Coming soon! Production version of Toyota’s Funky TJ Cruiser to debut in May

A production version of the funky looking Toyota TJ Cruiser concept which was previewed in 2017, is heading for a May debut and we can’t wait to see if it retains that boxy half van, half SUV appearance!

We hope the production version retains the concept’s boxy attitude but it will likely differ a fair bit as they all tend to do and we doubt it will feature scratch-resistant paint or the large sliding rear doors but you never know…

Japanese buyers are far more accustomed to unconventional styling than other markets.

There’s no reason why it should not keep the concept’s three-rows, folding seats or expansive cargo area but more than anything we’re wishing to see that the cool retro styling is still intact as it made the concept a true standout from just about anything else currently on sale.

The TJ Cruiser measures 4,300mm in length, 1,775mm in width and 1,620mm in height, and it rides on a 2,750mm wheelbase.

And there's more storage under the seat cushions, too.

Three powertrain choices – a 1.8-litre or 2.5-litre hybrid, or a 2.0-litre petrol engine – will pair with a continuously variable transmission.

Front or all-wheel drive will be available with Toyota borrowing the AWD system from the RAV4, which the TJ Cruiser will slot below in Toyota’s lineup.

It was built on the Japanese automaker's TNGA global platform, which currently underpins the latest Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4.