There is this growing trend, they say, wherein many city-based folks have a sudden urge to just get away from the hustle and bustle in a flash. This sudden urge isn’t like the planned vacations that our folks used to take. Rather, it’s the spur of the moment dinner at the beach, a quick tailgate party with friends, and a campfire to chill on those cold nights.
While there are a ton of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers flooding the market, Toyota believes that these types of vehicles aren’t suited for such a lifestyle. This is why it has created the new FT-4X or Future Toyota Four-Wheel Drive Crossover Concept,, which it unveiled at the ongoing New York International Auto Show.
Designed at the Japanese carmaker’s Calty Design Research Inc facility in Newport Beach, California, The Toyota FT-4X is penned under the Rugged Charm design philosophy. What this means is that it has been styled and engineered to suit the Casualcore lifestyle—those that want a quick getaway from their busy schedules without necessarily staying away too long.
The uniquely styled FT-4X boasts a compact 4,249mm x 1,821mm x 1,623mm length, width, and height that gives it easy maneuverability within city limits. But when it’s time to take it out to your favorite out-of-town jaunt, the boxy yet functional stance should definitely pay off.
The design itself is executed in a way that connotes functionality from a Gen Y or Millennial’s point of view. Designers began work from the tailgate forward, for instance, rather than the usual way around. They also employed a X Theme, wherein the center is the widest and broadest part. This can be seen from the side, top, and even at the front and rear. Notice the Toyota lettering in the middle—showing off not just the brand identity but the wide stance as well.
While the Toyota FT-4X may look truly modern with its Multi-Hatch dual opening configuration and other touches , it takes its cue from traditional Toyotas that have made the marque what it is when it comes to outdoor and off-road adventure. The driver’s side rear fender, for example, is reminiscent of the Toyota Pickup XtraCab and first-gen 4Runner. And of course, the horizontal grille, headlamps, and bumper are a nod to the classic FJ Land Cruisers of yore.
Just like the outside, the cabin is a functional toolbox in itself. When we say toolbox, we refer to its being designed and loaded with features that make it a haven for both city dwellers and outdoorsy types like. It is divided into three sections—Clean, Wet, and Rear Cargo Zones. Each area has their designated purpose and takes the clutter out of what is usually done by most people to their vehicles—turning them into a mobile closet.
The dashboard and other parts likewise have storage spaces for temporary items like snacks, or for warming or cooling stuff like drinks and the like. Toyota has even thrown in a compact The North Face sleeping bag between the front seats. When not in use, it doubles as an armrest atop a storage compartment.
While no details have been given about its powertrain, the Toyota FT-4X Concept could be driven by a small-displacement four-cylinder motor mated to a mechanical four-wheel drive system with low-range transfer case. This underscores its go-anywhere, always-ready capability.
At present, the Toyota FT-4X is purely a concept. Yet wouldn’t it be cool if it actually rolled of the production floor?
