Quite a number of car enthusiasts were saddened by the news of the Toyota FJ Cruiser’s demise. Fans need not fret, however, as the Japanese carmaker is not about ti kill the Cruiser nameplate just yet. At least this is the impression we’re getting as it will unveil the Toyota TJ Cruiser at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show this October.
Before you jump for joy, best to note that the new TJ Cruiser is a “new van and SUV fusion genre”. In fact, the name alone connotes several things about the vehicle. The T stands for toolbox, referring to the utilitarian capabilities of this van. The J is short for driving, letting us know that it will provide a bit of fun behind the wheel. And Cruiser is naturally associated with the marque’s long-standing SUV heritage.
That description may fool you into thinking that the TJ Cruiser is some kind of a Frankenstein vehicle. On the contrary, Toyota managed to fuse the two vehicle types into one bold package. The front end is characterized by an imposing grille and fascia. The side, meanwhile, mixes the traditional van sliding doors with muscular fender flares. And the rear houses large opening doors that allow easy access for large and long objects.
