Toyota LiteCruiser: Compact Cruiser electric concept revealed

The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV could be the manufacturer's retro-inspired answer to the Suzuki Jimny, with the electric concept already picking up a prestigious design award.

Loosely based on the FT-4X concept from 2017, the Compact Cruiser has won the 2022 Car Design Award for Concept Vehicles, beating the Porsche Mission R, Audi Sky Sphere and Volvo Concept Recharge to the prize.

The EV takes inspiration mostly from the FJ Cruiser off-roader, featuring a short wheelbase with minimal overhangs and a bash plate to tackle tough terrain.

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The prospect of seeing the Compact Cruiser enter production as shown here is unlikely, but the concept did form part of a Toyota EV concept presentation last year, with the 'LiteCruiser' name briefly shown in an interior shot.

Toyota's senior designer Simon Humpheries believes the advent of EVs places higher importance on owners expressing themselves, with the Compact Cruiser serving as its offering for those who prefer to explore off-road.

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"Our research into electric vehicles has been ongoing for more than 30 years, and we’ve come a long way’ said Humphries.

"After an initial phase of contact with electric vehicles, people will want zero-emission cars that speak about them and express their lifestyle. And the Compact Cruiser EV is a perfect example of that trend."

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If Toyota's presentation from last year is to be believed, the Japanese manufacturer will introduce a total of 30 EV models to the global market by 2030, targeting 3.5 billion sales from battery-powered vehicles by that time.

Potentially wearing the LiteCruiser nameplate, expect the Compact Cruiser to go up against the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler in the off-road segment.