Toyota has teased a extremely anticipated all-new battery-electric dual-cab ute and an all-electric LandCruiser SUV, each of that are set to be accessible for buy by the top of subsequent 12 months. Nevertheless, the catch is that these much-discussed fashions have at present solely been confirmed for a European launch.
If accepted for the Australian market, each the HiLux EV and the electrical LandCruiser may make their method to dealerships by 2027.
The HiLux and LandCruiser nameplates are but to be formally confirmed, with the designs at present represented solely by easy line drawings. The ute is predicted to be based mostly on the modern 2023 EPU pick-up idea showcased on the Tokyo mobility present, whereas the bigger SUV resembles the all-electric LandCruiser Se idea, which was unveiled in Tokyo as effectively.
Apparently, one other HiLux is beneath improvement, but it is going to be based mostly on the present mannequin, designed for Southeast Asian markets. The brand new ute, massive SUV, and an unidentified third SUV have been all revealed beneath Toyota Europe’s plans, promising six new electrical automobiles (EVs) in Europe by the top of 2026. The opposite three EVs will embrace the beforehand unveiled City Cruiser, a refreshed bZ4X, and a brand-new C-HR+ small SUV.
In a shift from its usually complicated bZ naming technique, Toyota Europe plans to make use of extra conventional branding for these upcoming fashions, which hints that the big SUV will seemingly be named LandCruiser and that the dual-cab ute will retain the HiLux badge.
At present, Toyota Australia has not commented on the teased fashions however is predicted to ultimately verify their launch. In 2023, Toyota’s gross sales and advertising chief Sean Hanley talked about that the LandCruiser Se had a powerful probability of being accessible in Australia.
Whereas the manufacturing model of the LandCruiser Se appears promising for the Australian market, it stays unsure if the brand new EPU-based ute would routinely obtain approval as effectively.
Just like the unique LandCruiser Se idea, the brand new fashions are designed with a car-like monocoque construction as a substitute of a heavy-duty ladder body. This design alternative could end result within the electrical Toyota ute lagging behind conventional utes just like the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger when it comes to payload and towing capability.
On the Tokyo present in 2023, the EPU ute measured 5070mm in size, 1910mm in width, and 1710mm in peak, positioning it equally to smaller utes such because the Ford Maverick accessible within the US. Nevertheless, its wheelbase of 3350mm is considerably longer.
For the manufacturing fashions, the yoke-style steering wheel is probably going to get replaced, however options just like the distinctive dashboard design and huge dual-screen infotainment system are anticipated to be carried over. The LandCruiser Se idea was 5150mm lengthy, 1990mm extensive, and 1705mm tall, providing a wheelbase 135mm longer than the LandCruiser 300.
The Se idea was related in width to the 300 sequence however featured a decrease peak and an extended wheelbase. The LandCruiser Se, based mostly on a extra car-like monocoque construction, is predicted to ship a refined driving expertise whereas nonetheless sustaining robust off-road capabilities.
Because the reveal dates for each automobiles method in 2026, extra details about these thrilling new fashions will seemingly emerge, together with an official affirmation of their potential launch in Australia.
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