The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV was first previewed late last year alongside 15 other concept electric vehicles as part of Toyota and Lexus’ future global electric car line-up. The two firms had then detailed plans to launch 30 new electric vehicles by 2030.
The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV has now gone on to win the 2022 Car Design Award for concept vehicles in Milan, Italy, thus prompting Toyota to release more images of the off-road-focused, retro-styled SUV. It won against other finalists in this category that included the likes of Audi Skysphere, Porsche Mission R, Volvo Concept Recharge, Polestar O2, Lexus Electrified Sport, IED Alpine A4810, among others.
- Compact Cruiser EV takes design inspiration from FJ Cruiser
- Concept looks like an evolution of the 2017 Toyota F4-X concept
- Will likely feature dual-motor set-up and AWD in production guise
Toyota Compact Cruiser EV: design highlights
The Compact Cruiser EV has been created by the Toyota Europe Design development centre in Nice, France. Do note that the concept SUV is still not out in flesh, and the life-sized prototype pictured here is only a static clay model, as is evident by the dark tint on the windows.
As for its design, the Compact Cruiser EV clearly takes inspiration from the first generation of Toyota’s legendary Land Cruiser models, while also being reminiscent of the FJ Cruiser from 2006.
Up front, keeping with the retro theme, the Compact Cruiser EV features a grille with the Toyota lettering in the centre flanked by horizontally arranged LED headlights, which lends it a J80 Land Cruiser-style face. Then there’s the bulky front bumper with a large silver skid plate and protruding, squared-off wheel arches that clearly announces its off-road intent. The bonnet, meanwhile, is flat and features a wide, central air scoop.
In profile, what stands out most is the heavy body cladding and prominent kink in the window line. The contrasting colour for the C-pillar and the blacked-out A-pillar also give the roof a floating effect. Meanwhile, the side-mounted ladder and bespoke roof rack further add to the ruggedness of the vehicle. The retro-styled wheels shod in all-terrain tyres are a cool touch.
At the rear, the Compact Cruiser EV gets squarish LED tail-lights, Toyota lettering on the tailgate and, peculiarly, an extension of the roof rack into the tailgate itself. Just like the front, the rear bumper is also similarly bulky and features a prominent silver skid plate.
Toyota Compact Cruiser EV: technical details
Toyota has been tight lipped about the technical details of the Compact Cruiser EV so far. However, it is expected to be based on an electrified version of Toyota’s TNGA platform that also underpins the larger bZ4x SUV. In production spec, it is expected to have a dual-motor set-up with all-wheel-drive as standard. Even though it might be just a concept for now, the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV will most likely enter production sometime in the coming years. When launched, the Compact Cruiser EV could be an electric rival to the Ford Bronco Sport and the next-gen Jeep Renegade in international markets.
Upcoming Toyota launches in India
Back home, Toyota is gearing up to enter the midsize SUV segment with the much-awaitedUrban Cruiser Hyryder, with a global unveil onJuly 1, and a market launch around Diwali. Toyota is also working on thenext-gen Innovathat will likely see the light of day around this festive season. It will beradically differentfrom the currentToyota Innova Crysta, which will continue to be onsale alongside the new model. Additionally, theUrban Cruisercompact SUV could a major upgrade in the coming months following the launch of theall-new Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
