Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled the all-new 250 Series Land Cruiser, marking the long-awaited return of the nameplate to the U.S. The same model will be sold as the Land Cruiser Prado in some markets, including Europe and Australia. Shortly thereafter, the Japanese automaker teased the shadowy silhouette of a compact SUV while announcing plans to expand the legendary nameplate, sparking speculation about the possible introduction of another Land Cruiser variant positioned below the 250 series.
Now it's been reported that this "baby" Land Cruiser could go by the name of "Land Hopper" and serve as the cheapest entry point into Toyota's growing lineup of SUVs.
According to Best Car Web, the Land Hopper name was registered as a trademark with the Japanese Patent Office on August 8. The trademark falls under the definition of Class 12, which includes categories such as motors and engines for land vehicles, clutches and transmission components for land vehicles, and other parts that may make up said land vehicles.
Toyota's choice of the Land Hopper name may be specific to certain markets, such as Japan, as they may use a different naming strategy in other regions. For example, they could revive the well-known FJ Cruiser nameplate for the North American market, or opt for an alternative name such as Compact Cruiser, in keeping with the concept that is believed to be a preview of the production model.
Even more intriguing is the rumored pricing for this compact SUV, which could start at under $27,000. According to the Japanese magazine, the starting price is expected to be in the range of 3 million to 3.8 million yen, which is equivalent to $20,100 to $25,500 in the domestic market.
With pricing and size like that, it would compete with other compact adventure SUVs like the Ford Bronco Sport. However, while the general consensus is that those vehicles are more on the "soft-roader" side of things, the Land Hopper is expected to come with the off-road prowess expected of a Land Cruiser to compete with some serious baby off-roaders like the Suzuki Jimny.
Much like how the Bronco Sport borrows its engine options from the more casual Escape, it's suspected that the Land Hopper could use versions of the Corolla Cross's gasoline and hybrid engine range, with the potential of the RAV4's powertrain options being offered as an upgrade.
It seems like we'll be hearing more about the SUV soon, as the Japanese outlets are predicting a reveal at the Japan Mobility Show in late October before an eventual release in the second half of 2024.
Source: Best Car Web
