Toyota’s Upcoming Compact Cruiser: Is the Land Hopper the New King of Off-Roading?
Reportedly set to be named the “Land Hopper,” Toyota is said to be working on a mini Land Cruiser anticipated for release around 2024. Toyota Japan has even trademarked the name “Land Hopper” in the country, adding to the speculation. This downsized version of the Land Cruiser is expected to come with various powertrain options, including electric, petrol, and diesel engines, as well as a hybrid variant.
The compact Land Cruiser will be based on a shortened version of the GA-F body-on-frame chassis used in several Toyota and Lexus models. The chassis will undergo significant modifications to accommodate an all-electric powertrain.
As for engine options, it’s rumored that the Land Hopper will feature a range of powerplants, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter hybrid, 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol engines from the Corolla Cross, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid from the RAV4, and the turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel from the Hilux pickup. Toyota is also reportedly developing a new 2.7-liter 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine for this model.
In terms of dimensions, the Land Hopper is expected to measure approximately 4351mm in length, 1854mm in width, and 1880mm in height. Compared to the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, it will be about 127mm shorter in length but around 51mm wider and 254mm taller.
There are speculations that Toyota might showcase the Land Hopper at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show scheduled for October 26, 2023. This new model could have an impact on the sales of the iconic Suzuki Jimny.
