Latest reports suggest that the last-year concept will enter serial production soon, maybe even next year, as 2020 Toyota FT-4X. So, it’s not strange to hear all those talks about how this concept is actually a natural successor of the FJ Cruiser. On the other side, many experts are pointing to the concept’s practical side, suggesting a relatively close relationship with Scion xB. Obviously, the new crossover will take a piece from both worlds. So, let’s find out is 2020 Toyota FT-4X new generation of the Scion xB or Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Is there any real relationship with the Scion xB?
Like other models from the Scion brand, this car was the company’s attempt to bring Toyota vehicles closer to the new generation of drivers. The xB was designed to provide everything millennial-aged would need – a boxy distinctive boxy shape that offers not just an unusual look, but amazing practicality as well. The model was in production for a relatively long time, between 2003 and 2015. During these 12 years, we have seen two generations of this car. However, it never managed to become a successful car, in terms of sales numbers. Apparently, it had the same destiny as the rest of the Scion brand, which finally ended with discontinuation a couple of years ago.
Does 2020 Toyota FT-4X has something in common with the FJ Cruiser?
Unlike the xB, this SUV made a solid success, not so much in terms of sales numbers, but more in terms of a faithful fan core. This model is a super-simple, extremely capable SUV. It adds a bit of a fancy styling, which would eventually attract a wider range of adventure lovers. For more than a decade, this SUV was a more capable and more reliable alternative to Jeep Wrangler, superior in pretty much all aspects. However, it is quite bigger than the Toyota FT-4X concept, which belongs to the class of compact cars.
2020 Toyota FT-4X Design
Without any doubt, the new 2020 Toyota FT-4X will be heavily based on the last-year concept. We saw a completely new model at the 2017 New York Auto Show. It has brought to us Toyota’s new vision of a crossover that should attract primarily younger generations. By looking at its super-boxy shape, it’s not hard to make a conclusion that the new SUV takes the best from two worlds. On one side, its boxy shape provides all the practicality and everyday easiness of use. On the other, a rugged SUV-ish stance guarantees a fine dose of off-road capabilities, perfect for weekend adventures. Still, the new 2020 Toyota FT-4X production model will primarily be an urban vehicle, with a high level of comfort and great on-road driving characteristics.
That’s no wonder, considering that the concept rides on the company’s new TNGA platform. This architecture has brought much better driving dynamics to models like Camry, Prius, RAV4, C-HR etc. The latter one will have most things in common with the 2020 Toyota FT-4X production model. The two models will feature the same wheelbase and pretty much identical mechanics. Consider this as a more fun alternative to the company’s smallest crossover.
2020 Toyota FT-4X Engine
The 2020 Toyota FT-4X engine is still a big mystery. Most of us hope that the new crossover won’t be so closely related to the C-HR in this aspect. To remind you, the C-HR comes with a familiar 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which is good for about 144 horsepower. It seems like a decent amount of power for an everyday ride, but we would like to see something that fits better to the crossover’s unusual boxy shape.
A larger displacement is out of the question. The company will probably go for something more efficient, so it won’t be a surprise to see a turbocharger as well. Of course, a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four from the Lexus NX looks like a natural choice. This engine delivers around 235 horsepower and it is also characterized by pretty competitive MPG ratings. However, this engine would definitely affect the price, so it will probably be reserved for the higher trim levels.
2020 Toyota FT-4X Release Date and Price
The Toyota FT-4X Concept had a premiere in April 2017. We are pretty sure that Toyota engineers had enough time to bring the production model to the final stage of development. Latest reports suggest that the 2020 Toyota FT-4X release date is scheduled for the second half of next year. However, we are still waiting for the official confirmation. When it comes to the 2020 Toyota FT-4X price, we presume that base models will go somewhere in low-20.000 range.
Possible Rivals
Competition in the segment is pretty tough. Some of the potential rivals are models like Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V etc.