Toyota TJ Cruiser--I So Hope Toyota Will Make This Cool Ski Mobile

[skibob]

https://jalopnik.com/the-toyota-tj-cruiser-could-be-headed-for-production-r-1837559199

AWD. Hybrid. Sliding side doors. Lay flat Cargo. I want this.

 

[tball]

Very cool, but too small. Make it Sienna size. An anti-minivan.

A tough-looking exterior and truly heavy-duty suspension and interior would be very attractive in both sizes.

 

[tball]

There is demand, Toyota! That reminded me of this AWD Sienna I saw up in the mountains during ski season with KO2's.

 

[cantunamunch]

4300mm is Jeep Renegade/VW Tiguan sizing. Given how many of those exist around here, Toyota will have a WINNER for urban transport.

I totally support Toyota making one in this size. Just make it faster than a Prius, mmmkay?

If they want bigger, make it an FJ.

 

[tball]

If they want bigger, make it an FJ.

I was thinking they should call the van size version the VJ.

 

[cantunamunch]

I was thinking they should call the van size version the VJ.

How about OJ I mean Toyota needs an Odyssey-beater. I'm not really kidding about that, particularly one with better traction on winter-slimed roads.

 

[skibob]

4300mm is Jeep Renegade/VW Tiguan sizing. Given how many of those exist around here, Toyota will have a WINNER for urban transport.

I totally support Toyota making one in this size. Just make it faster than a Prius, mmmkay?

If they want bigger, make it an FJ.

Just drove my wife's Prius this weekend. So I will add a "Hallelujah" to that.

I am thinking it could get the RAV4 hybrid drivetrain. Recently drove my friend's RAV4 Hybrid (the new one that gets 39mpg) and it was . . . adequate. Definitely better than a Prius.

 

[jmeb]

I'd prefer the Toyota UUV concept over this -- a Sienna on a tacoma frame is the stuff of dreams.

Boggles my mind that an Astro van is still the most camp-friendly AWD minivan around.

 

[skibob]

I'd prefer the Toyota UUV concept over this -- a Sienna on a tacoma frame is the stuff of dreams.

Boggles my mind that an Astro van is still the most camp-friendly AWD minivan around.

Sprinter?

 

[jmeb]

Sprinter?

Not a minivan. Not AWD (4x4 only)

 

[skibob]

Not a minivan. Not AWD (4x4 only)

It had not really registered that it is 4x4 and not AWD. A very good point. Of course, there is nothing "mini" about it. Just went camping in my Vanagon Westfalia this weekend, so I can relate. But wouldn't drive that thing to Tahoe in the winter if you paid me!

 

[jmeb]

But wouldn't drive that thing to Tahoe in the winter if you paid me!

Exactly. The Sienna is the best ski minivan right now. But it isn't ideally suited for a year round camper. Lacks clearance for anything more than very mild dirt roads, no space for a spare in the AWD version (which came with runflats), etc.

The newest iteration of the Ford Transit Connect has some potential -- if they release it with AWD. But I'd love to buy a Toyota/Honda minivan with 8" of clearance, AWD and flexible rear space. Or Subaru could just release a minivan, that'd work for me too.

The key to a good minivan camper setup IME is swivel front seats. Sadly not something most the current setups are making possible.

 

[Ken_R]

There is demand, Toyota! That reminded me of this AWD Sienna I saw up in the mountains during ski season with KO2's.

View attachment 79179

Badass minivan

 

[cantunamunch]

Badass minivan

midlife soccer mom

 

[jmeb]

midlife soccer mom

More realistically -- former dirtbag who had kids. And still likes to dirtbag.

MiniVans are the best. Relevant post: https://www.outsideonline.com/2295171/give-your-sprinter-real-dirtbag

 

[Ken_R]

Rather have this than the minivan: (hopefully in a few years I can mod my Ascent)

 

[MountainMonster]

a guy down the street has one of these...

 

[James]

An FJ Cruiser and a Ford Flex had a baby and put some pimp wheels on?

What's up with Toyota and front to side relationships? I doubt that would look look like that if styled with clay before final prototype.

 

[Alexzn]

What happens when you cross-breed Hummer and minivan...

 

[scott43]

Boggles my mind that an Astro van is still the most camp-friendly AWD minivan around.

On a side note, I find it quite remarkable how many Astro vans are still going..you can't fling a dead squirrel without hitting one around here. GM gets ripped, rightly so, but that thing is a winner... There must be 50,000 of these things running around Toronto...