Toyota, the Japanese automaker once considered reliable and bland, is now more enticing than ever. Also, its reliability has dropped a level or two, but that's an entirely different discussion.
The carmaker is keeping a tight schedule on its novelties, which means there is almost always something to be surprised of – America has seen a tidal wave of introductions this year, including the trio of GR special editions (GR86 Trueno, GR Corolla Circuit, GR Supra 45th Anniversary), Grand Highlander three-row mid-size crossover, Corolla Cross Hybrid, the ever-expanding Nightshade family, plus the absolute superstars – 2024 Tacoma and 2024 Land Cruiser.
But they are showing no signs of stopping – the latest teasers from the US division showed a new Crown version is coming, the crossover SUV variant, plus a dark sedan (most likely the all-new XV80 Camry) will arrive at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Oh, and not to mention the fantastic display at the 2023 SEMA Show that premiered a V6-powered 2024 Tacoma X-Runner concept with the guise of a street truck and Tundra's recently upgraded 421-hp twin-turbo 3.4-liter mill.
However, they are not spotting there. The N400 Tacoma is probably launching across nationwide dealerships before the end of the year, and the 2024 Land Cruiser is landing in showrooms early next year. According to the rumor mill, it might not come alone, though. Fueled by the reveal of a couple of SUV silhouettes at the 2024 Land Cruiser's global launch in Toyota City, Japan, the reports about a smaller, compact-yet-body-on-frame Land Cruiser keep piling up even after the Land Hopper moniker proved a dud – it was just a three-wheel mobility concept for the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show for almost seven decades.
The imaginative realm of digital car content creators is quite stubborn, too, as they do not want to give up on the exciting moniker (Land Hopper) just yet. For example, Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, has also taken up the task of revealing a 'mini' Land Cruiser with that curious nameplate attached to it. Well, if you ask us, it should have labeled it as the 'Toyota Land Bronco' because it sure feels like a nice rip-off from the US automaker's compact and mid-size off-road SUV.
With GR badging all over, implying a GR Sport version, this boxy, compact design project is not necessarily the way Toyota would imagine a smaller Land Cruiser – but it's interesting, nonetheless, in a charmingly rugged way. Alas, if it is not exactly your cup of tea, no worries. As an alternative virtual design, we propose the project from AutomagzPro, with their resident pixel master using the assistance of AI to envision a modern little SUV that would proudly turn into a 'baby' Land Cruiser and also a spiritual successor of the beloved FJ Cruiser series.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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