Toyota to build retro-inspired compact electric off-roader
Toyota greenlights retro-styled compact electric off-roader for Europe
Toyota to build retro-inspired compact electric off-roader
Toyota will build a retro Land Cruiser–inspired compact electric off-roader in Europe at Kolín. Backed by €680m, the unibody EV promises real off-road capability.
2025-09-12T10:23:42+03:00
2025-09-12T10:23:42+03:00
2025-09-12T10:23:42+03:00
Toyota is accelerating the electrification of its European lineup. Following the bZ4X, the Urban Cruiser, and the updated C-HR+, the company announced it will put a new battery-powered compact off-roader into production. It will be built at the Kolín plant in the Czech Republic, where the Aygo X Cross and Yaris are currently assembled. The project is backed by a €680 million investment and will create 245 jobs.According to French media, the newcomer is the production version of the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept shown in 2021. The model is set to adopt a retro look inspired by the legendary Land Cruiser 40 series (1960–2001) and could revive the FJ Cruiser name. The blend of throwback cues and modern packaging suggests an attempt to tap nostalgia without sacrificing day-to-day practicality.Unlike the larger Land Cruiser 70, 250 Prado, and 300, which use a traditional body-on-frame layout, the new electric SUV will ride on a unibody platform to make everyday road use more comfortable. Even so, Toyota says it will deliver credible off-road capability, claiming an edge over most rivals among compact electric crossovers.
Toyota, Compact Cruiser EV, compact electric off-roader, retro Land Cruiser-inspired, Europe production, Kolín plant, €680m investment, unibody platform, FJ Cruiser, off-road capability
2025
Michael Powers
news
Toyota greenlights retro-styled compact electric off-roader for Europe
Toyota will build a retro Land Cruiser–inspired compact electric off-roader in Europe at Kolín. Backed by €680m, the unibody EV promises real off-road capability.
Michael Powers, Editor
Toyota is accelerating the electrification of its European lineup. Following the bZ4X, the Urban Cruiser, and the updated C-HR+, the company announced it will put a new battery-powered compact off-roader into production. It will be built at the Kolín plant in the Czech Republic, where the Aygo X Cross and Yaris are currently assembled. The project is backed by a €680 million investment and will create 245 jobs.
According to French media, the newcomer is the production version of the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept shown in 2021. The model is set to adopt a retro look inspired by the legendary Land Cruiser 40 series (1960–2001) and could revive the FJ Cruiser name. The blend of throwback cues and modern packaging suggests an attempt to tap nostalgia without sacrificing day-to-day practicality.
Unlike the larger Land Cruiser 70, 250 Prado, and 300, which use a traditional body-on-frame layout, the new electric SUV will ride on a unibody platform to make everyday road use more comfortable. Even so, Toyota says it will deliver credible off-road capability, claiming an edge over most rivals among compact electric crossovers.
