Electric Toyota FJ Cruiser revealed

The Toyota FJ Cruiser looks set to make yet another triumphant return, only this time it’s heading in the direction of a shrunken, battery-electric Suzuki Jimny rival.

Shown alongside an all-electric dual-cab ute and more than a dozen other new electric vehicles – SUVs, crossovers, sports cars, sedans, vans and more – the EV that looks to preview the third-generation FJ Cruiser is simply dubbed the ‘Compact Cruiser EV’ for now.

However, its lineage is clear for all to see with distinctly boxy proportions, chunky and square front bumper, oversized C-pillars and the classic block capital ‘TOYOTA’ badging.

Whereas the second-gen FJ was essentially a reskinned Toyota Prado, the Compact Cruiser EV rides on an electric version of Toyota’s global TNGA architecture (e-TNGA) and should ultimately serve as an all-electric rival to off-road-capable small SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Compass, the latter available overseas with a ‘4xe’ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

In addition to its stout stature and chunky tyre tread, the Compact Cruiser EV looks to offer plenty of ground clearance and short overhangs to maximise its capability off-road.

Toyota is clearly earmarking this model to be a cut above the rest of the small SUV segment in the rough stuff going by the vibrant red recovery point situated prominently on the front bumper and the vast amount of bush-friendly body cladding present.

The reveal comes less than a month after fresh renderings of a new FJ Cruiser emerged, pitching the third-gen off-roader as a rival for the retro-inspired Ford Bronco.

Specifications are still to be revealed, but the intent from Toyota is clear given its unveiling as part of its latest EV strategy, which promises to deliver 30 new electric cars by 2030. 

A hybrid Toyota HiLux was confirmed to be on the way earlier this year, however the notion of a full-electric version of Australia’s top-selling ute was played down by local executives at the time.

Product development priorities are changing rapidly, though, and anyone thinking Toyota doesn’t plan to offer all-electric models across its light commercial vehicle range – including utes such as HiLux and Tundra – should think again, as evidenced by the ‘Pickup EV’ revealed overnight.

It’s a vehicle that blends design elements of both the HiLux and the full-size Tundra pick-up into one Toyota Tacoma-sized EV package.

As per the Compact Cruiser EV, no details have been released but its unveiling proves that a battery-electric ute is high on the agenda at Toyota, which is preparing to introduce its first global EV, the 2022 Toyota bZ4X, next year.

The bZ4X will be the first of five specific Toyota bZ models to emerge by 2030.

“We will not only add battery EV options to existing vehicle models but will also offer a full line-up of reasonably priced mass-production models, such as the bZ series, to meet the needs of all kinds of customers,” said Toyota chief Akio Toyoda.

“By doing so, we hope to deliver to customers around the world the unique and beautiful styling as well as fun-to-drive aspects of battery EVs, and the experience of a life with battery EVs.”

The electric Toyota ute has emerged just weeks after Nissan unveiled similar broad-scale EV model plans that included an all-new battery-powered ute, previewed by the Nissan Surf Out concept.

Toyota has also committed to turning Lexus into a full-electric brand by 2035, previewing four all-new EVs including an LFA-inspired battery-electric supercar.