The Toyota FT-4X is a four-wheel drive toolbox penned by Toyota’s Calty Design Research Inc. in Newport Beach, California. Toyota is billing the design style as "Rugged Charm" for "casualcore" (rather than "hardcore") outdoor driving. In other words, an mini-Ute sport utility vehicle.
But it's design is indeed striking, perhaps overly emphasizing the "X" over and over again in it's exterior. Could it be, after decades of neglect, that a car company is aiming a car at Generation X - now aged 35 to 52? Nah. It's aimed at Millennials, who likely will not be able to plunk down the $28K or more for this vehicle, due to their huge
But Toyota is sure committed to the design, with X's showing up in the front end, rear hatch and even in the interior.
Calty President Kevin Hunter opines, “The Toyota FT-4X is not simply a concept where style meets function; it is a thoughtful, charming and engaging experience that adds real pleasure and convenience to the journey. 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.”
Toyota says, "A shift from multiday, extreme, high-effort excursions to brief, unplanned, casual adventures is an overwhelming reality for Generation Y. Millennials are fond of the outdoors, but operate almost always indoors. They enjoy venturing into to new neighborhoods and national parks, but hardly plan ahead. Their countless interactions on social media bring inspiration." Et Cetera. Et Cetera.
The rear hatch is billed as a "modern engineering marvel." (C'mon, Toyota!) called Multi-Hatch, it opens two ways: horizontally in Urban Mode, and vertically in Outdoor Mode. Urban Mode splits the hatch in half and makes for easier curbside gear loading when clearance is limited.
The rear features an odd window running up from the wheel well, and the back gate itself shouts "Nissan Cube." But overall, it has good dimensions.
At the center of the nose’s vertical X is a classic, extra-large embossed TOYOTA logo that’s flanked by bright LED headlamps. Like the rear, reflective tie down hooks set in the lower bumper add to the crossover’s looks and deftness. Another nod to classic FJ Land Cruisers and Pickup models of yesteryears: the recognizable horizontal orientation of the FT-4X’s grille, headlights, and bumper.
We'll see if this boxy, yet somewhat charming, X-looking, GenY-focused machine makes it exactly as drawn to the market.
