Toyota TJ Cruiser would fill you up

SUVs are on the rise as a category, in many regions but particularly in the U.S., and Toyota’s new TJ Cruiser concept aims to address that growing demand in a way that other vehicles in its lineup doesn’t.

Toyota’s TJ Cruiser project lead Mai Takeiuchi explained that Toyota believes that in terms of SUV buyers, there are urbanites who value style, and on-the-go consumers who want long-lasting products with convenience. The on-the-go consumers love outdoors and want to get out to nature, according to Takeiuchi.

Enter the TJ Cruiser, which has the luggage capacity of a van and the design of an SUV. Even the car’s name reflects its mission: T is for “toolbox,” while J stands for “joy,” which, although an odd combo in English, does convey the durability of the car with its many tool-finish surfaces.

You can see that the hood and other exterior and interior panels have a durable, finely pebbled coating that provides a drippy, durable surface for resting equipment and tools. It’s designed as a workhorse, in the tradition of vehicles like the Honda Element and the Toyota FJ Cruiser, but in a compact package that’s probably more practical for urban drivers.

There’s ample cabin space, which Toyota says can be used like a “convenient tool.” It’s interior volume is made up of large modular cargo space, with easy access via a sliding rear door. The idea is to maximize use of space, per Takeiuchi, “as we do in Japanese homes.”