Toyota's Latest SUV Will Debut Global At The End Of 2024, Mini-Fortuner?

Compact Cruiser Concept. (Doc. Global Toyota)

JAKARTA - Toyota is rumored to have started developing a tough SUV with smaller dimensions and affordable prices. In fact, the car, which will be known as the mini-Fortuner, is expected to start its global debut later this year.

Quoted from Autocar India, Thursday, March 7, this latest SUV will be named Toyota FJ Cruiser or Land Cruiser FJ will share the platform with the Hilux Champ pickup truck (in Indonesia Hilux Rangga) which was introduced in Southeast Asia some time ago, named IMV 0.

For this latest car, the manufacturer will carry a box and retro design with a premium touch and will have a wheelbase size of 2,750 mm, thus having a seating layout of two or three rows.

On the inside, the basic dashboard is presented but the design is inspired by Hilux Rangga with a better material upgrade, a large touch screen system, and comes with a variety of technologies.

It is estimated that this mini-Fortuner will use a diesel engine powertrain ranging from 2.4 liters to 2.8 liters and a 2.7 liter gasoline option like the one on Fortuner in the Indian market.

Previously, Toyota reportedly stopped the SUV project in segment C for the upcoming 2026 for the Indian market. The project, called 340 D, was deemed ineligible for technical commercial feasibility so that this plan was postponed.

It is hoped that FJ Cruiser will become another alternative in filling segment C as a substitute for the 340 D that has been discontinued. What's more, Toyota's third assembly facility investment plan has been approved, opening up opportunities for mini-fortuwer to be born.

Although this model will potentially steal the attention thanks to its more affordable price from Fortuner, we still have to wait to see if it is true that the manufacturer will present this vehicle or even offer another surprise.