Toyota taking on Suzuki Jimny? New Toyota models like baby LandCruiser and three-row electric SUV look to fill small market gaps

Two new Toyota models expected to be revealed imminently are firming up in terms of details, with Japanese media now confident enough to be rendering visuals and divulging expected technical details.

A smaller version of the Toyota LandCruiser, rumoured to be named Land Hopper, as well as a three-row full-size electric SUV called bZ5X to sit above the bZ4X in its electric car range have both been rendered by Japanese auto magazine Best Car.

Toyota has registered the name Land Hopper, and we know it has a larger SUV coming in its electric bZ range, so the question is less ‘will they?’ and more ‘how will they?’

The Land Hopper is likely the most widely anticipated of the two upcoming models - the LandCruiser name is an icon of the brand and a smaller, more affordable off-road capable SUV is proven bait for customers - just look at the Suzuki Jimny.

While details of drivetrains and exact specifications are unclear, the newest information from Best Car suggests the Land Hopper small SUV will be about the size of a Corolla Cross and run the same engine and drivetrain - meaning here in Australia a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine making as much as 176kW in hybrid all-wheel-drive form.

Best Car also suggests the RAV4’s 2.5-litre hybrid engine could be an option, and that the Land Hopper will eventually become a BEV.

Pricing for the model has been estimated at starting anywhere between AU$30-$40k when converted from overseas currency, but of course pricing in Australia is often set differently. A sub-$50K off-road-capable Toyota would certainly fill some market demand though, and put the Suzuki Jimny on notice.

The three-row full-size electric SUV called bZ5X will sit above the bZ4X in its electric car range. (Image: Best Car)

Likely costing much more, however, is the other model Best Car has seen fit to develop a render for - the much bigger sibling to the yet-to-arrive here bZ4X electric car.

The three-row bZ5X is all but a certainty given Toyota’s commitment to introducing a slew of new electric cars as well as taking into account how popular the brand’s larger SUVs are.

The catch? It might be a US-only model for some time, with Best Car reporting the model will be built in the USA alongside the Crown and Harrier, America’s RAV4 cousin.

It’s expected both will be unveiled soon, perhaps even later this month at the Japan Mobility Show.