Toyota is preparing for the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, showcasing an all-electric Land Cruiser SUV concept that could potentially compete with other three-row electric vehicles or serve as an early glimpse of future developments.
The Toyota Land Cruiser “Se” boasts a distinctive, boat-like design, featuring a lengthy front hood, a sweeping windshield, and a rounded rear end with a visor-style taillight arrangement. This seven-seater concept comes with specific dimensions: a 120.08-inch wheelbase and overall dimensions of 202.76 inches in length, 78.35 inches in width, and 67.13 inches in height. Notably, it has a wider stance and lower height compared to the gas-powered 2024 Land Cruiser, which has a wheelbase of about 112 inches.
The increased space between the wheels likely accommodates a battery, and the overall design appears to prioritize aerodynamics, including the use of digital side-view mirror cameras. Toyota emphasizes the quietness of electric vehicles and how it contributes to a comfortable cabin experience in urban driving, highlighting a general advantage of electric cars.
Toyota claims that the Land Cruiser Se remains capable of handling rough terrains, catering to fans of the classic gas-powered off-roader, despite the concept EV resembling a typical Uber XL. In addition to the Se, Toyota is introducing a concept midsize electric pickup truck known as the EPU, designed for outdoor activities and featuring a cabin that can be opened to the cargo area. This truck has a design that envisions a sleeker appearance compared to Rivian’s R1T recreational pickup.
Toyota’s presentation at the show includes two personal transportation vehicles: the “Land Hopper,” a foldable electric trike with leaning front wheels for easy manoeuvring, and the powered “Juu” wheelchair capable of ascending and descending stairs. For those interested in space exploration, Toyota has developed a Space mobility prototype designed for traversing extraterrestrial surfaces, which will be integrated into the future Lunar Cruiser vehicle.
Toyota also introduces its Neo Steer cockpit concept, inspired by motorcycles, which allows control over acceleration and braking through levers, akin to accessibility modifications for real-world vehicles. Toyota has previously experimented with features like simulated manual transmissions to make EVs more engaging.
Toyota’s electric Land Cruiser appears to be the company’s first credible foray into the large electric family vehicle segment, coming at a time when other automakers are also vying for a share of this market. Hyundai’s EV9, a three-row electric vehicle, is drawing significant attention as it approaches production and offers competitive pricing. Toyota’s challenge lies in delivering a successful electric Land Cruiser to meet the demands of this evolving market.
