RAV4

Make
Toyota
Segment
SUV

Back in 2017, Toyota unveiled a somewhat unconventional concept vehicle called the TJ Cruiser. Although some may at first see nothing more than a box on wheels, a closer examination reveals bits of cool retro styling that make it a true standout from just about anything else currently on sale. Although it was only a concept, the TJ Cruiser was built on the Japanese automaker's TNGA global platform, which currently underpins the latest Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4. Question is, will it ever reach production?

According to Japan's Best Car, the answer is 'yes.' A new report claims the production-ready version will debut this May, though this isn't the first time the subject has come up. Late last summer, this same source indicated a late October 2019 reveal was planned.

Well, October came and went and still no debut. Hopefully, this latest report is more accurate, but it fails to provide a clear answer whether or not it's US-bound. It could initially be a Japan-only model but since it's built on a global platform, those plans could later change. The report also claims the production version will retain many of the concept's design convenience features, such as the folding seats, flexible cargo area, and sliding doors. Both two- and three-row configurations will supposedly be on offer.

There are a few possibilities for under the hood, including either a 1.8- or 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, or a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. A CVT will send power to either the front or all four wheels, the latter of which will be the same AWD system from the RAV4.

But the question remains as to whether something like the TJ Cruiser has a future in the US. Japanese buyers are far more accustomed to unconventional styling than their American counterparts. Then again, there have some rumors Toyota is planning to as a response to the reborn Honda Passport. Although this is pure speculation on our part, we won't rule out the production-spec TJ Cruiser serving as a future midsize Passport fighter.