Toyota Preps Land Cruiser Concept to Battle New Ford Bronco

War is coming.

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2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Photo: Toyota

Good news for fans of classic Toyota Land Cruisers: it looks like Toyota is brewing up a replacement for its first, less-than-successful effort to revive the beloved FJ-generation Cruisers.

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Photo: Toyota

The 2011-’14 FJ Cruiser was intended to evoke the original off-roader’s boxalicious style, but failed to achieve the intended charisma. The rattly rear-hinged mini-doors for the back seat were another significant shortcoming.

1974 Toyota Landcruiser/FJ40  - We’d spec our Land Cruiser with a winch, but even without it, the FJ40 still one of the most capable trucks in the world. Don’t tell Land Rover Defender enthusiasts, but these rock-crawlers are cheaper, more reliable, and just as capable.
1974 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. Photo: Toyota

But now, according to the gurus at Auto Guide, who do things like pore over trademark applications, Toyota’s ready for a do-over. 

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Photo: Toyota

The carmaker has trademarked the term FT-4X. Decoded, the “FT” portion is standard Toyota terminology for a concept car, while the “4X” portion of the name is believed to refer to a 4×4 off-road model.

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Photo: Toyota

Connecting the dots, Auto Guide says that the retired FJ Cruiser’s spot in Toyota’s model line is the one most likely to be filled by this upcoming concept.

With Ford plotting the revival of its classic Bronco, a real Land Cruiser reboot could set the stage for an incredible Mustang versus Camaro-style battle for the hearts and wallets of nostalgic truck buyers.

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