Toyota FT-4X | A Concept for a New Generation

Toyota FT-4X | A Concept for a New Generation

The Rugged Charm of the just-released FT-4X Concept car is very clear. Like the FJ Cruiser concept back in 2003, some will love it - others will hate it.

As we previously discussed, Toyota has a full slate of capable, rugged, and dependable Trucks & SUVs. We should know, we’ve been covering them for more than a decade!

 

The Future Toyota 4X (4WD Crossover) is not necessarily meant for those of us with families, mortgages, and plenty of gear to Sherpa around.

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

The Toyota FT-4X Concept is really about inspiring a younger generation to get out, explore, and have fun doing it. The simplicity of this concept is clear. Sharp lines, bold colors, and design cues that give a strong nod to rugged Toyota DNA.

This vehicle is built on Toyota’s TNGA C-Platform and while it’s a bit car-like underneath, there’s still plenty of capability. The concept features a 4-cylinder engine for economy and low emissions, but we could definitely see a hybrid or diesel in a production version.

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

Unlike other compact SUV crossovers, the FT-4X includes a mechanical 4WD system with a selectable LOW-RANGE. Regardless of your preference for truck-based SUVs, that bit of capability sets this rig apart.

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

While much of this car is decidedly concept in nature (like removable lights, door handles that are also water bottles, embedded GoPro camera, etc) – some of the ideas are really interesting.

The rear “Multi-Hatch” can open up like a liftgate (Outdoor Mode), or “Urban Mode” for a split-hatch door. While the car lacks a roof rack, it does include tie-downs so any sort of outdoor gear can be strapped to the roof.

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

The TOYOTA grille is a welcome throwback to original trucks & Land Cruisers, but we would prefer fully round headlights for a real retro look. On the drivers side the car features a vertical picture window with interchangeable glass. A cool feature that pays homage to the original Toyota Pickup Xtracab and 1st Gen 4Runner.

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

Fold flat rear seats, internal tie-downs, plenty of storage, and a very modern dash cluster are the best parts of the interior. We could easily see a version of this interior making it into production.

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

Is this the concept car we can expect to see on city streets and dirt roads in the near future? Would you be interested in a smaller SUV that includes real capability for moderate off-road driving?

Toyota FT-4X Concept Crossover

No, this isn’t the solid-axle 70 Series Land Cruiser all of us hard-core Toyota enthusiasts dream of. It is though, a peek into what the future of urban + outdoor exploring could be.

We have plenty more photos for your browsing pleasure:

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