Toyota’s Land Cruiser Mini to Enter India’s Mini SUV Market

Last Updated on June 30, 2024 by SPN Editor

In the highly competitive landscape of India’s mini SUV market, Toyota, the renowned Japanese automotive manufacturer, is gearing up for a groundbreaking debut with the Land Cruiser Mini. Positioned to rival the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny, this Land Cruiser Mini SUV is poised to introduce hybrid and electric powertrain options, signifying a significant stride towards sustainable mobility.

As a formidable contender, the Land Cruiser Mini, drawing inspiration from the Land Cruiser 250 series, is anticipated to challenge the dominance of the Thar and Jimny in the Indian market. Unveiled a few months ago, this compact SUV is not only set to make waves in India but is also eyeing international markets, including America and Japan.

With a rugged aesthetic, high pillars, and an almost flat roof, the Land Cruiser Mini’s design echoes its larger sibling, the Prado. Its dimensions, measuring 4,350mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,880mm in height, position it as a compact yet robust model. Notable design elements, such as circular LED headlamps and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, contribute to its tough and captivating appearance.

Under the hood, the Land Cruiser Mini is expected to offer a diverse range of powertrain options, including the 2.0-litre petrol engine from the Corolla Cross, the 2.5-litre petrol/hybrid engine from the RAV4, and the robust 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine found in the Prado and Hilux. Speculations also suggest the integration of a mild hybrid system, emphasizing the vehicle’s commitment to sustainable technology.

The global debut of the Land Cruiser Mini is eagerly anticipated at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, marking its entry into the Indian market as a strong competitor against the Thar and Jimny. Toyota’s strategic move underscores the escalating demand for compact, off-road-capable vehicles in India.

While the official price for the Land Cruiser Mini in India is yet to be announced, considering Toyota’s pricing strategy for similar models, it is expected to be competitive within its segment.

Features of Land Cruiser Mini SUV

Highlighting a range of features, the Land Cruiser Mini is designed to stand out in the mini SUV market. From its Prado-inspired rugged design and compact yet robust size to the potential inclusion of an electric drivetrain in the future, the vehicle promises innovation and versatility.

Safety is a paramount consideration for the Land Cruiser Mini, featuring multiple airbags, front and rear disc brakes, a 360-degree camera for comprehensive visibility, a tyre pressure monitor for optimal performance, brake assist for enhanced braking capabilities, and Lane Tracing Assist as part of the Toyota Safety Sense package.

Comparison Between Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny

The Toyota Mini SUV, Mahindra Thar, and Maruti Suzuki Jimny are all designed for off-road adventures, but each possesses distinctive characteristics that set them apart.

In a comparison between the Toyota Mini SUV and the Mahindra Thar, the Land Cruiser Mini offers diverse engine options, including a 2.0-litre petrol engine, a 2.5-litre petrol/hybrid engine, or a 2.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine, while the Mahindra Thar is equipped with a 1497 cc diesel engine.

The Toyota Mini SUV is notably larger in size, measuring 4,350mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,880mm in height, in contrast to the more compact Thar, which has a length of 3985mm. Although the exact price of the Land Cruiser Mini is yet to be officially announced, expectations are that it will surpass the Thar’s price of Rs. 10.98 Lakh.

In comparison with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the Land Cruiser Mini showcases a rugged design with high pillars and an almost flat roof, presenting a larger and longer profile than the Jimny, which is a small, 5-door off-road vehicle. To enhance its competitive edge against the Jimny, the Land Cruiser Mini opts for a body-on-frame chassis.