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Show an image of the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV to a fan of classic Toyota off-roaders, and they’ll say “Ohh yeah!” The Compact Cruiser seems to channel all the design elements of the original 1970s FJ Cruisers that have a major off-road cult following along with the modern lines of the popular modern FJ Cruiser. Though Toyota has not said it will build a Compact Crusier EV SUV, if it did it could be the modern FJ that many want.

The Compact Cruiser is winning design awards

The Compact Cruiser is winning design awards, which bodes well for future production.
Toyota Compact Cruiser | Toyota

There are some hints that the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV may be coming soon as the LiteCrusier. We can almost expect a Compact Cruiser to say, “And someday, I’m gonna’ be a real SUV!” Toyota has made a full-sized model of the Compact Cruiser. The Compact Cruiser EV seems to be more than just a concept, though. It won the prestigious 2022 Car Design Award, a juried prize that recognizes the best new cars and concept cars, and brand language. The award puts the Compact Cruiser in the company of Ferrari, Polestar, and Land Rover.

The off-road EV market could be the next hot segment

The Jeep Cherokee 4xe is one of many proving that EVs can tread off-road, too.
2022 Jeep 4xe | Jeep

One look at the modern SUV landscape and it’s clear that buyers are wanting more off-road options. The Ford Bronco, the Toyota 4Runner and Sequoia in TRD trims, and of course, Jeep Wranglers and Land Rovers are all selling based on their off-road ability. So far, Jeep has made inroads to the EV off-road world with its 4Xe versions of the Wrangler. The GMC Hummer EV as well as the Rivian R1T are all showing that EVs can be competent off-roaders.

Will the Toyota Compact Crusier EV (or LiteCruiser) be built?

Could the Compact Cruiser could come as a 2024 model? Toyota hasn't said much, yet.
The Toyota Compact Cruiser concept | Toyota

We’re looking forward to Toyota launching a new electric version of its Toyota Tacoma, which could be the perfect platform for a CC. It’s unlikely that the Tacoma would underpin it and compete with the 4Runner. Instead, it could be built on the bZ4X platform and compete with other soft-roaders like the Ford Bronco Sport or the Nissan Pathfinder.

The bZ4X is the closest today in the Toyota lineup

A 2023 Toyota bZ4X Limited EV/electric SUV could be the platform for a new Compact Cruiser.
2023 Toyota bZ4X Limited in Elemental Silver Metallic | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

If Toyota does try to bring a CC to market, it could be on the new bZ4X platform. The bZ4X is the company’s new battery electric SUV that has a 252-mile range. Critically, Toyota offers teh bZ4X in all-wheel drive, which bodes well for an off-road SUV. The bZ4X already offers Toyota’s multi-terrain select with X-MODE, which lets it plow through snow, dirt, and mud. The bZ4X focuses on sportiness, while its flexible e-TNGA platform allows different bodies on the platform.

Related

2024 Toyota LiteCruiser EV: Spec Predictions and Concept Debut Details

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.