Toyota is stretching its legs and cracking its knuckles; the compact off-roading segment might just be its next target. See, Toyota debuted the FT-4X concept at the 2017 New York Auto Show mid-April, and it seems deeply researched and well executed. The outlandish flair of a concept vehicle is unmistakably present, but the FT-4X seems ready to tackle the light weekend excursion outside city limits. Oh, and guess what generation it’s targeting? Yeah, Generation Y – otherwise known as millennials.
Right from the get-go, Toyota defined its audience as “millennial-aged professionals confined to city limits who oftentimes take unplanned, casual trips into the outdoors.” Toyota’s Calty Design Research president, Kevin Hunter, said it this way: “As designers, we’re investing deep thought into the emotional connection with our cars. We focused on how a crossover vehicle can add fun and value to casual adventures both in and out of the city, thinking about how someone would use it, and what they would love to do with it.”
As if that’s not enough, Toyota defined this city-living, weekend warrior lifestyle: Casualcore Exploration.
With that in mind, Toyota designed the FT-4X to accommodate such folks. The 167.3-inch-long compact crossover with functionality baked into every nook and cranny. An innovative, dual-action rear hatch opens both vertically and horizontally, while the interior has space for five people and their gear. Storage compartments are color-coded and there’s even an intergraded North Face sleeping bag in the center console and resalable water bottles in the door panels.
Toyota hasn’t made an official promise as to when (or if) a production version of the FT-4X, or Future Toyota Four-wheel Drive Crossover, will debut. But with the America’s thirst for crossovers and SUVs growing evermore insatiable, there’s a good chance something similar to this will indeed make production. There’s plenty more details about the FT-4X below the break, so keep reading for the full run-down.
Continue reading for more information of the Toyota FT-4X Concept]
2017 Toyota FT-4X Concept
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- Model: 2017 Toyota FT-4X Concept
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Exterior
You’d be forgiven for mistaking Toyota FT-4X for a Jeep Renegade concept. The tall, squarish crossover looks rather similar to the Jeep, even down to its red tow hooks and “X” styling. Still, the Toyota has plenty of unique attributes and flair that’s unmistakably linked to Toyota’s heritage. As for the “X” styling, Toyota says the FT-4X can be described as having X shapes at each side. The front, sides, rear, and roof all have an X shape. It’s most clearly seen in the side profile, with the door handle being at the center of an outwardly bulging X.
Off-roadish details like the black plastic fenders, respectable approach and departure angles, tow hooks, aggressive tires, tall ground clearance, integrated running boards, and the iconic TOYOTA badge on the grille and tailgate all give the FT-4X an attractive appearance that seems more functional than most crossover concepts. Perhaps Toyota is actually serious about delivering an honest off-roader.
Toyota designers say millennials enjoy leaving the digital world and engaging with mechanical things that offer a satisfying clunk. To that end, the FT-4X’s rear tailgate comes with a large dial that rotates 90 degrees. This changes the way the hatch opens. With the dial turned vertical, the hatch opens outward with its two doors split in the middle. Turn the dial horizontal, and the entire liftgate opens like a conventional SUV’s hatch. While the dial isn’t the most practical, the dual action liftgate gives added functionality not found in other crossovers or SUVs. The roof is also designed for functionality. Its flat design makes rooftop storage simple, while four tie-down hooks at each corner make securing cargo easy.
Also topping the list of interesting injections of heritage, Toyota designers included a glass window just behind the rear door on the driver’s side. The panel is designed to mimic the rear side window in the old Toyota Pickup Xtracab. It’s doubtful such a piece would make production, but the idea is cool nonetheless.
Interior
The concept vibe is alive and well inside the FT-4X. Not one inch of real estate looks ready for production. Still, the idea behind the layout and detailing is interesting and forward-thinking. The dash’s unusual inward scallop makes room for the horizontal bar HVAC vents and pod-style glove box and gauge cluster. It also makes for a cool storage place for odds and ends. The steering wheel shares a hint of design to the current 4Runner’s, though its controls are very different than anything we’ve seen before.
The gauge cluster itself is very small. It shows a digital speed readout, tachometer, and information abut coolant temperature and fuel level. The upper screen is actually a cell phone. Toyota says millennials use their phones for navigation more than a center-mounted infotainment system, so designers integrated a place to dock the phone.
Down low is a dial very similar to the one on the tailgate. A small screen off to the right shows menu functions. To switch between menus, just turn the dial to HVAC, Audio, and Map. It’s not the most user-friendly system, but it’s certainly different. More dials can be seen on the door panels. The window switches are rotary, with a left turn raising the windows and a right turn lowering them. A rocker switch operates the door locks.
The center console between the front seats hold plenty of stuff, including a North Face sleeping bag that doubles as the armrest. A large, open space in the bottom of the console offers plenty of storage, though it’s not as handy for smaller items. There’s also a glaring lack of cup holders. Perhaps Toyota thinks the built-in water bottles will supply enough hydration.
In back, the rear bench seat folds flat into the floor, making plenty of room for storing larger items. The rear load floor also slides outward though the open tailgate, revealing a large under-floor storage compartment perfect for hiding valuables. Red tie-down hooks match the hooks on the outside, while giving plenty of places to secure cargo.
The FT-4X’s interior is certainly different than anything we’ve seen from Toyota, but the look is interesting and somewhat practical. We’re curious to see how this design translates to a production model, should Toyota take the FT-4X that far.
Drivetrain
Toyota is rather coy in the drivetrain department. The press materials even say, “one could assume” when suggesting the FT-4X uses a small-displacement four-cylinder engine. Perhaps a new four-cylinder is in the works – one that would replace the 2.0-liter found in several Toyota products. Maybe it’s a replacement for the terribly old 2.7-liter four-cylinder in the base Tacoma and budget-friendly Highlander. Who knows.
What Toyota did confirm was the FT-4X’s four-wheel drive system. The concept is said to have a mechanical 4WD system with a selectable low-range. We’d venture to guess the FT-4X is front-wheel-drive during normal operation, with the rear axle engaging when the driver wishes. The FT-4X rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture, which accommodates FWD, RWD, and AWD/4WD driveline types. This same platform is under everything from the Prius and the new Camry to the Lexus LC and LS.
Details about the suspension include “sophisticated” MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear suspension. It will certainly be fun to see how Toyota designs the road-going version, assuming the FT-4X will move past the concept stage. And no, we’ve got no official word on what Toyota will name it. Hopefully something iconic will be incorporated like the FJ name.
Pricing
Of course, it’s far too early to be talking price at this point. Toyota hasn’t even confirmed the FT-4X will move into production. But should the green light be given, the FT-4X should be pretty affordable. Toyota talks a big game about millennial buyers and those who seek adventure. Those folks probably wouldn’t want to spend big bucks on something designed to get dirty on the weekends.
Conclusion
The FT-4X might only be a concept for now, but Toyota obviously spent time and deep thought into its target audience and design. Sure, millennials are an easy group to laugh at, but their money is just as green as a baby boomer’s. And as more millennials reach the time when buying a new car is within reach, it’s fun and interesting vehicles like this that will surely grab their attention. Kudos, Toyota. You’ve successfully made something not boring. Let’s just see if you can squeeze this past the bean counters and stodgy executives. Play your cards right, and this might be your hottest selling product outside the Camry.