The Land Cruiser Se is a three-row electric crossover that offers seating for seven and is built for the urban jungle
October 20, 2023 at 17:57
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The Japan Mobility Show will be packed with debuts and we can add a few more to the list as Toyota has unveiled a Land Cruiser EV and a compact pickup that’s the same size as the Ford Maverick.
Starting with the Land Cruiser Se, it’s a electric three-row crossover that hints at how Toyota could expand the Land Cruiser lineup and cater to the “world’s diverse needs.”
That being said, the seven-seat crossover doesn’t exactly look like a Land Cruiser as it has an angular and futuristic design. The front end is dominated by a fully enclosed grille, which is flanked by slender headlights and a small opening with “TOYOTA” lettering.
Moving further back, there’s pronounced fenders, blacked out pillars, and heavily stylized bodywork. We can also see a distinctive greenhouse, a ‘floating’ roof, and a rounded rear end with a slender light bar.
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In terms of size, the model measures 202.8 inches (5,150 mm) long and has a wheelbase that spans 120.1 inches (3,050 mm). That means the model is 1.4 inches (36 mm) longer than the Grand Highlander and has extra 4 inches (102 mm) between the wheels.
Toyota didn’t mention specifications, but noted the model eschews body-on-frame construction for a monocoque setup. The automaker also hinted at “high-torque driving performance” and a street-focused philosophy as this Land Cruiser is for the urban jungle.
Toyota EPU Hints At A Small, Electric Pickup
While the Land Cruiser is interesting, the EPU pickup is bound to turn heads and get Americans excited.
Despite being billed as a “next-generation mid-size pickup truck concept,” the model measures 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) long and that’s only a tenth of inch shorter than the Maverick. That being said, the concept has a 131.8 inch (3,350 mm) wheelbase and this is 10.7 inches (272 mm) longer than the Ford.
Putting dimensions aside, the EPU features monocoque construction and a crew cab design. Speaking of the latter, the truck has a mix of angular lines and flowing surfaces. They’re joined by plastic body cladding, questionable rear windows, and a short bed that has a few party tricks.
The cabin features a minimalist design with a floating ‘command center’ that consists of a digital instrument cluster, a widescreen infotainment system, and a tiny shifter. We can also see a yoke-like steering wheel and a shelf-like dashboard.
Toyota didn’t say much about the truck, but confirmed it has an electric powertrain. The automaker went on to say the concept has a “low center of gravity for superior handling stability and ride comfort.”
A Three-Wheel Land Hopper And Steering Wheel With Motorcycle-Inspired Controls
Besides the Land Cruiser and EPU, Toyota will display the Land Hopper and it isn’t a Bronco Sport competitor. Instead, it’s a “three-wheeled electric personal mobility concept.”
It has two-front wheels and a foldable design, which enables the trike to fit into cars for easy transport. It promises to deliver an “exhilarating ride,” although it’s also billed as a mobility device for “seniors who choose to give up their licenses.”
Toyota will also showcase an electric wheelchair, which can climb and descend stairs. It will be joined by a space mobility prototype, which has four electric motors and a off-road focused suspension that can tackle boulders up to 19.7 inches (50 cm) tall.
Last but not least, the company will show an interior with a NEO Steer system. It’s billed as a “new cockpit concept based on motorcycle handlebars, integrating the functions of the accelerator and brake pedals into the steering wheel.”
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