New Details On Toyota’s Mini-Fortuner SUV Emerge Ahead Of End-2024 Launch

For a long time, we have been getting rumours about an all-new Mini-Fortuner from Toyota. Now, most recently, a few new key details about this upcoming SUV have been shared online. It has been reported that the Mini-Fortuner SUV is set to debut by the end of 2024. It has also been reported that the new model could be named the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It will be positioned as a rugged yet affordable 4×4 SUV, which will sit just below the popular Fortuner. Also, it will share the same wheelbase as the Innova Crysta.

Toyota Mini-Fortuner: Details and Specifications

As per the sources, the new Mini-Fortuner or the Toyota FJ Cruiser is scheduled to enter production in November 2024. It will first be built in Thailand with a right-hand drive configuration, which is suitable for markets like India and other Southeast Asian countries.

From all the renders that we have seen so far, this SUV will feature a boxy design with chunky wheel arches. Overall, it will boast a very rugged appearance. Dimensionally, it will measure 4,500 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,850 mm in height, and it will be slightly smaller than the Fortuner.

Reportedly, the FJ Cruiser is expected to offer both petrol and diesel engine options. However, the exact powertrain specifications remain under wraps. As for the speculations, the SUV is likely to offer Toyota’s reliable 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol engine and 2.8-litre diesel engines, both of which are known for their power and durability.

Platform and Build

This new Mini-Fortuner/FJ Cruiser will be built on the IMV 0 platform. This is also known as the Hilux Champ chassis. This platform is known for its ruggedness and versatility. The IMV 0 platform is a time-tested platform that has a long track record with models like the Hilux, Fortuner, and Innova.

Why Toyota Should Launch the Baby Fortuner (New FJ Cruiser) in India

Numerous Toyota enthusiasts have been asking the brand for a more rugged SUV that sits below the Fortuner in India. Now, with this Toyota FJ Cruiser being rumoured, the excitement has reached an all-time high. There are a number of reasons why many believe that Toyota should definitely launch this model in India. So without any delay, here are those reasons.

Filling the Price Gap

Presently, the current generation of the Toyota Fortuner has become extremely expensive for many potential buyers. When it was first launched, the Fortuner was offered with a price tag of Rs 25.92 lakh for the base variant, and it went up to Rs 31.12 lakh for the top-spec 4X4 variant.

As we talk, the base variant of the current Fortuner is priced at Rs 33.43 lakh and goes up to Rs 51.44 lakh. Many believe that this is beyond justified, and there is a need for a more affordable 4X4 SUV from the brand.

Hence, it is believed that if the Toyota FJ Cruiser is launched at the price point of Rs 22-25 lakh (approximately Rs 30-32 lakh on-road), it would be able to attract buyers who find the current Fortuner out of reach.

Platform Suitability for Emerging Markets

The FJ Cruiser’s IMV 0 platform is designed specifically for emerging markets like Thailand and Indonesia, where affordability is crucial. And as we all are aware, India is also an emerging market, and it also shares this characteristic.

So if Toyota decides to bring the FJ Cruiser to India, by launching this 4×4 at a relatively affordable price point, Toyota can increase its popularity in the country by multiple folds. Once launched, this SUV could take on the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari, and other popular SUVs.

Butch Styling

Another reason why Toyota should bring this SUV to India is that Indian consumers have shown a strong preference for butch-styled SUVs. The success of models like the Mahindra Thar and the popularity of the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Fortuner have highlighted this trend.

So presently, from all the renders of this SUV that we have seen so far, it will be safe to assume that the FJ Cruiser’s bold and rugged styling, along with its imposing design, will most likely resonate well with Indian buyers.

Growing Market for Bigger 4x4s

Lastly, it has to be noted that the demand in India for larger, more capable 4×4 vehicles has been seeing a steady rise. Currently, the country is excited for the launch of the Mahindra Thar ROXX, and this proves that Toyota is currently missing out on a ton of demand.

So if the company does bring the FJ Cruiser to the country, it could very easily get a bigger piece of the growing segment of buyers eager to buy a lifestyle vehicle.

Via BestCarWeb