Toyota previews electric ute and Land Cruiser concepts for JMS

Toyota is on a roll with the number of concepts it has previewed ahead of their respective in-the-flesh debuts at this week’s Japan Mobility Show (JMS), with the carmaker today showing off two more additions to its stand – an electric ute and Land Cruiser concept.

Starting with the latter, the Land Cruiser Se takes after its heavy-duty siblings with a high-riding stature and seven-seat interior but differs in that it features a monocoque body as opposed to a ladder-frame chassis.

Nevertheless, Toyota maintains that the concept can still hold its own on rough terrain, thanks to its “highly responsive handling”.

The electric Cruiser is bigger than the current generation petrol-powered 300 Series, measuring 5150mm in length, 1990mm wide, and 1705mm tall.

Toyota will also show off a next-generation double-cab ute concept at the Japan Mobility Show – called the EPU – which features a radical new design.

Like the Land Cruiser Se, the electric pick-up also features a monocoque body and measures just over five metres long, suggesting they’re based on the same platform.

Those wanting to install a rear canopy or flatbed are out of luck though as the rear tray is moulded into the vehicle’s body. However, the Japanese carmaker says there’s plenty of space out back to support a wide range of uses.

In addition to the two aforementioned concepts, the Japanese brand will display a range of other mobility solutions on its event stand, including a foldable three-wheeled EV, an electric wheelchair, and an experimental space rover.

But wait, that’s not all as it will also debut a new yoke-style steering wheel that integrates the accelerator and brake into its design. This not only gives drivers more legroom but also offers a transport solution for people with lower limb impairments.

Both the Toyota Land Cruiser Se and EPU will be displayed alongside a vast array of other concepts at the upcoming Japan Moblity Show 2023, which runs from October 26 to November 5.