At the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Toyota introduced an exciting new concept: the Land Cruiser Rox, a bold and adventurous spin on the Land Cruiser 250, which is set to make its way to India as the Toyota Prado. This unique vehicle pushes the boundaries of traditional SUV design, blending the rugged appeal of Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser with the fun, open-air experience of a convertible and the utility of a pickup truck.
While this concept is not yet confirmed for production, the unveiling has sparked significant interest, offering a glimpse into what could be the future of adventure-ready vehicles.
A Concept That Pushes Boundaries
The Toyota Land Cruiser Rox is a custom-built concept that reimagines the Land Cruiser 250, a rebadged version of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. While the Prado is known for its legendary off-road capabilities, the Rox version takes it a step further by introducing a unique convertible roof and a small pickup bed.
Designed by Toyota’s CALTY design studio, the Land Cruiser Rox is the result of over 50 percent of the vehicle being reinvented and fabricated, making it a one-of-a-kind creation.
The “ROX” suffix stands for “Recreation Open Experience,” highlighting the vehicle’s focus on fun, adventure, and versatility. The Land Cruiser Rox is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who seek a rugged yet customizable vehicle that can tackle both urban environments and tough terrains. The convertible roof setup, combined with a pickup bed, gives the concept an off-road-centric, adventurous appeal that is sure to turn heads.
Design Highlights and Custom Features
One of the most striking features of the Land Cruiser Rox is its bold design. The SUV features custom-fabricated "skeleton" doors, with open upper and lower sections. These doors sit atop aggressive-looking, high-clearance rocker panels and rock rails, enhancing the vehicle's rugged look and increasing its off-road capability. Toyota has also chopped off the D-pillar, creating a more pickup-like appearance, which further adds to the vehicle’s adventure-ready aesthetic.
The vehicle’s soft top is another defining feature. Replacing the traditional hard roof, the custom front-to-rear sliding soft top provides an open-air experience, perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors while driving. To ensure structural integrity, additional reinforcements have been added between the pillars, making the concept both visually striking and stable.
In terms of added accessories, the Land Cruiser Rox is equipped with a custom integrated triple-bar roof rack and sports bar with molle panels, designed to secure gear that doesn’t fit in the pickup bed. The SUV also boasts custom-fabricated, high-lift front and rear steel bumpers with D-rings and brush guards to provide protection during rugged off-road excursions. The widened fenders at each corner house massive tires, which are mounted on custom 18-inch machined billet wheels designed by Toyota’s CALTY team, further enhancing the vehicle’s aggressive stance.
Inside, the Land Cruiser Rox doesn’t disappoint either. The interior features custom 3D printed parts made from SLS Nylon, including front and rear doorsills. The seats and door panels are wrapped in Heritage Orange leather, giving the cabin a fun, adventurous vibe. There are also integrated safety kits and catch-all webbing for storing sunglasses and other gear, making it a practical option for those who love to hit the trails.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Land Cruiser Rox remains faithful to the Land Cruiser 250, retaining the same 2.4-liter petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid setup. This engine ensures that the Rox has the power and efficiency to tackle any terrain, whether you're driving through city streets or navigating off-road paths. Additionally, the concept features a customized independent suspension by TRD, offering a 4-inch lift and wider tracks. This setup, complemented by forged aluminum control arms at both the front and rear, provides the Rox with superior off-road performance and stability.
Although Toyota has not confirmed whether the Land Cruiser Rox will make it to series production, the concept is certainly generating a lot of buzz. The growing popularity of rugged, body-on-frame SUVs globally, coupled with the increasing demand for adventurous, versatile vehicles, suggests that there is a potential market for a convertible pickup truck based on the Land Cruiser Prado.
Toyota’s Vision for the Future
The unveiling of the Land Cruiser Rox concept aligns with Toyota’s push to innovate and expand its presence in the rugged SUV market. The concept highlights Toyota’s ability to blend off-road performance with modern design and customization options, creating a vehicle that appeals to adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
For India, Toyota is gearing up for the launch of the Land Cruiser Prado, which will slot under the flagship LC 300. While the Rox concept may not make its way to India just yet, its bold design elements could inspire future models in the region, further solidifying Toyota’s commitment to providing SUVs that combine durability, versatility, and cutting-edge design.
Conclusion
The Toyota Land Cruiser Rox concept is a truly groundbreaking creation that takes the iconic Land Cruiser platform in a new direction. With its convertible roof, pickup bed, and rugged design, the Rox brings a fresh and exciting twist to the world of off-road vehicles. Whether or not it reaches production, the Land Cruiser Rox is sure to inspire future Toyota vehicles and continues the brand’s legacy of creating adventure-ready SUVs with a focus on durability and innovation.
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