Toyota Drops Hints of an Electrical FJ Cruiser Revival

Toyota’s exceptional 12 months has seen the long-lasting Land Cruiser make a comeback and the announcement of a powerful new Tacoma for subsequent 12 months. Nevertheless, it has additionally sparked speculations in regards to the revival of the FJ Cruiser. By connecting the dots from earlier ideas and a mysterious silhouette unveiled on the Land Cruiser 250 debut occasion, it seems that Toyota could also be quietly engaged on a brand new electrical car (EV). Let’s delve into the small print to uncover the excitement surrounding this potential growth.

The story begins with Toyota discontinuing the FJ Cruiser in American markets in 2014, although manufacturing continued elsewhere on this planet till as not too long ago as 2022, holding the mannequin recent in Toyota’s reminiscence.

On the debut occasion for the 2024 Land Cruiser 250 sequence, a Toyota consultant acknowledged the sturdy attachment Land Cruiser lovers should the nameplate whereas emphasizing the model’s dedication to modernizing the mannequin. There have been hints of exploring new paths for the way forward for automobiles, elevating the query of whether or not Toyota is contemplating full electrification, with the distinctive FJ Cruiser main the cost.

Exploring design and particulars

To get a way of what a contemporary FJ Cruiser revival would possibly appear like, we will refer again to the ‘Compact Cruiser’ idea launched by Toyota in 2021. This idea shared a rugged and boxy design paying homage to the FJ Cruiser. It focused younger city professionals however retained off-road options like a side-mounted ladder and a sturdy entrance skid plate.

Probably the most vital focal point was the powertrain. Toyota indicated its shift towards modernization by proposing a turbocharged hybrid powertrain for the Land Cruiser, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electrical motors, delivering a complete of 326 horsepower. This setup resembled the powertrain discovered within the Toyota Tacoma. All Land Cruisers would characteristic an eight-speed automated transmission and a strong four-wheel-drive system, together with a locking middle differential, low-range gearing, crawl management, and hill descent management.

Is the EV eligible for Tax Credit?

A major query arises relating to the eligibility of an electrical FJ Cruiser for the $7,500 federal tax credit score—a noteworthy incentive for consumers of recent, certified plug-in electrical automobiles (EVs) and gasoline cell electrical automobiles (FCVs). To qualify, an EV should meet particular standards, together with a minimal battery capability of seven kilowatt-hours (kWh), a gross car weight score (GVWR) beneath 14,000 kilos, meeting in North America, and buy from a certified seller. Astonishingly, the Toyota FJ Cruiser meets these stipulations, positioning it as a robust contender for the tax credit score. Furthermore, potential consumers might leverage further state and native tax credit and rebates, enhancing its enchantment.

Whereas Toyota has not formally confirmed the return of the FJ Cruiser, the hints offered by the Compact Cruiser idea and the mysterious silhouette unveiled on the 2023 occasion recommend that one thing vital could also be within the works. Fanatics and potential consumers eagerly await official bulletins, hoping for the revival of this iconic mannequin, presumably in a contemporary, electrical type. The automotive world watches with anticipation to see if the FJ Cruiser will make a triumphant return.