that it brings more features to the fun table, including probably a dedicated driving mode (or more) for when the terrain gets a bit rougher.

We might find out everything about the rumored Toyota Land Hopper sooner than you might believe, as the Japanese outlets speak of a possible introduction as early as this month at the Mobility Show in Japan. The event will open its gates on October 26 and close on November 5, so the supposed Ford Bronco Sport rival might be just around the corner.