This text consists of speculative illustrations for a hypothetical Toyota Compact Cruiser EV Pickup created by Thanos Pappas for CarScoops which can be neither associated to nor endorsed by Toyota.

The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV is without doubt one of the coolest idea vehicles of latest occasions, so when Toyota revealed extra images of the full-scale mannequin, we couldn’t assist it however marvel what it will seem like as a pickup truck. Thus, we created a bunch of renderings, hoping that we would see one thing related enter manufacturing.

Let’s begin by saying that the Compact Cruiser is only a idea at this stage, and whereas there are rumors a few potential manufacturing model sooner or later, Toyota is conserving its playing cards near its chest. Nonetheless, the enthusiastic response to the idea would possibly result in a child Land Cruiser based mostly on Toyota’s eTNGA structure that will likely be utilized in quite a few manufacturing fashions.

See Additionally: Toyota Exhibits Us Extra Of The Incredible Compact Cruiser EV Idea

As advised by its identify, the Compact Cruiser has a relatively compact footprint. Toyota hasn’t given us the detailed measurements however the SUV ought to be shorter than 4.5 m (177 inches) lengthy. Since we didn’t wish to worsen the car’s off-road angles, we stored the identical rear overhang and wheelbase. Thus, our pick-up conversion led to a brief rear mattress in double-cab configuration. A single-cab bodystyle might give it a correctly sized loading house for individuals who intend to make use of it as a workhorse.

The retro-style rims of the idea look nice in white, contrasting the unpainted fenders and bumpers much like those on the FJ Cruiser. Toyota designers went for a duo-tone look within the SUV, so we did one thing related in our pickup, giving it a dark-themed rear finish. Apart from reducing off the rear portion of the roof, we thought {that a} pair of suicide doorways would look nicer so we relocated the door handles.

Learn Additionally: Toyota Contemplating A Unibody Compact Pickup For The U.S. Market

Seen from the again, the pickup might retain the Wrangler-style LED taillights and the aluminum-style skid plate of the SUV. The duo-tone tailgate might function a seating space for campers, or as a workbench with energy shops for any type of gear much like the setup on the Ford F-150 Lightning. For adventure-seekers who want to hold extra baggage, a customized roof rack would do the job.

We tried many various specs for our pickup, choosing exterior shades which can be becoming to its rugged nature and mixing them with both black or white rims. Our favourite might be the desert-style spec, paying homage to the Land Cruiser heritage.

See Additionally: Toyota’s Electrical Truck Idea Possible Previews A Tacoma EV

Whereas the idea was introduced as a static full-size mannequin – as proven by the black tinted home windows – the design appears virtually production-ready with just a few particulars needing to be toned down. Thus we didn’t change a lot on the entrance, moreover including correct LED beams borrowed from the bZ4X on the cool J80-inspired headlights.

Mechanically talking, essentially the most becoming alternative for the Compact Cruiser in SUV and pickup types could be the eTNGA platform. Whereas a body-on-frame structure just like the one utilized by the Suzuki Jimny would in all probability make it extra succesful off-road, the unibody EV-dedicated platform would make it a greater day by day driver. By way of powertrain, the dual-motor setup of the bZ4X with 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 336 Nm (247 lb-ft) of torque sounds nearly proper for such a car, particularly when it’s mixed with Subaru’s electrical AWD system that includes X-mode and Grip Management.

Setting apart our private fantasies for a tiny EV pickup from Toyota, the Japanese automaker is already engaged on a unibody pickup for the US market. Excessive-ranked officers from Toyota Motor North America have confirmed their curiosity within the smaller pickup phase that’s presently occupied by the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The most certainly state of affairs is a hybrid TNGA-based pickup sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota RAV4 and slotting under the body-on-frame Tacoma and Tundra. Nonetheless, a completely electrical compact pickup sounds inevitable sooner or later sooner or later, so we will maintain our desires alive, hoping that Toyota will proceed the event of the Compact Cruiser.